Impact of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

Investigators reported that atrial fibrillation (AFib) increased the risk of mortality, stroke, and heart failure in patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease. The findings from the retrospective study were published in The American Journal of Medicine.

According to the study’s lead author, Antonios Vitalis, MD, MRCS, this discovery “emphasizes the need for proactive surveillance and holistic management of these patients.”

Data from individuals with a new diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease were collected from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database, including demographic information, clinical history, and medicine use. Patients with peripheral arterial disease and AFib were compared against propensity-score matched patients without AFib. Hazard rations (HR) were calculated for outcomes including death, stroke, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and major amputation.

A total of 5,685 patients with peripheral arterial disease and AFib were matched and compared with an equal cohort of patients without AFib. Multivariate analysis showed that AFib was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.26, P = 0.01), cerebrovascular events (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.17–1.57, P = 0.01) and heart failure (HR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.62–2.15, P = 0.01). However, ischemic heart disease and limb loss outcomes were not associated.

Given the increased risk of mortality, stroke, and heart failure discovered, the study’s authors called for more in-depth and holistic treatment plans for patients with peripheral arterial disease and AFib