QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION

Quality of Life in Patients with AF, Introduction: The efficacy of a t reatment is based primarily on objective criteria such as mortality an d morbidity, Besides these criteria, the interest in measuring quality of life in relation to health care has increased in recent years. Met hods and Results: Although the concept of quality of life inherently i s subjective and definitions vary, it generally is agreed that quality of life is a multidimensional construct, The impact of atrial fibrill ation (AF) on quality of life has not been evaluated widely using vali dated methods. Therefore, an international prospective study was desig ned to assess quality of life over time in patients with AF using vali dated generic measures and specific conducted disease scales. In addit ion to a standard demographic questionnaire, patients will complete tw o predictive scales at baseline and four outcome scales at baseline, a nd 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. An AF severity score based on subje ctive and physician-recorded assessments will be used to classify the patient's burden of AF as mild, moderate, or severe, Conclusion: Rigor ous yet practical approaches are needed to allow for a comprehensive u nderstanding of quality of life in patients with AF, The international study design outlined in this review article represents an attempt to systematically address quality of life in patients with AF and may se rve as an example of the types of measures that may be useful in asses sing quality of life in patients with AF.