Cardiovascular deaths drop by 28% in atrial fibrillation patients over 17 years

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal examined mortality and hospitalization rates following a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) over a 17-year period. Researchers analyzed data from 72,412 individuals aged 16 years and older who received their first AF diagnosis in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink-GOLD dataset between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2017.

The study found that all-cause mortality declined significantly, with a rate ratio of 0.72 for 2016/17 compared to 2001/02 (95% CI 0.65-0.80). Notably, cardiovascular mortality saw a substantial decrease, with a rate ratio of 0.46 (95% CI 0.37-0.58), and cerebrovascular mortality also fell to a rate ratio of 0.41 (95% CI 0.29-0.60). However, mortality from non-cardiovascular and non-cerebrovascular causes did not show a similar decline, maintaining a rate ratio of 0.91 (95% CI 0.80-1.04).

In 2016/17, dementia was the leading cause of death among AF patients, accounting for 67 deaths (8.0%), surpassing deaths from acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and acute stroke combined, which totaled 56 deaths (6.7%, P < .001).

While mortality rates decreased, overall hospitalization rates increased, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.17 (95% CI 1.13-1.22) for 2016/17 compared to 2001/02. This increase was particularly pronounced for non-cardiovascular and non-cerebrovascular causes, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.42 (95% CI 1.39-1.45). The study highlighted that older patients, those from deprived backgrounds, and those diagnosed in hospitals experienced higher event rates.

The findings indicate a significant improvement in cardiovascular outcomes for patients diagnosed with AF, while also emphasizing the need for continued care for other health conditions that may arise concurrently.