Background: The symptom network can provide a visual insight into the symptom mechanisms. However, few study authors have explored the multidimensional symptom network of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objectives: We aimed to identify the core symptom and symptom clusters of patients with AF by generating a symptom network. Furthermore, we wanted to identify multiple characteristics related to symptom clusters.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 384 patients with AF at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were enrolled. The University of Toronto Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale was used to assess AF symptoms. Network analysis was used to explore the core symptom and symptom cluster.

Results: Shortness of breath at rest (rs = 1.189, rc = 0.024), exercise intolerance (rs = 1.116), shortness of breath during physical activity (rs = 1.055, rc = 0.022), and fatigue at rest (rc = 0.020) have the top centrality for strength and closeness. The top 3 symptoms of bridge strength were shortness of breath at rest (rs = 0.264), dizziness (rs = 0.208), and palpitations (rs = 0.207). Atrial fibrillation symptoms could be clustered into the breathless cluster and the cardiac cluster. We have identified multiple factors such as mental health status, left ventricular ejection fraction, heart failure, sex, B-type natriuretic peptide, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as significant contributors within the breathless cluster, whereas sex, mental health status, and history of radiofrequency ablation were strongly associated with the cardiac cluster, holding promise in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of these symptoms.

Conclusion: Special attention should be given to shortness of breath at rest as its core and bridging role in patients' symptoms. Furthermore, both the breathless and cardiac clusters are common among patients. Network analysis reveals direct connections between symptoms, symptom clusters, and their influencing factors, providing a foundation for clinicians to effectively manage patients' symptoms.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JCN.0000000000001133DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

symptom network
16
atrial fibrillation
16
shortness breath
16
symptom
12
breath rest
12
multidimensional symptom
8
patients atrial
8
core symptom
8
symptom symptom
8
symptom clusters
8

Similar Publications

Background: To compare the effectiveness of four surveillance strategies for detecting SARS-CoV-2 within the homeless shelter population in Hamilton, ON and assess participant adherence over time for each surveillance method.

Methods: This was an open-label, cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in eleven homeless shelters in Hamilton, Ontario, from April 2020 to January 2021. All participants who consented to the study and participated in the surveillance were eligible for testing by self-swabbing.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A systematic review of the comparative effects of sound and music interventions for intensive care unit patients' outcomes.

Aust Crit Care

December 2024

Department of Music, Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology (CCE), Department of Performing Arts, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University for Development Studies, Ghana; Department of Music, Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta, 3-98 Fine Arts Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2C9, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Despite syntheses of evidence showing efficacy of music intervention for improving psychological and physiological outcomes in critically ill patients, interventions that include nonmusic sounds have not been addressed in reviews of evidence. It is unclear if nonmusic sounds in the intensive care unit (ICU) can confer benefits similar to those of music.

Objective: The aim of this study was to summarise and contrast available evidence on the effect of music and nonmusic sound interventions for the physiological and psychological outcomes of ICU patients based on the results of randomised controlled trials.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Question: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is frequently implemented for individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is still unknown which specific components are effective, because CBT is a complex intervention with several components. The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of CBT components for ADHD.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Network structure of phasic and tonic irritability in adults: A Bayesian Gaussian graphical model.

J Affect Disord

December 2024

Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Tonic (i.e., irritable mood) and phasic (i.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Metabolic factors modulate effort-based decision-making in major depressive disorder.

J Affect Disord

December 2024

Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Abnormalities in effort-based decision-making have been consistently reported in major depressive disorder (MDD). Evidence indicates that metabolic factors, such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, which are highly prevalent in MDD, are independently associated with reward disturbances. Herein, we investigate the moderating effect of metabolic factors on effort-based decision-making in individuals with MDD.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!