Risk Factor Management of Atrial Fibrillation Using MHealth: The Atrial Fibrillation - Helping Address Care with Remote Technology (AF-HEART) Pilot Study

Overview

Journal Cardiovasc Digit Health J

Specialty Cardiology & Vascular Diseases

Date 2022 Mar 10

PMID 35265931

Authors

Lindsey R Mitrani

Isaac Goldenthal

Jamie Leskowitz

Elaine Y Wan

Jose Dizon

Deepak Saluja

Ruth Masterson Creber

Megan Reading Turchioe

Robert R Sciacca

Hasan Garan

Kathleen T Hickey

Judith Korner

Angelo B Biviano

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Personalized treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors using mHealth and telehealth may improve patient outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the Atrial Fibrillation Helping Address Care with Remote Technology (AF-HEART) intervention on the following patient outcomes: (1) heart rhythm tracking; (2) weight, alcohol, blood pressure (BP), and sleep apnea reduction; (3) AF symptom reduction; and (4) quality-of-life (QOL) improvement.

Methods: A total of 20 patients with AF undergoing antiarrhythmic therapy, cardioversion, and/or catheter ablation were enrolled and followed for 6 months. The AF-HEART intervention included remote heart rhythm, weight, and BP tracking; televisits with a dietician focusing on AF risk factors; and referrals for sleep apnea and hypertension treatment.

Results: Patients transmitted a median of 181 rhythm recordings during the 6-month follow-up period. Patients lost an average of 3.5 kilograms at 6 months ( = .005). Patients had improved SF-12 scores ( = .01), AFSS score ( = .01), EQ-5D score ( = .006), and AFEQT Global Score ( = .03). There was significant correlation between weight loss and decrease in symptom severity (r = -0.45, = .05), and between % weight loss and decrease in symptom severity (r = -0.49, = .03).

Conclusion: This study described the feasibility of the AF-HEART intervention for (1) consistent remote tracking of heart rhythm, weight, and BP; (2) achievement of weight loss; (3) reduction of symptoms; and (4) improvement in QOL. Expansion to a larger randomized study is planned.

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