AF and higher risk of cardiac issues

[Kbuck1234]

This was recently published and can be found at BMJ.

bmj.com/company/wp-content/...

All a bit worrying!!!

[BobD Volunteer]

To quantify a little more there is nothing in there about treated AF. We know that uncontrolled AF can lead to heart failure or cardiomyopathy but it has been thought that controlled AF has less risk. We know that treating AF can reduce and reverse cardiomyopathy so it follows that risks may reduce also. Again no accounting for undiagnosed AF apparently and with many strokes being the first signs of AF for many people due to lack of screening it follows that one never knows which comes first, chicken or egg. AF can be a symptom of other cardiac issues as we know.

If this report increases screening then great, otherwise I won't loose any sleep over it.

[Mazza23 in reply to BobD]

I had my pre op for cryoblation and nurse asked did I have cardiomyopathy as a result of AF when I said no I had AF as a result of cardiomyopathy she said no it must be the other way round but I had heart failur before AF

[Finvola]

The final comment might indicate that the studies refer to untreated AF. Even if this is not the case, the risks per annum quoted seem to be very low. (from 0.66% down to 0.01% annually?)

However, if these results can boost research and development of novel interventions for us then that is positive. Fingers crossed.

[rosyG]

lots of things are 'associated' with other things and it admits near the end that causality can't be proved.

AF so often follows heart disease and other illnesses it is not surprising there is an association- not to worry i think !!

We at least know we have to try and reduce, through life style changes, heart problems from other causes.

[Emsysy]

Very probable my demise wil be by cardio vascular disease or cancer. I'd much prefer the former so if AF leads me to this then I'll pass on as a relatively happy bunny !!

When you gotta go, you gotta go.

[fuzzflyer]

We're all gonna die blue