Atrial fibrillation patient health-related quality of life change over 6- and 12- months depending on the used oral anticoagulant type

Atrial fibrillations (AF), the most common sustained rhythm disorders, prevalence rises with the aging society. Although atrial fibrillation has been researched widely, the field of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become just recently more investigated. The aim of the study is to determine how different oral anticoagulant (OAC) usage influence the HRQoL for high-risk atrial fibrillation patients. High-risk non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients were enrolled during their hospitalization in Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital and Riga East University Hospital “Gailezers” year 2017 - 2020. Demographic data, medical history, therapy and modified SF-36 form were collected with a follow-up after 6- (6m) and 12 months (12m). Acquired data were analysed with Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Kruskall Wallis H-test). The 6-month follow-up included 213 patients; 12-month follow up - 186. Mean age 71.5 years. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 4.4. Study group: Non-OAC users 15.0% (32), Warfarin users 33.8% (72), NOAC users 51.1% (109). In warfarin group statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was identified in physical functioning (0m-0.41, 6m – 0.71, 12m – 0.63), emotional well-being (0m-0.73, 6m – 0.84, 12m – 0.76), social functioning (0m-0.72, 6m – 0.94, 12m – 0.89), general health (0m-0.33, 6m – 0.47, 12m – 0.46); in DOAC group physical functioning (0m-0.63, 6m – 0.65, 12m – 0.72), role limitations due to physical health problems (0m-0.51, 6m – 0.75, 12m – 0.73), social functioning (0m-0.79, 6m – 0.92, 12m – 0.97), general health (0m-0.37, 6m – 0.44, 12m – 0.51). In Non-user group a statistically significant negative change was in general health (0m-0.52, 6m – 0.43, 12m – 0.39) evaluation. Statistically significant (p<0.05) positive changes in health-related quality of life were determined in warfarin and DOAC user group. Non-user HRQoL during 12-month period had a negative correlation of health-related quality of life in 1 of 7 sections.