Autonomic Function in COPD and Risk for Atrial Fibrillation

In the presented study, autonomic function as well as risk for atrial fibrillation will be assessed to characterize the relation between risk of atrial fibrillation and autonomic function.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been suggested as relevant comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The evaluation of the total atrial conduction time via tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI interval) can be used to identify patients with increased risk of new onset AF. Autonomic function can be assessed by different non invasive clinical investigations. The investigators hypothesise that PA-TDI interval is increased in acutely exacerbated COPD (AECOPD) compared within stable COPD and that increased PA-TDI is related to impairment of autonomic function. For this purpose, 25 patients with AECOPD and 25 patients with stable COPD were characterized by clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, lung function, electrocardiography, echocardiography and autonomic function.