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 (CAD) 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 multicentre 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 (MIDAS). Patients with a history of AF reported a 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.