Atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor for heart failure hospitalization in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Aims Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common comorbid condition in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The effect of AF on heart failure (HF) exacerbation in HFpEF has not been well described. This study investigated how AF modifies the clinical trajectory of HFpEF patients after hospitalization for decompensated HF. Methods and results We stratified HFpEF subjects by AF diagnosis and performed longitudinal analysis to compare risk for HF hospitalization after index hospitalization for decompensated HF. All‐cause mortality, 30 day all‐cause readmissions, and response to inpatient diuresis were also evaluated. Of 90 subjects enrolled, 35.6% (n = 32) had AF. Subjects with AF were older (72.5 vs. 60.5 years; P