Autonomic Function in COPD and Risk for Atrial Fibrillation
Autonomic Function in COPD and Risk for Atrial Fibrillation
In the presented study, autonomic function as well as risk for atrial fibrillation will be
 assessed to characterize the relation between risk of atrial fibrillation and autonomic
 function.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been suggested as relevant comorbidity in patients with chronic
 obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The evaluation of the total atrial conduction time via
 tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI interval) can be used to identify patients with increased risk
 of new onset AF. Autonomic function can be assessed by different non invasive clinical
 investigations.

 The investigators hypothesise that PA-TDI interval is increased in acutely exacerbated COPD
 (AECOPD) compared within stable COPD and that increased PA-TDI is related to impairment of
 autonomic function. For this purpose, 25 patients with AECOPD and 25 patients with stable
 COPD were characterized by clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, lung function,
 electrocardiography, echocardiography and autonomic function.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbated or stable between the
 age of 40-80 years with sinus rhythm who gave informed written consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Inability to give written consent, acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment
 elevations in last 30 days, severe acute or chronic renal dysfunction, severe heart
 failure, atrial fibrillation, severe valve disease, severe hypotension, active
 malignant disease, active rheumatic disease