Abstract P63: Burden of Comorbidities Among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) may manifest with comorbidities. We examined the prevalence of comorbidities and general medication use among AF patients in order to assess total disease burden. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2009 National Health and Wellness Survey (N=75,000), an annual cross-sectional Internet-based survey of adults in the United States. In addition to demographics and medication use, patients with AF also reported on their comorbid conditions. Using demographic and patient characteristics, a CHADS 2 score (an index of stroke risk) was calculated for each patient. Results: A total of 1297 patients reported a diagnosis of AF. The mean age was 64.9 years (SD 12.2), and 65% (n=844) were male. In addition to AF, these patients reported comorbidities in various organ systems, including 90% (n=1170) with a cardiovascular condition, 62% (n=802) with a urological condition, 42% (n=543) with a respiratory condition, and 527 (41%) with a gastrointestinal condition. Specific comorbid conditions reported in this AF patient population included hypertension in 72% (n=928) of patients, history of myocardial infarction in 21% (n=269) of patients, heartburn/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in 29% (n=372) of patients, and allergies/hay fever in 29% (n=377) of patients. The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 1.53 for all patients. Of the 1297 patients, 46% (n=594) had a CHADS 2 score of ≥2. The percentage of patients reporting current medication use included: 71% (n=919) for AF, 64% (n=824) for hypertension, 50% (n=650) for hyperlipidemia, 29% (n=370) for arrhythmia, 310 24% (n=310) for diabetes and 26% (n=332) for heartburn/GERD medications. Overall, 43% (n=552) of patients with AF were using an anticoagulant medication. Conclusions: This self-reported national survey identified AF patients as having a high comorbidity burden, with conditions affecting a variety of organ systems. Medications used to treat a variety of conditions are also highly prevalent and should be taken into account in managing patients with AF.