Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: An Observational Cross-sectional Study from Western India

Both atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) commonly coexist with overlapping symptoms, risk factors, and shared pathophysiology. Both conditions independently impact left atrial volume index (LAVI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, making it difficult to diagnose HFpEF in AF. The aim is to study the association of AF with NT-proBNP levels, LAVI, and left atrial (LA) size in HFpEF. An observational study of 40 patients was conducted at a Tertiary Care Center in Western India. Patients above 18 years of age with classical heart failure presentation were included and their clinical history and general and systemic examination were done along with NT-proBNP measurement and two-dimensional echocardiography for assessing heart structure and function. Twenty-one patients had sinus rhythm; 19 had AF. AF patients had higher NT-proBNP levels (2599 pg/mL) compared to patients with sinus rhythm (785 pg/mL). AF patients had a greater degree of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (higher LV end-diastolic dimensions, LV posterior wall thickness, LV mass index, LA diameter, LA volume and LAVI), more prevalence of pulmonary artery hypertension (n = 19 vs. n = 17), higher degrees of diastolic dysfunction (e.g. higher e’ septum, e’ lateral and E/e’), and higher right ventricle systolic pressure as compared to patients with sinus rhythm. The present study shows that AF occurs in around half of HFpEF patients, with a higher incidence in women and younger people. Patients with AF have higher rates of right heart failure, severe atrial and ventricular remodeling, and higher levels of NT-proBNP, which indicate an advanced form of the disease.