Background Randomised trial, controlled study and international guidelines have advocated weight loss in AF patients with obesity as a means of attaining better AF burden control and maintenance of sinus rhythm. However, previous study required patients to undertake a highly structured weight management programme, detailed counselling, meal plans and behaviour modification. Aim To assess if weight-loss can be attained through a 5-minute, target-driven, physician-led counselling amongst overweight/obese patients referred AF ablation, without the need for intensive weight management programme. Subsequently to assess this can lead to better clinical outcomes (reduction in AF recurrence and readmission). Methods All patients referred for AF ablation in a tertiary centre over a 6-month period were included. Baseline weight and BMI at initial encounter plus weight and BMI at day of AF ablation were recorded. Optional physician-led counselling was provided, with aim for target weight loss of <10% or reduction of 3 point in BMI. Initial contact to AF ablation is 6 months. Clinical outcomes such as symptomatic AF >3 months post AF ablation and readmission for symptomatic AF were recorded. Follow-up duration of 6 months post ablation. Patients received counselling were designated Group 1, and those who did not were designated Group 2. Outcomes 146 new AF referrals for ablation seen over the 6-month period. 105 (71.9%) are paroxysmal AF, 37 (25.3%) are persistent, 4 permanent AF. Mean BMI 34.4 (+/- 5.1). Out of which, 76% have BMI > 30 (Obese), 47.6% possess BMI >35 (Morbidly obese), with 1 patient with BMI exceeding 50. 21.9% patients received physician-led counselling to lose weight. Basic demographics (age, gender), proportion of pAF and duration of AF, use of antiarrhythmic drugs were not statistically different between the two groups. Among AF patients receiving weight-loss counselling (Group 1), they have higher mean weight and BMI, 108kg (+/- 14.3) and BMI 33.7 (+/-4.3), as compared to those who did not received counselling (Group 2), 87.5kg (+/- 16.2) and BMI 29.5 (+/-4.3). At point of AF ablation, Group 1 has median weight loss of (-)4.5kg, mean reduction of BMI (-)2.0 points, while Group 2 has median weight gain of 3.6kg, increase of BMI 1.1 point. Overall statistically significant difference in weight change (p <0.001). Composite clinical outcomes at 6 months post ablation comprising recurrence of AF and readmission for symptomatic AF were higher in Group 2 as compared to Group 1, 38% vs 13% (p = 0.03). Summary This small cohort study suggests that concise physician-led weight loss counselling (without dietician-led meal plan or extensive weight loss programme) provided to AF patients with increased BMI can lead to significant weight loss and lower BMI in the run-up to AF ablation. This is also associated with statistically significant reduction in recurrence of AF and hospital re-admission.
Background NHS was created in 1948 to redress the healthcare inequality through provision of universal healthcare service in the UK. However even of late, significant health inequality persists. Socioeconomic deprivation is known to result in increased overall morbidity and mortality. Aim To assess the impact of socioeconomic deprivation (as categorised by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, SIMD) on the medical management and clinical outcomes of patients with ACS (NSTEMI/STEMI) who were treated with PCI Methods A retrospective study of NSTEMI/NSTEMI patients after inpatient treatment with coronary angiogram and PCI. The parameters include basic demographics, risk factors, LV EF on echocardiogram, lipid profile and discharge medication. Individual's socioeconomic deprivation index, as described SIMD was also recorded (1 – most deprived and 10 – least deprived), and accordingly placed into quintile (SIMD 1–2, 3–4, 5–6,7 –8, 9–10). Follow-up for 24 months. Clinical outcome assessed was composite endpoint event of MACE. Results 357 from the lowest quintile (SIMD 1–2), 319 from SIMD 3–4, 191 from SIMD 5–6, 120 from SIMD 7–8, and 99 from the highest quintile (SIMD 9–10) were included. No statistical difference exists between age or gender. No difference in past medical history (inclusive of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, family history. No difference in incidence of nicotine use. Prescription of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, ticagrelor or prasugrel) as well as secondary prevention medications (such as ace inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker, beta blocker, statin and GTN) were good and not statistically different between all groups. No statistical difference exists between all groups relating to pre-discharge LV ejection fraction on echocardiogram or random cholesterol level check on admission. 24 months follow-up demonstrated composite endpoint of MACE was statistically higher among patients of lowest socioeconomic quintile (Kaplan Meier plot, p<0.001). Step-wise multiple regression analysis also confirmed multiple socioeconomic deprivation as an independent predictor for more adverse clinical outcomes (p<0.001, R2=14.5%). Patients from the least deprived quintile possess survival advantage almost 14-folds as compared to those of most deprived group (Odd-ratio 13.8 (95% CI: 39.4–48.5)). Summary After an ACS event, despite initial coronary intervention and subsequent optimal prescription of prognostically beneficial secondary prevention medications, patients from the lower socioeconomic group (as described by SIMD) are still more likely to experience readmission for cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke. Socioeconomic deprivation has been shown to be an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcome for those who survived initial ACS. Acknowledgement/Funding None
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