Abstract 6910: Psychosocial Impairments and Frailty, Cognitive Performance, and Quality of Life Among Older Adults With Atrial Fibrillation

• Published in: Circulation (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2021-11, Vol.144 (Suppl_1), p.A6910-A6910
• Main Authors: Mehawej, Jordy, Saczynski, Jane, Tisminetzky, Mayra, Abu, Hawa O, Soni, Apurv, Wang, Weijia, Joanne, Mathew, Ding, Eric, Gagnier, Marc, Alrojolah, Loay, Goldberg, Robert, McManus, David D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0009-7322; 1524-4539
• DOI: 10.1161/circ.144.suppl_1.6910

IntroductionPsychosocial impairments (i.e., depression or anxiety) and geriatric impairments are prevalent among older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and adversely impact their long-term outcomes. However, little is known about the association between symptoms of anxiety or depression and various impairments associated with older age. HypothesisWe hypothesize that depression and anxiety would be associated with frailty, cognitive impairment, and low quality of life among older adults with AF. MethodsWe analyzed data from the Systemic Assessment of Geriatric Elements-AF study. Participants with AF aged 65 years and older, with a CHA2DS2-VASc≥2, were recruited from multiple clinics in Georgia and Massachusetts. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale were used to assess depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. We used a GEE model to examine the association between depression and anxiety at baseline with our principal study outcomes over a 2-year follow-up period. Results972 participants (mean age 74 years; 48 % female; 87 % were non-Hispanic White) were included in this study. Participants who met the criteria for anxiety (29%) or depression (26%) at baseline, as compared to those without, were more likely to be frail (OR = 2.20, 95% CI1.58-3.05; OR [OR] = 4.32, 95% CI3.16-5.90, respectively) and to have a lower AF related quality of life over 2 years (OR= 3.21, 95% CI2.52-4.11; OR= 3.71, 95% CI2.94-4.69, respectively). However, there was no association between depression or anxiety and cognitive impairment. ConclusionsAnxiety and depression in older adults with AF were associated with increased risk of frailty and decreased AF related quality of life. As such, addressing mental health needs of older adults may improve their clinical outcomes and quality of life.