INFORMATION ON METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSING SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: a literature review

Introduction. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia of high medical and socio-economic importance. Most patients with atrial fibrillation report symptoms that can lead to decreasing their quality of life and functional status. When assessing the severity of the patient condition, the attending physician relies on data obtained by instrumental examination methods, physical examination, and the presence of complications of the disease; however, in addition to objective data, the patient’s subjective assessment of their condition is also important for treatment. In our opinion, the key is the availability of simple and understandable tools for patients to assess the impact of symptoms on their well-being, physical activity, professional and non-professional activities, as well as their psycho-emotional state. The literature contains many scales and questionnaires developed for the convenience of the physician-patient contact. Aim. To examine the advantages and disadvantages of available methods for assessing atrial fibrillation patients’ symptoms, quality of life, and functional statuses. Materials and Methods. To perform the literature analysis, we used international database PubMed. Results and Discussion. Over the years, various methods have been developed to assess the severity of atrial fibrillation. Each of the tools assesses to varying degrees the symptoms of the disease and their impact on the patients’ physical conditions, performance, everyday activities, psycho-emotional states, and other aspects of life. Conclusions. To adequately assess the severity of the disease, monitor the dynamics, and further correct the surveillance of a patient with atrial fibrillation, it would be reasonable to develop a method allowing a comprehensive, subjective, and objective assessment of the severity of arrhythmia.