Atrial Fibrillation Increases Risk for 30-Day Hospital Readmission in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract

Introduction Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) constitutes half of all HF hospitalizations. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common co-morbid condition in HFpEF and an independent predictor of mortality in patients with HFpEF. The effect of AF on hospitalized HFpEF, however, has not been well described. Here, we report the effect of AF on response to acute HF treatment and 30-day hospital readmissions in a hospitalized HFpEF cohort. Methods Subjects enrolled in the Randomized Evaluation of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients With Acute Heart Failure and Dopamine (ROPA-DOP Trial; NCT 01901809) were analyzed for baseline demographic and clinical variables stratified by AF status. Post-hoc analysis was performed with multivariable linear and logistic analyses to assess the association between AF and clinical outcomes. Results Of a total 90 subjects enrolled, 35.6% (n=32) had AF. HFpEF subjects with AF were significantly older (72.5 yr v. 60.5 yr; p Conclusion AF is a common comorbidity in HFpEF and is associated with older age and male sex in a hospitalized HFpEF cohort. The presence of AF was associated with increased risk of 30-day hospital readmission in adjusted analysis. Focused studies on best practice management strategies of AF in HFpEF are warranted.