Lead investigator to discuss growing impact of AFib on US health care costs and resources

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] <40%), who are in sinus rhythm or who will be cardioverted.

Editorial support for development of this poster was funded by sanofi-aventis U.S. Inc.

Lead investigator, Alpesh N. Amin, MD, University of California, Irvine, is available to discuss key findings following each session.

WHERE: HeartRhythm 2011
San Francisco, CA or via Teleconference

WHEN: Thursday, May 5th, 9:00 AM PT
"Cost Burden to U.S. Payors of ATHENA-Like Patients with Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter" (poster presentation 11-A-5161-HRS)

Thursday, May 5th, 2:00 PM PT
"Rehospitalization Rates and Costs in Hospitalized ATHENA-Like U.S. Patients with Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter" (oral presentation 11-A-5148-HRS)