WHAT DOES AF REALLY MEAN FOR PATIENTS?

The study conducted by, Oxford Outcomes, looks at the perceived quality of life impact of AF and AF-treatment related adverse events among patients, members of the general public and doctors who regularly treat the condition.

The study shows “clear quality of life impairments associated with treatment-related adverse events” such that people on average stated that they would be willing to sacrifice 12-18 months of life for the avoidance of the worst adverse events (eg hypothyroidism and “pulmonary issues”) associated with typical AF therapies.

Full details of the study, which the authors claim is the first of its kind to focus on the “utility impact” of adverse events associated with AF medications, can be accessed at: http://bjcardio.co.uk/2011/04/public-perception-of-atrial-fibrillation-and-treatment-related-adverse-events-in-the-uk/

Reference

1 Doyle S, Lloyd A, Davis M. Public perception of atrial fibrillation and treatment-related adverse events in the UK. Br J Cardiol 2011;18:88-93.