Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on in-Hospital and Short-Term Outcomes of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. The acute coronary syndrome is a potential risk factor for atrial fibrillation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of atrial fibrillation on in-hospital and short-term outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out on 80 patients with acute coronary syndrome with or without AF. Patients were classified into 3 groups: group I (50 patients) with acute coronary syndrome without AF, group II (15 patients) with acute coronary syndrome with new onset AF and group III (15 patients) with acute coronary syndrome with pre-existing AF. All patients were subjected to laboratory investigations (CBC, kidney functions and liver function tests) and twelve-lead surface ECG.

Results: ACEI, warfarin, amiodarone and PCI were significantly different among studied groups. ACEI was significantly lower in group 3 when compared to group 1. Warfarin, amiodarone, HF and AKI were significantly higher in group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1. PCI was significantly higher in group 1 and group 2 compared to group 3.

Conclusions: New-onset and pre-existing AF remained associated with an increased risk of in-hospital complications as heart failure and acute renal failure compared to patients presented with acute coronary syndrome without AF. Anticoagulation as warfarin and antiarrhythmic drugs as amiodarone were largely used in patients with AF during hospitalization.