A large observational study that compared patient outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients vs. those who also suffered from heart failure (HF) has found that the AF patients have worse outcomes. The HF patients also were found to have a higher hospitalization rate if they also had AF than the patients that only had HF.

The study’s lead author was DCRI fellow Prateeti Khazanie, MD, MPH; co-authors included Jonathan Piccini, MD, MHS; Adrian Hernandez, MD, MHS; Lesley Curtis, PhD; Laura Qualls; Brad Hammill; and Li Lang. The results of this study were presented earlier this month at the American College of Cardiology’s Scientific Sessions in San Francisco.

Even while there have been previous studies that sought to find a correlation between worse outcomes and AF in HF patients, Khazanie explained that this study is the largest of its kind. As part of the researchers’ examination of the data collected, the researchers were able to distinguish “between HF patients with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction.” In showing all of the AF and HF patients were equally hospitalized, the researchers were also able to find which patients were rehospitalized due to stroke. This information showed that all HF patients, regardless of HF type, share the same stroke risks. What the results of this study showed is that HF patients with a preexisting condition of AF will require a more aggressive treatment than those suffering from HF alone.

AF is a heart condition that is characterized by patients suffering from irregular heart beats and fluttering heart beats. The condition is treated with various different methods including anticoagulant medications like Multaq. Multaq is made by Sanofi-Aventis and has been linked to serious side effects including a worsening of the heart condition, liver failure and lung toxicity. It is for this reason that the FDA has recommended that doctors only prescribe Multaq if all other medications fail to work.

If you or a loved one has suffered from liver failure or a worsening heart condition after being treated with Multaq, contact the attorneys at Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.