Allostatic overload in patients with atrial fibrillation

摘要

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia affecting about 10% of people over 75. AF is a chronic illness complicating both mental health and quality of life [1]. Individuals with AF have been reported to experience greater psychological distress than the general population [1 ]. Several investigations suggested a role for stressful life events in uncovering a person's vulnerability to acute coronary heart diseases [2]. Psychological factors resulting in cardiac risk elevation are comparable to those associated with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and other major cardiac risk factors [3]. However, in AF patients, findings are still controversial because of the paucity of studies using specific and sensitive tools to evaluate the psychological distress [1]. McCabe pointed out that, although psychological distress is present in AF patients, the assessment' strategies did not allow to evaluate fundamental information, such as type, extent and consequences of stress [1].