Atrial Fibrillation Amplifies Heart Failure Risk in Anthracycline Treated Cancer Patients: Stacking Risk Factors in the Vulnerable

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the world, with an estimated 12 million individuals affected in the United States by 2030 (1). AF and heart failure (HF) often co-exist and together confer a higher risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality(1-2). AF also is implicated in worsening HF. Up to 50% of patients who present with new-onset HF have AF; conversely, among those patients with new-onset AF, close to one third have HF (2). AF may cause or contribute to HF due to uncontrolled rapid heart rates, lower overall cardiac output due to incomplete atrial filling, and increased left atrial pressure, all of which contribute to congestive symptoms.
Source: The American Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research