Data evaluates rehospitalization and cost burden of AFib/atrial flutter

Two studies to be presented this week address the often-overlooked costs associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia. Each study evaluates these costs and updates a growing body of evidence suggesting that the true costs of AFib are complex and may not yet be fully understood. The patient populations studied mimic those in the landmark ATHENA trial, a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel arm trial to assess the safety and efficacy of dronedarone 400 mg bid for the prevention of cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause in patients with atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter.

Dronedarone is an antiarrhythmic drug indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter (AFL), with a recent episode of AFib/AFL and associated cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., age >70, hypertension, diabetes, prior cerebrovascular accident, left atrial diameter ≥50 mm or left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] END