Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Prognosis, and Management

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) have similar risk factors, frequently coexist, and potentiate each other in a vicious cycle. Evidence suggests the presence of AF in both HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) increases the risk of all-cause mortality and stroke, particularly when AF is incident. Catheter ablation may be an effective strategy in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life in AF-HFrEF. Strong data guiding management of AF-HFpEF are lacking largely due to its challenging diagnosis. Improving outcomes associated with these coexistent conditions requires further careful investigation.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Heart failure (HF); Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).