Cited by 461Atrial Fibrillation Management and OutcomesCardiac pacing and defibrillation studiesCardiac Health and Mental Health

Effect of rate or rhythm control on quality of life in persistent atrial fibrillation

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Hagens, Vincent E., Ranchor, Adelita V., Van Sonderen, Eric, Bosker, Hans A., Kamp, Otto, Tijssen, Jan G.P., Kingma, J.Herre, Crijns, Harry J.G.M. +1 more·2004·Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Abstract

Objectives We studied the influence of rate control or rhythm control in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) on quality of life (QoL).Background Atrial fibrillation may cause symptoms like fatigue and dyspnea. This can impair QoL. Treatment of AF with either rate or rhythm control may influence QoL.Method Quality of life was assessed in patients included in the Rate Control Versus Electrical Cardioversion for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (RACE) study (rate vs. rhythm control in persistent AF). Rate control patients (n = 175) were given negative chronotropic drugs and oral anticoagulation. Rhythm control patients (n = 177) received serial electrocardioversion, antiarrhythmic drugs, and oral anticoagulation, as needed. Quality of life was studied using the Short Form (SF)-36 health survey questionnaire at baseline, one year, and the end of the study (after 2 to 3 years of follow-up). At baseline, QoL was compared with that of healthy control subjects. Patient characteristics related to QoL changes were determined.Results Mean follow-up was 2.3 years. At baseline, QoL was lower in patients than in age-matched healthy controls. At study end, under rate control, three subscales of the SF-36 improved. Under rhythm control, no significant changes occurred compared with baseline. At study end, QoL was comparable between both groups. The presence of complaints of AF at baseline, a short duration of AF, and the presence of sinus rhythm (SR) at the end of follow-up, rather than the assigned strategy, were associated with QoL improvement.Conclusions Quality of life is impaired in patients with AF compared with healthy controls. Treatment strategy does not affect QoL. Patients with complaints related to AF, however, may benefit from rhythm control if SR can be maintained.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.jacc.2003.08.037

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Authors
Hagens, V. E., Ranchor, A. V., Van Sonderen, E., Bosker, H. A., Kamp, O., Tijssen, J. G. P., Kingma, J. H., Crijns, H. J. G. M., & Van Gelder, I. C.
Affiliations
  • University Medical Center Groningen (NL)
  • University of Groningen (NL)
  • Rijnstate Hospital (NL)
  • Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam (NL)
  • St. Antonius Ziekenhuis (NL)
  • Maastricht University Medical Centre (NL)
Venue
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2004-01
Volume
43
Issue
2
Pages
241-247
ISSN
0735-1097 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2100922457
Cited by
461
References
20
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 21 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 33 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 25
FWCI
19.64
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of the American College of Cardiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion)
  • University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
  • AstraZeneca
  • Sanofi
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Cardiac pacing and defibrillation studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Cardiac Health and Mental Health
Keywords
persistent atrial fibrillation, quality of life, rate control, rhythm control, electrical cardioversion, antiarrhythmic drugs, oral anticoagulation, SF-36, sinus rhythm, fatigue, dyspnea
MeSH terms
Aged, Anti-Arrhythmia Agents, Anticoagulants, Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiovascular Agents, Depression, Chemical, Electric Countershock, Female, Heart Rate, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Quality of Life

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