Modifiable risk factors and self-reported health after percutaneous coronary intervention - with and without a history of atrial fibrillation

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease have several common risk factors, and 10-15% of patients with AF undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Little is known about changes over time in modifiable risk factors and self-reported health in patients with and without a history of AF after PCI. Therefore, the aims were to determine and compare changes in modifiable risk factors and self-reported health in patients with and without a history of AF after PCI.

METHODS AND RESULTS: CONCARDPCI, a prospective multi-centre cohort study including patients after PCI, was conducted at seven high-volume PCI centres in Norway and Denmark (n = 3417). Of these, 408 had a history of AF. Data collection was conducted at the index admission and at 2-, 6-, and 12 months after discharge. Self-reported health was assessed with RAND-12 and the myocardial infarction dimensional assessment scale. Patients with a history of AF reported poorer health at baseline. However, the physical (P = 0.012) and mental (P < 0.001) health improved over time in both groups. The patients with a history of AF reported more emotional reactions (P = 0.029) and insecurities (P = 0.015). The proportion of smokers increased from 2- to 12 months in patients with a history of AF (P = 0.041), however, decreased in patients without AF from baseline to 6 months (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: An intensified focus on lifestyle interventions is needed to improve modifiable risk factors and self-reported health in patients with and without a history of AF after PCI.