OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term prognosis and outcomes in patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TiCMP) throughout 24-month follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study was carried out. The study included patients admitted to the Cardiology Clinic of the University’s Clinical Hospital No. 1 between 2020 and 2021. All patients had heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) under tachyarrhythmia (atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter).

RESULTS

We enrolled 54 (6.9%) out of 788 patients who met the criteria for TiCMP. Men prevailed (n=42; 78%). Mean age was 64.2±10.2 years. LVEF at admission was 39.5±7.7%. LVEF <35% was detected in 15 (27.8%) patients. Therapy was followed by significant positive dynamics with LVEF increase up to 48.3±7.7% (p=0.001). In patients without TiCMP recurrence under therapy of HF, we observed significant decrease in left ventricular end systolic volume from 88±42.1 to 78.9±32.7 ml (p=0.02). Recurrences were observed in 18 patients (33.3%) throughout the follow-up period. Risk factors for recurrence were the use of other antiarrhythmic drugs, with the exception of amiodarone, as well as previous arterial hypertension.

CONCLUSION

TiCMP is a cause of reversible left ventricular dysfunction in 6.9% of patients admitted for heart failure and atrial arrhythmia. TiCMP is associated with favorable long-term survival, but a significant (33.3%) number of patients experience recurrence.