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In an unprecedented study, researchers delve into the unexplored territory of the natural history of Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation (AFMR), a cardiac condition connected to an irregular heart rhythm. The study’s findings offer fresh insight into the progression, regression, and connected mortality of the condition.
AFMR is an aspect of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a severe form of heart arrhythmia, a condition where the heart rhythm is out of sync resulting in irregular, too slow, or too rapid heartbeats. The atrium chambers of the heart are affected, restricting optimal blood flow to the lower chambers or ventricles. By 2030, it is speculated that around 12.1 million individuals in the United States will be living with AFib.
Conducted by Jwan A. Naser and his team, the study investigated the incidence of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (LVSD), progression, or regression of moderate AFMR and its consequent effect on mortality among adults. The research included 635 patients, predominantly female, with average ages of around 75 years. It was tracked the evolution of the disease over an average of 2.2 years.
The study outcomes suggest that, among these patients, regression in MR was more usual than a progression, though neither was explicitly related to mortality rates. Instead, irregular diastolic function and inherent risk factors like old age, concentric LV geometry, and higher estimated LV filling and pulmonary pressures play critical roles. Also, the risk of LVSD didn’t show any significant increase throughout the study period.
The symptoms of AFib are often neither consistent nor immediately noticeable and may include irregular heartbeats, palpitations, lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. High blood pressure, old age, obesity, European ancestry, diabetes, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hyperthyroidism are factors that heighten the risk of developing AFib. Notably, it’s been documented that atrial fibrillation elevates the risk of strokes, with about 1 in 7 strokes being attributed to AFib related complications.
It is important to note that while AFib might not be immediately life-threatening, it necessitates proper treatment measures to prevent serious consequences, like stroke or heart failure. Medical treatments commonly include medications to control the heart’s rhythm and rate, blood-thinning medicines to prevent clot formation, surgeries, and lifestyle modifications to manage risk factors.
With more than 454,000 hospitalizations in the U.S each year due to AFib, the condition contributes to about 158,000 deaths, establishing its dire consequences. It has also been noted that AFib death rates have been on the rise for over two decades.
Information Box:
-Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia.
-AFib was the underlying cause of death in 26,535 of death certificates mentioned in 2019.
-AFib’s consequences in the United States cause more than 454,000 hospitalizations and 158,000 deaths annually.
References:
1: JACC Journals: The Natural History of Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation
2: CDC: What is atrial fibrillation?
3: Mayo Clinic: Atrial fibrillation (AFib)