Predictors and prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation developed during dobutamine stress echocardiography: A propensity score-matched comparison

AIMS Atrial fibrillation (AF) uncommonly occurs during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). We aimed to characterize the predictors and long-term prognostic significance of AF during DSE. METHODS The clinical, echocardiographic, and outcome data of patients in sinus rhythm who developed AF during DSE were reviewed and compared to a propensity score-matched group of controls. RESULTS Atrial fibrillation developed in 73 (1% of 7026) patients (age 70±10 years, 58% men). Compared to 144 propensity score-matched controls without AF during DSE, those with AF were more likely to have had history of prior AF (23% vs 8%, P=.002), known coronary artery disease (CAD; 22% vs 10%, P=.037), enlarged left ventricle (LV; 27% vs 9%, P=.002), LV wall-motion abnormality (33% vs 12%, P