Heart failure (HF) consists an independent thromboembolic risk factor in pts with atrial fibrillation (AF) and anticoagulant treatment is necessary according to CHA₂DS₂–VAS_C risk score. We present epidemiological data in a real-world registry of outpatients with AF and HF.

In a 12-month period, 292 patients with AF have been referred to our arrhythmia clinic for consultation and among them 112 patients (38.5%) suffered from HF (68±10-year-old, 65% males). In the AF–HF population, 50 patients have EF<40% (group A), and 62 patients have EF≥40% (group B). The mean CHA₂DS₂VAS_c score was 4.20±1.6 and 3.75±1.5 for group A and B, respectively (P<0.001).

In the population examined, 40 patients of group A (80%) and 48 patients (77%) of group B, received anticoagulants (P=0.815). A proportion of 40% and 35.5% of group A and B respectively were treated with VKAs (P=0.729), while 40% and 42% of group A and B respectively were treated with NOACs (P=0.884). In patients received VKAs, the INR was under therapeutic values in 77% and 81% (P=N.S.) in group A and B, respectively. Moreover, 20% and 23% of patients in group A and B respectively, either were treated with antiplatelet drugs or did not receive any anticoagulant (P=0.815).

1) There was no difference in the anticoagulant therapy (VKAs or NOACs) in AF-HF patients, regardless of the EF. 2) About 20% of AF–HF population does not receive appropriate anticoagulant treatment.