Atrial Fibrillation Phenotypes and Outcomes in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

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Abstract

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction includes diverse clinical profiles in which atrial fibrillation may reflect a specific atrial, hemodynamic, and prognostic substrate.

Objective: To analyze the association between atrial fibrillation phenotypes and reported clinical outcomes in adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods: A systematic review without meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA 2020. The search included articles published between January 1, 2020, and December 30, 2025, in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and LILACS, in English or Spanish. Observational studies, analytical studies, and secondary analyses of clinical trials were considered. Study selection was performed by two reviewers, and findings were organized through narrative synthesis.

Results: A total of 286 records were identified, and 16 studies were included. Atrial fibrillation was variably defined as paroxysmal, persistent, permanent, prevalent, baseline, incident, subclinical, or according to arrhythmic burden. Associations with hospitalization, mortality, cardiovascular events, functional impairment, and therapeutic response depended on the phenotype evaluated, the detection method, and the atrial substrate.

Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation should be approached as a heterogeneous phenotypic exposure. Clinical assessment should integrate arrhythmic pattern, timing, burden, atrial function, comorbidity, and frailty. Prospective studies with standardized definitions and greater Latin American representation are needed.

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Published

2026-06-05

How to Cite

1.
Sánchez Sánchez KP, Mora Villacis JN, Araujo Vega DL, Torres Ormaza JC, Russo Lozano JN. Atrial Fibrillation Phenotypes and Outcomes in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. Rev Cubana Inv Bioméd [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 5 [cited 2026 Aug. 8];45:e4123. Available from: https://revibiomedica.sld.cu/index.php/ibi/article/view/4123

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ARTÍCULOS DE REVISIÓN

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