Type of Therapy and Quality of Life in Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent and costly health care problem. In patients with AF, the restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm is the primary therapeutic goal. The most frequent strategy for maintaining sinus rhythm after its restoration is the use of antiarrhythmic drugs. The efficacy of therapy in AF has been predominantly measured using objective criteria such as mortality and morbidity. In recent years, the importance of quality of life as an outcome measure has been recognized. However, few studies in the literature have examined quality of life in patients with AF using properly validated tools. In addition, the specific impact of antiarrhythmic treatment on quality of life in patients with AF has not been assessed. These issues are now being addressed in several ongoing studies. This article attempts to define quality of life, makes recommendations on how quality of life might be assessed, and reviews our current knowledge regarding quality of life in patients with AF.