Atrial Fibrillation and Non-obstructive Coronary Lesions

Is Atrial Fibrillation is Associated With Non-significant Coronary Angiography Findings?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia associated with excessive risk of ischemic stroke and heart failure as well as reduced life expectancy. On the other hand, chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in an aging population. Both disease entities share common risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity The purpose of the study is to investigate the hypothesis indicating lack of significant coronary lesions in AF vs. sinus rhythm (SR) patients.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) share common risk factors and both disease entities frequently co-exist. Additionally, AF symptoms may mimic CCS. Objectives: To investigate the hypothesis indicating lack of significant coronary lesions in AF vs. sinus rhythm (SR) patients.

The prevalence of CCS in patients with AF varies from 17% to 47% whereas AF in patients with CCS is much less common, ranging from 0.2% to 5.Patients with AF more often have concomitant CCS as compared with sinus rhythm controls. Additionally, AF is more frequently present in patients with either peripheral- or cerebrovascular artery disease than in non-atherosclerotic individuals We conducted a multi-center retrospective study including consecutive patients referred for elective coronary angiography.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Coronary angiography

Exclusion Criteria:

• We excluded patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), Tako-tsubo cardiomiopathy and history of ischemic heart disease, as well as those referred for coronary angiography before heart valve surgery. Prior cardiosurgical valve replacement was also the exclusion criterion.