JAHA: Tell us
about the key findings from your recent article in JAHA.
Dr. McManus: We examined rates of, and complications from, new-onset and
prevalent atrial fibrillation (AF) in approximately 24,000 Cardiovascular
Research Network participants with heart failure. We found that AF was quite
common among participants with HF and that the odds of being hospitalized for
HF, hospitalized for any reason, or dying were similar between those with HF
and preserved systolic function vs. those with HF and reduced systolic
function.
JAHA: What are
the major implications of this work?
Dr. McManus: We explored the epidemiology and impact of AF in a
population of patients with heart failure, further stratified by systolic
function. We emphasize that AF is an important complication of HF, irrespective
of HF subtype (HF with preserved vs. reduced systolic function).
JAHA: How did you
get the idea to do this study?
Dr. McManus: I am a cardiac electrophysiologist interested in the
epidemiology and treatment of AF, particularly in high-risk and understudied
populations such as those with heart failure.
JAHA: What was
your biggest obstacle in completing this study?
Dr. McManus: Familiarizing myself with the Cardiovascular Research
Network, its methods and personnel seemed daunting at first. However, I had
great mentorship and analytic support from coauthors and colleagues with CVRN
expertise, such as Dr. Jerry Gurwitz, Robert Goldberg, and Alan Go.
JAHA: What was
your most unexpected finding?
Dr. McManus: I was surprised at precisely how impactful AF was on rates
of adverse events in patients with HF and preserved systolic function, even
after adjusting for their age and other important comorbidities.
JAHA: What do you
plan to do next, based on these current findings?
Dr. McManus: We plan to further explore the impact of AF and its
treatments on the prognosis of patients with HF, and vice versa.
JAHA: What do you
like to do in your free time?
Dr. McManus: I am the proud father of two energetic kids and future
cardiovascular researchers, Elyse and Vivian. We like to ski and read together.
JAHA: What is
your favorite sports team or musical group?
Dr. McManus: I am perhaps the most avid Patriots fan in the
electrophysiology community. I was quite disappointed by the outcome of the AFC
championship game.
Profile originally published April 2, 2013
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