From the CHA2DS2-VASc score to inflammation: a path leading to frailty? An update of the PURE-Rhythm Trial

In conclusion, the findings we obtained suggest that in older AF subjects, higher IL-6 and OPG levels, expression of low-grade inflammation, correspond to higher values of CHA2DS2-VASc score. Interestingly, the CHA2DS2-VASc score is correlated with SPPB, a measure of physical performance and frailty, and IL-6 follows the same trend. This let us hypothesize that inflammation itself could be one of the mediators of the association between thromboembolic risk and a frail condition. Accordingly, if present results will be confirmed by future, specifically addressed, studies, “Inflamm-ageing” could become a useful key to disclose the connections between AF, its most relevant complications, such as stroke, heart failure and dementia, and frailty and disability development.