Publications by authors named "H Walfridsson"
Article Synopsis
- Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent complication post-cardiac surgery, affecting about one-third of patients, and the study evaluates various risk and protective factors associated with it through existing meta-analyses.
- The review analyzed data from 47 studies, confirming that the transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) significantly helps prevent POAF, while notable protective factors include amiodarone, b-blockers, and certain surgical techniques.
- The findings suggest a need for further research on the effects of statins, glucocorticoids, and colchicine in preventing POAF, alongside emphasizing the importance of managing preoperative hypertension.
Article Synopsis
- Patient-reported outcome measures, particularly disease-specific questionnaires like the ASTA, are crucial for gathering insights into patient experiences, but must be validated in their target populations for reliable data.
- The study utilized Rasch measurement theory to assess the ASTA questionnaire's fit, reliability, and applicability among 202 patients, most of whom had atrial fibrillation, revealing some issues with item fit and response category functioning.
- Overall, while the ASTA questionnaire showed satisfactory measurement properties according to Rasch analysis, further evaluation in different arrhythmia populations and a review of its response categories are recommended for improvement.
Article Synopsis
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment for atrial fibrillation that can cause injury to the left atrium (LA), but its effects on LA function are often overlooked.
- A study of 189 patients showed that after 4 months, certain heart function markers like NT-proBNP and MR-proANP improved, especially in those without arrhythmia recurrence.
- The maximum LA volume decreased significantly, and LA strain improved, indicating potential benefits of the RFA despite mechanical and endocrine impacts.
Article Synopsis
- - The study aimed to assess the long-term effects (5 years) of catheter ablation (CA) on symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and identify factors influencing recurrence of symptoms.
- - Involving 1521 patients from a Swedish hospital, results indicated that 50% experienced symptom freedom post-procedure, while others showed varying degrees of symptom relief or no change, with common issues like breathlessness and fatigue persisting.
- - Key predictors for ongoing symptoms included being female, having a body mass index of 35 or higher, and having ischemic heart disease, highlighting the need for lifestyle adjustments in patient management.
Article Synopsis
- The ASK FOR IT program is an online educational resource developed for patients with atrial fibrillation to provide reliable information about their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle management.
- A pilot study involved 15 patients, showing improvements in symptoms and mental health quality of life, with participants finding the program user-friendly and comprehensible.
- The main study aims to enroll 200 patients to further evaluate the program's effectiveness in enhancing symptoms and health-related quality of life compared to standard care.