Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Atrial fibrillation accelerates functional decline in older adults: a 15-year follow-up population-based study
Main finding · Annual walking speed declineResult — go to the resultAdjusted β coefficient per year −0.011 95% CI −0.016 to −0.005Authors' conclusion
Atrial fibrillation is associated with a faster physical function decline in older individuals. Incident HF and stroke possibly accelerate WS decline over time in AF participants.
Study context
- Population
- Community-dwelling adults aged 60+ years, Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, examined 2001–2004 to 2016–2019
- Participants
- 3,141 adults
- Exposure
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) vs no AF
- AFn = 285
- Outcome
- Walking speed trajectories (functional mobility)
- Follow-up
- 15 years
Methodological details15-year follow-up, multivariable joint models accounting for dropout due to death
- 15-year follow-up
- Multivariable joint models accounting for dropout due to death
Main finding
Annual walking speed decline
Adjusted β coefficient per year
−0.011
95% CI −0.016 to −0.005
As reported in the abstract
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Effect modification by incident heart failure (HF) and stroke (AF participants)
- Incident HF and stroke associated with greater walking speed (WS) decline in participants with AF
Effect modification by OAC use
- OAC use not associated with slower functional decline
Original publication
Atrial fibrillation accelerates functional decline in older adults: a 15-year follow-up population-based study. Europace. Published 24 June 2024. doi:10.
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