Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic predictive index of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recurrences

Abstract

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation has been defined as the most frequent supraventricular tachyarrhythmia in clinical practice. Its current prevalence in developed countries is approximately 1.5-2.0% of their general population and the average age has been gradually increasing, so nowadays it stands between 75 and 85 years. Regarding prevalence, predictions indicate that it is likely to double within the next 50 years. According to current statistics this arrhythmia is associated to a 5 times higher risk of ictus, a 3 times higher incidence of congestive heart failure, and higher mortality. Recurrence plays an important role therein.

Objective: To design and validate a predictive index, integrating prognosis factors in order to evaluate the recurrence risk in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Method: The index design included: selecting variables and searching for considerations. In this phase 145 patients diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were studied. The statistic validation included satisfactory validation aspects.

Results: An index with two alternatives was obtained, a qualitative and a quantitative ordinal one respectively with three levels of recurrence risk for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions: The obtained index was considered appropriate to be performed in the setting and to reduce the recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.