1
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Tzeis S, Gerstenfeld EP, Kalman J, Saad EB, Shamloo AS, Andrade JG, Barbhaiya CR, Baykaner T, Boveda S, Calkins H, Chan NY, Chen M, Chen SA, Dagres N, Damiano RJ, De Potter T, Deisenhofer I, Derval N, Di Biase L, Duytschaever M, Dyrda K, Hindricks G, Hocini M, Kim YH, la Meir M, Merino JL, Michaud GF, Natale A, Nault I, Nava S, Nitta T, O'Neill M, Pak HN, Piccini JP, Pürerfellner H, Reichlin T, Saenz LC, Sanders P, Schilling R, Schmidt B, Supple GE, Thomas KL, Tondo C, Verma A, Wan EY. 2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:e31-e149. [PMID: 38597857 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Tzeis
- Department of Cardiology, Mitera Hospital, 6, Erythrou Stavrou Str., Marousi, Athens, PC 151 23, Greece.
| | - Edward P Gerstenfeld
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Kalman
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne and Baker Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eduardo B Saad
- Electrophysiology and Pacing, Hospital Samaritano Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jason G Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Tina Baykaner
- Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Management Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France; Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ngai-Yin Chan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Minglong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, and Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Ralph J Damiano
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Isabel Deisenhofer
- Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Derval
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Katia Dyrda
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Meleze Hocini
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark la Meir
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jose Luis Merino
- La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Universidad Autonoma, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Viamed Santa Elena, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA; Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Division of Cardiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabelle Nault
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Quebec (IUCPQ), Quebec, Canada
| | - Santiago Nava
- Departamento de Electrocardiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología 'Ignacio Chávez', Ciudad de México, México
| | - Takashi Nitta
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mark O'Neill
- Cardiovascular Directorate, St. Thomas' Hospital and King's College, London, UK
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luis Carlos Saenz
- International Arrhythmia Center, Cardioinfantil Foundation, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markuskrankenhaus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gregory E Supple
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Claudio Tondo
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Atul Verma
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elaine Y Wan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Tzeis S, Gerstenfeld EP, Kalman J, Saad E, Shamloo AS, Andrade JG, Barbhaiya CR, Baykaner T, Boveda S, Calkins H, Chan NY, Chen M, Chen SA, Dagres N, Damiano RJ, De Potter T, Deisenhofer I, Derval N, Di Biase L, Duytschaever M, Dyrda K, Hindricks G, Hocini M, Kim YH, la Meir M, Merino JL, Michaud GF, Natale A, Nault I, Nava S, Nitta T, O'Neill M, Pak HN, Piccini JP, Pürerfellner H, Reichlin T, Saenz LC, Sanders P, Schilling R, Schmidt B, Supple GE, Thomas KL, Tondo C, Verma A, Wan EY. 2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024; 67:921-1072. [PMID: 38609733 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-024-01771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific HRS, and the Latin American HRS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward P Gerstenfeld
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Kalman
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne and Baker Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eduardo Saad
- Electrophysiology and Pacing, Hospital Samaritano Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jason G Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Tina Baykaner
- Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Management Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
- Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ngai-Yin Chan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Minglong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nikolaos Dagres
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Charité University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralph J Damiano
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Isabel Deisenhofer
- Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Derval
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Katia Dyrda
- Department of Cardiology, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gerhard Hindricks
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Charité University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meleze Hocini
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark la Meir
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jose Luis Merino
- La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Universidad Autonoma, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Viamed Santa Elena, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregory F Michaud
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Division of Cardiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabelle Nault
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Quebec (IUCPQ), Quebec, Canada
| | - Santiago Nava
- Departamento de Electrocardiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología 'Ignacio Chávez', Ciudad de México, México
| | - Takashi Nitta
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mark O'Neill
- Cardiovascular Directorate, St. Thomas' Hospital and King's College, London, UK
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luis Carlos Saenz
- International Arrhythmia Center, Cardioinfantil Foundation, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markuskrankenhaus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gregory E Supple
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Claudio Tondo
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Atul Verma
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elaine Y Wan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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3
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Ding WY, Calvert P, Lip GYH, Gupta D. Novel stroke prevention strategies following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2024; 77:690-696. [PMID: 38428582 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Stroke prevention following successful catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation remains a controversial topic. Oral anticoagulation is associated with a significant reduction in stroke risk in the general atrial fibrillation population but may be associated with an increased risk of major bleeding, and the benefit: risk ratio must be considered. Improvement in successful catheter ablation and widespread use of cardiac monitoring devices may allow for novel anticoagulation strategies in a subset of patients with atrial fibrillation, which may optimize stroke prevention while minimizing bleeding risk. In this review, we discuss stroke risk in atrial fibrillation and the effects of successful catheter ablation on thromboembolic risk. We also explore novel strategies for stroke prevention following successful catheter ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wern Yew Ding
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Calvert
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Danish Centre for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Dhiraj Gupta
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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4
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Peigh G, Koehler J, Majumder S, Cho Y, Landman SR, Sarkar S, Ziegler PD, Passman RS. Associations Between Changes in Maximum Daily Atrial Fibrillation Duration, Ischemic Stroke, and Mortality. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024:S2405-500X(24)00636-4. [PMID: 39177549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2024.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) outcomes are strongly associated with continuous measures of AF burden. OBJECTIVES This study sought to assess the association between changes in maximum daily AF duration (MDAFD) and stroke or mortality in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). METHODS The Optum deidentified electronic health record data set (2007-2021) was linked with the Medtronic CareLink heart rhythm database. Patients with CIEDs and health care activity recorded in the electronic health record were included, excluding those with oral anticoagulation prescription. MDAFD was assessed 30 days post implant (baseline period) and 30 days before censoring or an event. HRs for the primary analysis were adjusted for components of CHA2DS2-VASc, baseline MDAFD category, and chronic kidney disease. RESULTS Of 26,400 patients (age 68 ± 13 years; follow-up 2.6 ± 1.6 years) analyzed, 2,544 (9.6%) had AF during baseline. Increased (vs stable or decreased) MDAFD category in follow-up was associated with a higher adjusted rate of stroke and mortality (HR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.61-2.01). There was no association between decreased MDAFD in follow-up and the combined endpoint (HR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.68-1.00). Subgroup analysis by baseline MDAFD category demonstrated that increased MDAFD in follow-up was associated with a greater risk of stroke or mortality among patients with no AF at baseline, and decreased MDAFD in follow-up was associated with a lower risk of stroke or mortality among patients with baseline MDAFD of 1 to <5.5 hours and 5.5 to <23.5 hours. CONCLUSIONS In CIED patients not on oral anticoagulation, increased MDAFD in follow-up was associated with a higher rate of stroke and mortality. These results suggest that AF burden, and associated risk, s not stable over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Peigh
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Yong Cho
- Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rod S Passman
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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5
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Pisanò ECL, Calvi V, Viscusi M, Rapacciuolo A, Lazzari L, Bontempi L, Pelargonio G, Arena G, Caccavo V, Wang CC, Merkely B, Lin LY, Oh IY, Bertaglia E, Saporito D, Menichelli M, Nicosia A, Carretta DM, Coppolino A, Ching CK, del Castillo ÁM, Su X, Del Maestro M, Giacopelli D, Gargaro A, Botto GL. Closed loop stimulation reduces the incidence of atrial high-rate episodes compared with conventional rate-adaptive pacing in patients with sinus node dysfunctions. Europace 2024; 26:euae175. [PMID: 38938169 PMCID: PMC11226787 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of progression to clinical AF, stroke, and cardiovascular death. We hypothesized that in pacemaker patients requiring dual-chamber rate-adaptive (DDDR) pacing, closed loop stimulation (CLS) integrated into the circulatory control system through intra-cardiac impedance monitoring would reduce the occurrence of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) compared with conventional DDDR pacing. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with sinus node dysfunctions (SNDs) and an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator were randomly allocated to dual-chamber CLS (n = 612) or accelerometer-based DDDR pacing (n = 598) and followed for 3 years. The primary endpoint was time to the composite endpoint of the first AHRE lasting ≥6 min, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). All AHREs were independently adjudicated using intra-cardiac electrograms. The incidence of the primary endpoint was lower in the CLS arm (50.6%) than in the DDDR arm (55.7%), primarily due to the reduction in AHREs lasting between 6 h and 7 days. Unadjusted site-stratified hazard ratio (HR) for CLS vs. DDDR was 0.84 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72-0.99; P = 0.035]. After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc score, the HR remained 0.84 (95% CI, 0.71-0.99; P = 0.033). In subgroup analyses of AHRE incidence, the incremental benefit of CLS was greatest in patients without atrioventricular block (HR, 0.77; P = 0.008) and in patients without AF history (HR, 0.73; P = 0.009). The contribution of stroke/TIA to the primary endpoint (1.3%) was low and not statistically different between study arms. CONCLUSION Dual-chamber CLS in patients with SND is associated with a significantly lower AHRE incidence than conventional DDDR pacing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ennio C L Pisanò
- Cardiology and Intensive Care Unit, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Valeria Calvi
- Cardiology, G. Rodolico—San Marco University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Miguel Viscusi
- Clinical and Interventional Arrhythmology, Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano Hospital, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Rapacciuolo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Ludovico Lazzari
- Clinical and Interventional Arrhythmology, Santa Maria Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | | | - Gemma Pelargonio
- Arrhythmology, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Arena
- Cardiology and Intensive Care Unit, Apuane New Hospital, Massa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Caccavo
- Cardiology and Intensive Care Unit, Miulli Regional Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | - Chun-Chieh Wang
- Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital—Linkou—CGMH, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lian-Yu Lin
- Cardiology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Il-young Oh
- Cardiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Aldo Coppolino
- Cardiology and Intensive Care Unit, Elecrophysiology, SS Annunziata Hospital, Savigliano, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Chi Keong Ching
- Cardiology/Cardiovascular Surgery, National Heart Center, Singapore
| | | | - Xi Su
- Cardiology, Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | | | | | - Alessio Gargaro
- Clinical Research Unit, BIOTRONIK Italia, Cologno Monzese, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni L Botto
- ASST Rhodense, Rho & Garbagnate Hospitals, Viale Carlo Forlanini, 95, 20024 Garbagnate Milanese, Milan, Italy
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6
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Ahmed H, Ismayl M, Palicherla A, Kashou A, Dufani J, Goldsweig A, Anavekar N, Aboeata A. Outcomes of Device-detected Atrial High-rate Episodes in Patients with No Prior History of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2024; 13:e09. [PMID: 38984148 PMCID: PMC11231819 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2024.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Outcomes of device-detected AF remain unclear in individuals without a prior history of AF. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate outcomes in individuals with no prior history of AF who experienced device-detected AF. Outcomes assessed were clinical AF, thromboembolism and all-cause mortality. A fixed-effects model was used to calculate RRs with 95% CI. Results Compared to individuals who did not experience device-detected AF, those who did had increased risks of clinical AF (RR 3.33, 95% CI [1.99.5.57]; p<0.0001) and thromboembolic events (RR 2.21; 95% CI [1.72.2.85]; p<0.0001). The risk of all-cause mortality was similar between both groups (RR 1.19; 95% CI [0.95.1.49]; p=0.13). Subgroup analysis revealed an increased risk of thromboembolic events among device-detected AF .24 hours (RR 12.34; 95% CI [2.70.56.36]). Conclusion While there is an increased risk of clinical AF and thromboembolism in individuals with device-detected AF, mortality was insignificant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasaan Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, NE, US
| | - Mahmoud Ismayl
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, US
| | - Anirudh Palicherla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, NE, US
| | - Anthony Kashou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, US
| | - Jalal Dufani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, NE, US
| | - Andrew Goldsweig
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Baystate Medical Center Springfield, MA, US
| | - Nandan Anavekar
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, US
| | - Ahmed Aboeata
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, NE, US
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7
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D'lima J, Thijs V, Lim HS, Rodrigues TS, Beaudoin AM. Temporal association between atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Stroke 2024:17474930241253482. [PMID: 38676601 DOI: 10.1177/17474930241253482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is strongly associated with ischemic stroke. Continuous cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) can assess PAF episodes over prolonged periods. Studies that attempted to find a temporal association between PAF and ischemic stroke were inconclusive. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess this relationship. AIMS This study aimed to assess the temporal association between AF episodes and stroke within 30 days of the arrhythmic episode. The secondary outcome is a temporal association within a 90-day period. SUMMARY OF REVIEW A total of 2804 studies that discussed the temporal relationship between PAF and ischemic stroke were screened, and 7 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among the 4041 patients included in these studies, there were 138 patients with device detected PAF episodes and stroke. Four studies used a 30-day window for temporality and the pooled odds ratio (OR) showed a significant association (OR 4.11 (95% CI 1.03-16.40)). The three studies reporting on AF and stroke within a 90-day window did not find a significant temporal relationship (OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.13-1.41)). Finally, the pooled result of those seven studies did not show a significant association (OR 1.51 (95% CI 0.44-5.17)). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis supports a temporal relationship between PAF and ischemic stroke within a 30-day window. Establishing this relationship is important for individualized risk prediction and targeted anticoagulation treatment. DATA ACCESS STATEMENT The data will be made available upon reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D'lima
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australi
| | - Vincent Thijs
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australi
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Han S Lim
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Tedeschi A, Palazzini M, Trimarchi G, Conti N, Di Spigno F, Gentile P, D’Angelo L, Garascia A, Ammirati E, Morici N, Aschieri D. Heart Failure Management through Telehealth: Expanding Care and Connecting Hearts. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2592. [PMID: 38731120 PMCID: PMC11084728 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, imposing a significant burden on deaths, hospitalizations, and health costs. Anticipating patients' deterioration is a cornerstone of HF treatment: preventing congestion and end organ damage while titrating HF therapies is the aim of the majority of clinical trials. Anyway, real-life medicine struggles with resource optimization, often reducing the chances of providing a patient-tailored follow-up. Telehealth holds the potential to drive substantial qualitative improvement in clinical practice through the development of patient-centered care, facilitating resource optimization, leading to decreased outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and lengths of hospital stays. Different technologies are rising to offer the best possible care to many subsets of patients, facing any stage of HF, and challenging extreme scenarios such as heart transplantation and ventricular assist devices. This article aims to thoroughly examine the potential advantages and obstacles presented by both existing and emerging telehealth technologies, including artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tedeschi
- Cardiology Unit of Emergency Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (F.D.S.); (D.A.)
| | - Matteo Palazzini
- “De Gasperis” Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (N.C.); (P.G.); (L.D.); (A.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Giancarlo Trimarchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Nicolina Conti
- “De Gasperis” Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (N.C.); (P.G.); (L.D.); (A.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Francesco Di Spigno
- Cardiology Unit of Emergency Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (F.D.S.); (D.A.)
| | - Piero Gentile
- “De Gasperis” Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (N.C.); (P.G.); (L.D.); (A.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Luciana D’Angelo
- “De Gasperis” Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (N.C.); (P.G.); (L.D.); (A.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Andrea Garascia
- “De Gasperis” Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (N.C.); (P.G.); (L.D.); (A.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Enrico Ammirati
- “De Gasperis” Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (N.C.); (P.G.); (L.D.); (A.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Nuccia Morici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy;
| | - Daniela Aschieri
- Cardiology Unit of Emergency Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (F.D.S.); (D.A.)
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9
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Stazi F. Management of atrial arrhythmias identified by cardiac devices. Eur Heart J Suppl 2024; 26:i123-i126. [PMID: 38867861 PMCID: PMC11167958 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Implantable cardiac devices have shown that atrial fibrillation (AF) is more frequent than previously assumed, with subclinical, asymptomatic, self-limiting manifestations called atrial high-rate events (AHREs) or subclinical AF. The clinical significance and correct therapeutic management of these episodes of subclinical AF is less well defined than in the case of clinically manifest AF. Two important randomized studies on the topic have recently been published, NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESIA, which, however, have not definitively clarified the topic. In patients with AHRE or subclinical AF, the average thrombo-embolic risk is lower than that in patients with clinically manifest AF and is ∼1%. For this reason, in these patients, the possibility that the benefit of anticoagulant therapy is overshadowed by the risk of bleeding is very high. Therefore, while waiting for new tools that allow a better stratification of low-risk patients, we must rely on individual clinical evaluation and overcome the qualitative dichotomy (AHRE yes vs. AHRE no), preferring instead an approach that is as quantitative as possible and takes into account the number of episodes, their duration, and the patient's CHADSVASC score, before deciding, in each individual case, whether or not to use anticoagulant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Stazi
- UOS Week Cardiology, UOC Cardiology, San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital, Rome
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10
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Patel RB, Peigh G. Left Atrial Stiffness in Cryptogenic Stroke: On Solid Footing or Down the Rabbit Hole? JACC. ADVANCES 2024; 3:100904. [PMID: 38939687 PMCID: PMC11198701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi B. Patel
- Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Graham Peigh
- Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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11
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Jiang J, Mi L, Chen K, Hua W, Su Y, Xu W, Zhao S, Zhang S. Association of Device-Detected Atrial High-Rate Episodes With Long-term Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality: A Cohort Study. Can J Cardiol 2024; 40:598-607. [PMID: 38092191 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Device-detected atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) were associated with an increased thromboembolic risk. Although limited data regarding the long-term prognosis of patients with AHRE were controversial, this study aimed to identify the association of device-detected AHRE with mortality. METHODS This observational study included patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) placement and no history of atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter (AFL), or atrial tachycardia (AT). During follow-up, patients with at least 1 day of AHRE duration ≥ 15 minutes were identified. The primary endpoint was cardiovascular mortality, and the secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality. RESULTS During a mean follow-up period of 4.2 years, AHREs were detected in 124 of 343 (36.2%) patients. Of these, 44 deaths (35.5%) occurred in 124 patients with AHREs, which was significantly higher than those without AHREs (43 of 219; 19.6%; P = 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed that patients with AHRE had a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular (hazard ratio [HR], 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-4.67; P = 0.010), and all-cause mortality (HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.49-3.59; P < 0.001). Further analysis indicated that this association remained significant in patients with higher burden (≥ 6 hours) but not in patients with lower burden (≥ 15 minutes to 6 hours). Notably, even after excluding the patients diagnosed with clinical AF during follow-up, the remaining patients with AHREs still exhibited a higher risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality compared with patients without AHREs. CONCLUSIONS AHREs were prevalent in ICD or CRT-D recipients with no history of clinical AF, AFL, or AT and were associated with more than twice the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION No. ChiCTR-ONRC-13003695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lijie Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Keping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yangang Su
- Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Shu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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12
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Tubeeckx MRL, De Keulenaer GW, Heidbuchel H, Segers VFM. Pathophysiology and clinical relevance of atrial myopathy. Basic Res Cardiol 2024; 119:215-242. [PMID: 38472506 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-024-01038-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Atrial myopathy is a condition that consists of electrical, structural, contractile, and autonomic remodeling of the atria and is the substrate for development of atrial fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia. Pathophysiologic mechanisms driving atrial myopathy are inflammation, oxidative stress, atrial stretch, and neurohormonal signals, e.g., angiotensin-II and aldosterone. These mechanisms initiate the structural and functional remodeling of the atrial myocardium. Novel therapeutic strategies are being developed that target the pathophysiologic mechanisms of atrial myopathy. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiology of atrial myopathy, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel R L Tubeeckx
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Universiteitsplein 1, Building T (2nd Floor), 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Gilles W De Keulenaer
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Universiteitsplein 1, Building T (2nd Floor), 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, ZNA Middelheim Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vincent F M Segers
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Universiteitsplein 1, Building T (2nd Floor), 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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13
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Tzeis S, Gerstenfeld EP, Kalman J, Saad EB, Sepehri Shamloo A, Andrade JG, Barbhaiya CR, Baykaner T, Boveda S, Calkins H, Chan NY, Chen M, Chen SA, Dagres N, Damiano RJ, De Potter T, Deisenhofer I, Derval N, Di Biase L, Duytschaever M, Dyrda K, Hindricks G, Hocini M, Kim YH, la Meir M, Merino JL, Michaud GF, Natale A, Nault I, Nava S, Nitta T, O’Neill M, Pak HN, Piccini JP, Pürerfellner H, Reichlin T, Saenz LC, Sanders P, Schilling R, Schmidt B, Supple GE, Thomas KL, Tondo C, Verma A, Wan EY. 2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Europace 2024; 26:euae043. [PMID: 38587017 PMCID: PMC11000153 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society .
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Tzeis
- Department of Cardiology, Mitera Hospital, 6, Erythrou Stavrou Str., Marousi, Athens, PC 151 23, Greece
| | - Edward P Gerstenfeld
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Kalman
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne and Baker Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eduardo B Saad
- Electrophysiology and Pacing, Hospital Samaritano Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jason G Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Tina Baykaner
- Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Management Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
- Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ngai-Yin Chan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Minglong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, and Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Ralph J Damiano
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Isabel Deisenhofer
- Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Derval
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Katia Dyrda
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Meleze Hocini
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark la Meir
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jose Luis Merino
- La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Universidad Autonoma, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Viamed Santa Elena, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David’s Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Division of Cardiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabelle Nault
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Quebec (IUCPQ), Quebec, Canada
| | - Santiago Nava
- Departamento de Electrocardiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología ‘Ignacio Chávez’, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Takashi Nitta
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mark O’Neill
- Cardiovascular Directorate, St. Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College, London, UK
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luis Carlos Saenz
- International Arrhythmia Center, Cardioinfantil Foundation, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markuskrankenhaus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gregory E Supple
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Claudio Tondo
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Atul Verma
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elaine Y Wan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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14
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McIntyre WF, Benz AP, Becher N, Healey JS, Granger CB, Rivard L, Camm AJ, Goette A, Zapf A, Alings M, Connolly SJ, Kirchhof P, Lopes RD. Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Patients With Device-Detected Atrial Fibrillation: A Study-Level Meta-Analysis of the NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESiA Trials. Circulation 2024; 149:981-988. [PMID: 37952187 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.067512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Device-detected atrial fibrillation (also known as subclinical atrial fibrillation or atrial high-rate episodes) is a common finding in patients with an implanted cardiac rhythm device and is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Whether oral anticoagulation is effective and safe in this patient population is unclear. METHODS We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE and Embase for randomized trials comparing oral anticoagulation with antiplatelet or no antithrombotic therapy in adults with device-detected atrial fibrillation recorded by a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, cardiac resynchronization therapy device, or implanted cardiac monitor. We used random-effects models for meta-analysis and rated the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework (GRADE). The review was preregistered (PROSPERO CRD42023463212). RESULTS From 785 citations, we identified 2 randomized trials with relevant clinical outcome data: NOAH-AFNET 6 (Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial High Rate Episodes; 2536 participants) evaluated edoxaban, and ARTESiA (Apixaban for the Reduction of Thrombo-Embolism in Patients With Device-Detected Sub-Clinical Atrial Fibrillation; 4012 participants) evaluated apixaban. Meta-analysis demonstrated that oral anticoagulation with these agents reduced ischemic stroke (relative risk [RR], 0.68 [95% CI, 0.50-0.92]; high-quality evidence). The results from the 2 trials were consistent (I2 statistic for heterogeneity=0%). Oral anticoagulation also reduced a composite of cardiovascular death, all-cause stroke, peripheral arterial embolism, myocardial infarction, or pulmonary embolism (RR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.73-0.99]; I2=0%; moderate-quality evidence). There was no reduction in cardiovascular death (RR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.76-1.17]; I2=0%; moderate-quality evidence) or all-cause mortality (RR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.96-1.21]; I2=0%; moderate-quality evidence). Oral anticoagulation increased major bleeding (RR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.05-2.50]; I²=61%; high-quality evidence). CONCLUSIONS The results of the NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESiA trials are consistent with each other. Meta-analysis of these 2 large randomized trials provides high-quality evidence that oral anticoagulation with edoxaban or apixaban reduces the risk of stroke in patients with device-detected atrial fibrillation and increases the risk of major bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- William F McIntyre
- McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada (W.F.M., A.P.B., J.S.H., S.J.C.)
| | - Alexander P Benz
- McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada (W.F.M., A.P.B., J.S.H., S.J.C.)
| | - Nina Becher
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Germany (N.B., P.K.)
| | - Jeffrey S Healey
- McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada (W.F.M., A.P.B., J.S.H., S.J.C.)
| | | | | | - A John Camm
- St George's University of London and Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.J.C.)
| | - Andreas Goette
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Germany (A.G.)
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (A.Z.)
| | | | - Stuart J Connolly
- McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada (W.F.M., A.P.B., J.S.H., S.J.C.)
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Germany (N.B., P.K.)
| | - Renato D Lopes
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC (C.B.G., R.D.L.)
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15
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Gondal MUR, Mehmood RS, Khan RP, Malik J. Atrial myopathy. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102381. [PMID: 38191102 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
This paper delves into the progressive concept of atrial myopathy, shedding light on its development and its impact on atrial characteristics. It extensively explores the intricate connections between atrial myopathy, atrial fibrillation (AF), and strokes. Researchers have sought additional contributors to AF-related strokes due to the absence of a clear timing correlation between paroxysmal AF episodes and strokes in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Through various animal models and human investigations, a close interrelation among aging, inflammation, oxidative stress, and stretching mechanisms has been identified. These mechanisms contribute to fibrosis, alterations in electrical properties, autonomic remodeling, and a heightened pro-thrombotic state. These interconnected factors establish a detrimental cycle, exacerbating atrial myopathy and elevating the risk of sustained AF and strokes. By emphasizing the significance of atrial myopathy and the risk of strokes that are distinct from AF, the paper also discusses methods for identifying patients with atrial myopathy. Moreover, it proposes an approach to incorporate the concept of atrial myopathy into clinical practice to guide anticoagulation decisions in individuals with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raja Sadam Mehmood
- Department of Medicine, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Jahanzeb Malik
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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16
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Zhao Y, Ning Y, Lei L, Liu Q, Li M, Lei X, Chen W, Hu Y, Xie T, Luan J, Yang H, Luo G. The relationship between atrial cardiopathy biomarkers and prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke after endovascular treatment. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00327. [PMID: 38320384 PMCID: PMC10963924 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Thromboembolism is a possible consequence of underlying atrial cardiopathy, which can occur even before the onset of atrial fibrillation. Our objective was to examine the association between biomarkers of atrial cardiopathy and outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) following endovascular treatment (EVT). We conducted a retrospective study that collected data from patients with AIS who underwent EVT and compared the outcomes between those with and without atrial cardiopathy. Neurological function was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with an mRS score >2 indicating poor function at day 90. Additionally, we evaluated secondary consequences, including symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), early neurological deterioration (END), and malignant cerebral edema (MCE). Our study included 87 patients (77.6 % male; mean age 60.93 ± 12.47 years). Among these patients, 29 (33.3 %) had atrial cardiopathy, while the remaining 58 (66.7 %) did not. In the atrial cardiopathy group, 12 patients (41.4 %) had poor functional outcomes (mRS>2), compared to 19 (32.8 %) in the non-atrial cardiopathy group. We observed sICH in 22 (25.3 %) patients, END in 14 (16.1 %) patients, MCE in 11 (12.6 %) patients, and two (2.3 %) patients who died in the hospital. We found that patients with PTFV1>5000 μV/ms (OR: 8.39, 95 % CI: 1.43-105.95, P = 0.02) and NT-proBNP>250 pg/mL (OR: 5.09, 95 % CI: 1.20-27.63, P = 0.03) had significantly higher risk of END. After adjusting for covariates in the Firth logistic regression, we further found that atrial cardiopathy was significantly associated with END, as revealed by both univariate (OR: 6.31, 95 % CI: 1.42-59.87, P = 0.01) and multivariable firth regression models (Modle 1, OR: 7.10, 95 % CI: 1.57-67.38, P < 0.01; Modle 2, OR: 7.82, 95 % CI: 1.69, 76.36, P < 0.01; Modle 3, OR: 8.59, 95 % CI: 1.72-91.70, P < 0.01). Moreover, we observed that atrial cardiopathy was associated with an increased risk of END in AIS patients with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) receiving EVT. Therefore, clinicians should consider atrial cardiopathy as a possible underlying cause of AIS in their patients. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the relationship between atrial cardiopathy and AIS's occurrence, progression, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Zhao
- Stroke Centre and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China; Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200235, China
| | - Yuye Ning
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Stroke Centre and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Stroke Centre and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Stroke Centre and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiangyu Lei
- Stroke Centre and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wanying Chen
- Stroke Centre and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yiting Hu
- Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, L'va Tolstogo Str. 6-8, Saint Petersburg, 197022, Russia
| | - Ting Xie
- Stroke Centre and Department of Neurology, Hancheng People's Hospital of Shaanxi Province, Ziyun Dajie, and Huanghe Dajie, Hancheng, 715400, China
| | - Jiaxin Luan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Haoyu Yang
- Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Guogang Luo
- Stroke Centre and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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17
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Marcus GM, Ovbiagele B. Anticoagulation for Atrial Cardiopathy in Cryptogenic Stroke. JAMA 2024; 331:564-566. [PMID: 38324416 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.23916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
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18
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Zhang Y, Xu S, Xing W, Chen Q, Liu X, Pu Y, Xin F, Jiang H, Yin Z, Tao D, Zhou D, Zhu Y, Yuan B, Jin Y, He Y, Wu Y, Po SS, Wang H, Benditt DG. Robust Artificial Intelligence Tool for Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis: Novel Development Approach Incorporating Both Atrial Electrograms and Surface ECG and Evaluation by Head-to-Head Comparison With Hospital-Based Physician ECG Readers. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032100. [PMID: 38258658 PMCID: PMC11056178 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases risk of embolic stroke, and in postoperative patients, increases cost of care. Consequently, ECG screening for AF in high-risk patients is important but labor-intensive. Artificial intelligence (AI) may reduce AF detection workload, but AI development presents challenges. METHODS AND RESULTS We used a novel approach to AI development for AF detection using both surface ECG recordings and atrial epicardial electrograms obtained in postoperative cardiac patients. Atrial electrograms were used only to facilitate establishing true AF for AI development; this permitted the establishment of an AI-based tool for subsequent AF detection using ECG records alone. A total of 5 million 30-second epochs from 329 patients were annotated as AF or non-AF by expert ECG readers for AI training and validation, while 5 million 30-second epochs from 330 different patients were used for AI testing. AI performance was assessed at the epoch level as well as AF burden at the patient level. AI achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.932 on validation and 0.953 on testing. At the epoch level, testing results showed means of AF detection sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and F1 (harmonic mean of positive predictive value and sensitivity) as 0.970, 0.814, 0.976, 0.776, and 0.862, respectively, while the intraclass correlation coefficient for AF burden detection was 0.952. At the patient level, AF burden sensitivity and positive predictivity were 96.2% and 94.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Use of both atrial electrograms and surface ECG permitted development of a robust AI-based approach to postoperative AF recognition and AF burden assessment. This novel tool may enhance detection and management of AF, particularly in patients following operative cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Shusheng Xu
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Shanghai Qi Zhi InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Wenhui Xing
- Shanghai Yueguang Medical Technologies Ltd.ShanghaiChina
| | - Qiong Chen
- Shanghai Yueguang Medical Technologies Ltd.ShanghaiChina
| | - Xu Liu
- Shanghai Yueguang Medical Technologies Ltd.ShanghaiChina
| | - Yachuan Pu
- Shanghai Yueguang Medical Technologies Ltd.ShanghaiChina
| | - Fangran Xin
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Zongtao Yin
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Dengshun Tao
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Dong Zhou
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Shanghai Qi Zhi InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Yan Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Binhang Yuan
- Department of Computer ScienceETH ZürichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Yuanchen He
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Yi Wu
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Shanghai Qi Zhi InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Sunny S. Po
- Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityOKUSA
| | - Huishan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Northern Theater CommandShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - David G. Benditt
- Cardiovascular DivisionUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMNUSA
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19
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Kim M, Kim T, Hwang I, Park J, Yu HT, Uhm J, Joung B, Lee M, Hwang C, Pak H. Clinical Characteristics and Rhythm Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Myopathy After Successful Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e030818. [PMID: 38293911 PMCID: PMC11056140 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.030818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although successful atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can maintain sinus rhythm and reduce the left atrial (LA) dimension, blunted LA reverse remodeling can be observed in patients with atrial myopathy. We explored the potential mechanisms and long-term outcomes in patients with blunted LA reverse remodeling after successful AF catheter ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS We included 1685 patients who underwent baseline and 1-year follow-up echocardiograms, had a baseline LA dimension ≥40 mm, and did not have a recurrence of AF within a year. The patients were divided into tertile groups according to the delta value of the change in LA dimension on the preprocedure and 1-year postprocedure echocardiography. After propensity score matching for age, sex, AF type, and LA dimension, 1272 patients were finally included in the analyses (424 in each group; the least/blunted, moderate, and the most reverse remodeling group). The patients in the T1 group (blunted LA reverse remodeling) were independently associated with higher left ventricular mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.014 [95% CI, 1.005-1.022], P=0.001), change in ΔH2FPEF score (heavy, hypertensive, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, elder, filling pressure) score (OR, 1.445 [95% CI, 1.121-1.861], P=0.004), ventricular epicardial adipose tissue volume (OR, 1.010 [95% CI, 1.003-1.017], P=0.003), thinner LA wall thickness (OR, 0.461 [95% CI, 0.271-0.785], P=0.004), lower LA voltage (OR, 0.670 [95% CI, 0.499-0.899], P=0.008), and showed higher long-term AF recurrence (log-rank P<0.001) than other groups. CONCLUSIONS Blunted LA reverse remodeling after AF catheter ablation, which is suggestive of atrial myopathy, was independently associated with a larger ventricular epicardial adipose tissue volume and worsening of H2FPEF score. Blunted LA reverse remodeling after AF catheter ablation was also an independent predictor for higher recurrences of AF post-1-year AF catheter ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon‐Hyun Kim
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Tae‐Hoon Kim
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Inseok Hwang
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Je‐Wook Park
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Hee Tae Yu
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jae‐Sun Uhm
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Boyoung Joung
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Moon‐Hyoung Lee
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Chun Hwang
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Hui‐Nam Pak
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health SystemSeoulRepublic of Korea
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20
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Dlima J, Kitisarn R, Lim H, Thijs V. Is there a temporal relationship between atrial fibrillation and stroke? A review. BMJ Neurol Open 2024; 6:e000512. [PMID: 38288314 PMCID: PMC10823921 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2023-000512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an established risk factor for ischaemic stroke. The introduction of continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring devices has enabled detection of brief and asymptomatic episodes of AF. Observations The search yielded 727 studies, 11 of which met the inclusion criteria. Four studies suggested a strong temporal association between episodes of AF and stroke, while seven indicated a weak relationship. The conflicting nature of the studies may be attributed to inconsistencies in ischaemic stroke verification (n=5/11), event rate and power (n=6/11) and lack of controlling for anticoagulation (n=10/11), mitigating the relationship between AF episodes and stroke. Conclusions and relevance The temporal relationship between AF and stroke still remains unclear due to varying study methodology, lack of control for anticoagulation and inconsistent stroke subtyping. Our review identifies limitations to the current literature and makes recommendations for future studies assessing the temporal relationship between AF episodes and cardioembolic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dlima
- The University of Melbourne—Parkville Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Brain Centre—Austin Campus, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rooj Kitisarn
- Grampians Health Ballarat, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Han Lim
- The University of Melbourne—Parkville Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vincent Thijs
- Melbourne Brain Centre—Austin Campus, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Leung ANW, Bhat A. Use of Anticoagulation for Thromboembolic Prophylaxis in Patients With Atrial High-Rate Episodes on Device Monitoring: A Narrative Review. Am J Cardiol 2024; 211:183-190. [PMID: 37944778 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism are primary drivers of significant morbidity and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although stroke is commonly the first index presentation of clinically silent AF, the growing use of continuous rhythm monitoring through cardiac implanted electronic devices has enabled earlier and increased detection of AF in patients who are otherwise asymptomatic before stroke development. Atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) are atrial tachyarrhythmias frequently detected by cardiac implanted electronic devices; these events represent subclinical AF and other atrial tachyarrhythmias that can lead to stroke development and AF. Although the presence of AHREs increases the risk of developing both clinical AF and stroke compared with absence of AHREs, there has been a significant clinical variability in anticoagulation initiation in these subjects. In this narrative review, we explore the current evidence and published research surrounding the association between AHREs and stroke development in addition to the utility of anticoagulation in this population for thromboembolic prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Ngar Wing Leung
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aditya Bhat
- Department of Cardiology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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22
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Sposato LA, Field TS, Schnabel RB, Wachter R, Andrade JG, Hill MD. Towards a new classification of atrial fibrillation detected after a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:110-122. [PMID: 37839436 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00326-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Globally, up to 1·5 million individuals with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack can be newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation per year. In the past decade, evidence has accumulated supporting the notion that atrial fibrillation first detected after a stroke or transient ischaemic attack differs from atrial fibrillation known before the occurrence of as stroke. Atrial fibrillation detected after stroke is associated with a lower prevalence of risk factors, cardiovascular comorbidities, and atrial cardiomyopathy than atrial fibrillation known before stroke occurrence. These differences might explain why it is associated with a lower risk of recurrence of ischaemic stroke than known atrial fibrillation. Patients with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack can be classified in three categories: no atrial fibrillation, known atrial fibrillation before stroke occurrence, and atrial fibrillation detected after stroke. This classification could harmonise future research in the field and help to understand the role of prolonged cardiac monitoring for secondary stroke prevention with application of a personalised risk-based approach to the selection of patients for anticoagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano A Sposato
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Heart and Brain Laboratory, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Thalia S Field
- Division of Neurology, Vancouver Stroke Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Renate B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; German Cardiovascular Research Centre, Partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jason G Andrade
- Division of Cardiology, Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Montreal Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael D Hill
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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23
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Geisler T, Keller T, Martus P, Poli K, Serna-Higuita LM, Schreieck J, Gawaz M, Tünnerhoff J, Bombach P, Nägele T, Klose U, Aidery P, Groga-Bada P, Kraft A, Hoffmann F, Hobohm C, Naupold K, Niehaus L, Wolf M, Bäzner H, Liman J, Wachter R, Kimmig H, Jung W, Huber R, Feurer R, Lindner A, Althaus K, Bode FJ, Petzold GC, Nguyen TN, Mac Grory B, Schrag M, Purrucker JC, Zuern CS, Ziemann U, Poli S. Apixaban versus Aspirin for Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. NEJM EVIDENCE 2024; 3:EVIDoa2300235. [PMID: 38320511 DOI: 10.1056/evidoa2300235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rivaroxaban and dabigatran were not superior to aspirin in trials of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). It is unknown whether apixaban is superior to aspirin in patients with ESUS and known risk factors for cardioembolism. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded-outcome trial of apixaban (5 mg twice daily) compared with aspirin (100 mg once daily) initiated within 28 days after ESUS in patients with at least one predictive factor for atrial fibrillation or a patent foramen ovale. Cardiac monitoring was mandatory, and aspirin treatment was switched to apixaban in case of atrial fibrillation detection. The primary outcome was any new ischemic lesion on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included major and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to receive apixaban (178 patients) or aspirin (174 patients) at a median of 8 days after ESUS. At 12-month follow-up, MRI follow-up was available in 325 participants (92.3%). New ischemic lesions occurred in 23 of 169 (13.6%) participants in the apixaban group and in 25 of 156 (16.0%) participants in the aspirin group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.42 to 1.48; P=0.57). Major and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding occurred in five and seven participants, respectively (1-year cumulative incidences, 2.9 and 4.2; hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.22 to 2.16). Serious adverse event rates were 43.9 per 100 person-years in those given apixaban and 45.7 per 100 person-years in those given aspirin. The Apixaban for the Treatment of Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source trial was terminated after a prespecified interim analysis as a result of futility. CONCLUSIONS: Apixaban treatment was not superior to cardiac monitoring-guided aspirin in preventing new ischemic lesions in an enriched ESUS population. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Medtronic Europe; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02427126.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Geisler
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Timea Keller
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Khouloud Poli
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lina Maria Serna-Higuita
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juergen Schreieck
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Meinrad Gawaz
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Tünnerhoff
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paula Bombach
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Nägele
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Klose
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Parwez Aidery
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Groga-Bada
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Kraft
- Department of Neurology, Krankenhaus Martha-Maria Halle-Doelau, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Frank Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology, Krankenhaus Martha-Maria Halle-Doelau, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Carsten Hobohm
- Department of Neurology, Carl-von-Basedow Klinikum Merseburg, Merseburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Naupold
- Department of Neurology, Carl-von-Basedow Klinikum Merseburg, Merseburg, Germany
| | - Ludwig Niehaus
- Department of Neurology, Rems-Murr Kliniken, Winnenden, Germany
| | - Marc Wolf
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Bäzner
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jan Liman
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany
- Clinic for Neurology, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hubert Kimmig
- Department of Neurology, Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
| | - Werner Jung
- Department of Cardiology, Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
| | - Roman Huber
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Friedrichshafen, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Regina Feurer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Friedrichshafen, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - Alfred Lindner
- Department of Neurology, Marienhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Felix J Bode
- Division of Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabor C Petzold
- Division of Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thanh N Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston
- Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston
| | - Brian Mac Grory
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Matthew Schrag
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Jan C Purrucker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine S Zuern
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sven Poli
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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24
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Marcoux E, Sosnowski D, Ninni S, Mackasey M, Cadrin-Tourigny J, Roberts JD, Olesen MS, Fatkin D, Nattel S. Genetic Atrial Cardiomyopathies: Common Features, Specific Differences, and Broader Relevance to Understanding Atrial Cardiomyopathy. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2023; 16:675-698. [PMID: 38018478 DOI: 10.1161/circep.123.003750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Atrial cardiomyopathy is a condition that causes electrical and contractile dysfunction of the atria, often along with structural and functional changes. Atrial cardiomyopathy most commonly occurs in conjunction with ventricular dysfunction, in which case it is difficult to discern the atrial features that are secondary to ventricular dysfunction from those that arise as a result of primary atrial abnormalities. Isolated atrial cardiomyopathy (atrial-selective cardiomyopathy [ASCM], with minimal or no ventricular function disturbance) is relatively uncommon and has most frequently been reported in association with deleterious rare genetic variants. The genes involved can affect proteins responsible for various biological functions, not necessarily limited to the heart but also involving extracardiac tissues. Atrial enlargement and atrial fibrillation are common complications of ASCM and are often the predominant clinical features. Despite progress in identifying disease-causing rare variants, an overarching understanding and approach to the molecular pathogenesis, phenotypic spectrum, and treatment of genetic ASCM is still lacking. In this review, we aim to analyze the literature relevant to genetic ASCM to understand the key features of this rather rare condition, as well as to identify distinct characteristics of ASCM and its arrhythmic complications that are related to specific genotypes. We outline the insights that have been gained using basic research models of genetic ASCM in vitro and in vivo and correlate these with patient outcomes. Finally, we provide suggestions for the future investigation of patients with genetic ASCM and improvements to basic scientific models and systems. Overall, a better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of ASCM will not only provide a better understanding of this condition but also promises to clarify our appreciation of the more commonly occurring forms of atrial cardiomyopathy associated with ventricular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard Marcoux
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal. (E.M., D.S., S. Ninni, M.M., S. Nattel)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal. (E.M.)
| | - Deanna Sosnowski
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal. (E.M., D.S., S. Ninni, M.M., S. Nattel)
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (D.S., M.M., S. Nattel)
| | - Sandro Ninni
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal. (E.M., D.S., S. Ninni, M.M., S. Nattel)
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France (S. Ninni)
| | - Martin Mackasey
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal. (E.M., D.S., S. Ninni, M.M., S. Nattel)
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (D.S., M.M., S. Nattel)
| | - Julia Cadrin-Tourigny
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal. (J.C.-T.)
| | - Jason D Roberts
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Canada (J.D.R.)
| | - Morten Salling Olesen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (M.S.O.)
| | - Diane Fatkin
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst (D.F.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington (D.F.)
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia (D.F.)
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal. (E.M., D.S., S. Ninni, M.M., S. Nattel)
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal. (S. Nattel.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (D.S., M.M., S. Nattel)
- Institute of Pharmacology. West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Germany (S. Nattel)
- IHU LYRIC & Fondation Bordeaux Université de Bordeaux, France (S. Nattel)
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Dong H, Chen H, Hidru TH, Xia Y, Yang X. Sinus node dysfunction and stroke risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e076499. [PMID: 37977871 PMCID: PMC10660976 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The role of cardiac arrhythmia in ischaemic stroke is widely studied, but the size of the stroke risk in patients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the risk of stroke and its associated factors in patients with SND with and without AF. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. DATA SOURCES PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Database were searched until December 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Studies that investigate stroke in patients with SND diagnosed with or without AF/atrial flutter. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent authors screened studies for inclusion and extracted data. Literature quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Collaboration Tool. The overall risk of stroke was estimated using the random-effects model. The generic inverse variance method was used to calculate the pooled estimates of stroke-associated factors. We performed a sensitivity analysis using a fixed-effects model. RESULTS Of the 929 records retrieved, 6 papers (106 163 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The average yearly stroke incidence in patients with SND was 1.542% (95% CI: 1.334% to 1.749%). The stroke incidence was similar between the isolated SND (1.587%; 95% CI: 1.510% to 1.664%) and non-isolated (SND+AF) (1.660%; 95% CI: 0.705% to 2.615%) groups. AF (HR, 95% CI: 1.53 (1.01 to 2.33)), stroke/transient ischaemia attack/other thrombotic events (HR, 95% CI: 2.54 (1.14 to 5.69)), hypertension (HR, 95% CI: 1.51 (1.11 to 2.07)) and heart failure (HR, 95% CI: 1.41 (1.01 to 1.97)) were associated with stroke in the SND population. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that patients with SND carry a similar risk of stroke to those with combined SND and AF. Future studies are needed to investigate whether interventions targeting stroke prevention, such as anticoagulation therapy, can help to prevent stroke in patients with SND. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023408436.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Dong
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | | | - Yunlong Xia
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaolei Yang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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26
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Saglietto A, Ballatore A, Griffith Brookles C, Xhakupi H, De Ferrari GM, Anselmino M. Role of atrial high-rate episodes in stratifying thromboembolic risk: a multiple cut-off diagnostic meta-analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1289372. [PMID: 38028457 PMCID: PMC10662047 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1289372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Despite the high prevalence rate of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) detected using cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), clinical guidelines and consensus documents have disagreed on a universal AHRE definition and a temporal cut-off related to subsequent thromboembolic events. This diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis aims to derive the optimal temporal threshold of clinically significant AHREs from the available literature. Methods The PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were screened for studies on CIED patients reporting the incidence of thromboembolic events related to at least one AHRE temporal cut-off. A total of 23 studies were included: 19 considering the longest single AHRE and four the AHRE burden, respectively. A random-effect diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis with multiple cut-offs was performed. Two analyses were performed according to the AHRE temporal cut-off subtype (longest episode vs. cumulative burden). Results The analysis on the longest single AHRE indicated 0.07 min as the optimal duration to differentiate AHRE associated or not with thromboembolic events [sensitivity 65.4% (95% CI 48.8%-79.0%), specificity 52.7% (95% CI 46.0%-59.4%), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-SROC): 0.62]. The analysis on AHRE burden indicated 1.4 min as the optimal cut-off [sensitivity 58.2% (95% CI 25.6%-85.0%), specificity 57.5% (95% CI 42.0%-71.7%), and AUC-SROC 0.60]. A sensitivity analysis excluding patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and including high-quality studies only yielded similar results. Conclusion The presence of AHRE, rather than a specific duration, relates to an increased, albeit low, thromboembolic risk in CIED patients. Any AHRE should constitute an additional element in patient-specific thromboembolic risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Saglietto
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, “Citta Della Salute e Della Scienza” Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballatore
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, “Citta Della Salute e Della Scienza” Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carola Griffith Brookles
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, “Citta Della Salute e Della Scienza” Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Henri Xhakupi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università Degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italia
| | - Gaetano Maria De Ferrari
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, “Citta Della Salute e Della Scienza” Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Anselmino
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, “Citta Della Salute e Della Scienza” Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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27
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Jiang J, Sun X, Cheng C, Chen K, Hua W, Su Y, Xu W, Chen R, Zhang S. Progression of Device-Detected Atrial High-Rate Episodes and the Risk of All-Cause Mortality. Am J Cardiol 2023; 204:96-103. [PMID: 37541154 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) are prevalent in approximately 1/3 of patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices and are associated with an increased risk of several adverse outcomes. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with AHRE progression and the risk of all-cause mortality. At least 1 day with AHRE burden ≥15 minutes was identified in 124 of 343 recipients (36.2%) of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy device. We included patients whose AHRE burden at the time of first detection was ≥15 minutes but <24 hours (n = 107). Various cut-off values (15 minutes, 6 hours, and 24 hours) of daily AHRE burden were analyzed. During an average follow-up of 4.2 years, 60 patients (56.1%) experienced ≥1 progression to greater AHRE burden. Patients with hypertension or greater AHRE burden at first detection were associated with faster progression. In addition, 27 deaths (45%) occurred among 60 patients with AHRE progression, compared with 25.5% (12 of 47) for those without progression. After multivariable adjustment, AHRE progression was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval 1.23 to 5.35, p = 0.012). Notably, AHRE progression within 1 month after their first detection was associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 4.01, 95% confidence interval 1.76 to 9.16, p = 0.001) compared with patients without progression. However, a similar risk was not observed among patients with AHRE progression occurring after 1 month after their first detection. In conclusion, >1/2 of the patients with AHRE progressed to a greater burden over time. Continuous monitoring of the AHRE burden may help identify patients at great risk for death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xuerong Sun
- Heart Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chendi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Keping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yangang Su
- Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruohan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Shu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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28
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Peigh G, Passman RS. "Pill-in-Pocket" anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:2152-2157. [PMID: 36806796 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Uninterrupted anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF), regardless of AF burden, is deeply rooted in practice since the early anticoagulation trials. However, uninterrupted anticoagulation is not without risks, and may not be beneficial for allcomers with a history of AF. Indeed, contemporary data that support a critical duration threshold of AF that benefits from anticoagulation, and a temporal association between stroke and multihour AF episodes, compel the study of a more targeted approach to AF anticoagulation. In this review, we discuss data that support further investigation of "pill in the pocket" anticoagulation for AF, and introduce the pivotal Rhythm Evaluation for Anticoagulation Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation (REACT-AF) trial that will robustly evaluate this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Peigh
- Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rod S Passman
- Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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29
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Ferrick AM, Raj SR, Deneke T, Kojodjojo P, Lopez-Cabanillas N, Abe H, Boveda S, Chew DS, Choi JI, Dagres N, Dalal AS, Dechert BE, Frazier-Mills CG, Gilbert O, Han JK, Hewit S, Kneeland C, DeEllen Mirza S, Mittal S, Ricci RP, Runte M, Sinclair S, Alkmim-Teixeira R, Vandenberk B, Varma N. 2023 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on practical management of the remote device clinic. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:e92-e144. [PMID: 37211145 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.03.1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Remote monitoring is beneficial for the management of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices by impacting morbidity and mortality. With increasing numbers of patients using remote monitoring, keeping up with higher volume of remote monitoring transmissions creates challenges for device clinic staff. This international multidisciplinary document is intended to guide cardiac electrophysiologists, allied professionals, and hospital administrators in managing remote monitoring clinics. This includes guidance for remote monitoring clinic staffing, appropriate clinic workflows, patient education, and alert management. This expert consensus statement also addresses other topics such as communication of transmission results, use of third-party resources, manufacturer responsibilities, and programming concerns. The goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations impacting all aspects of remote monitoring services. Gaps in current knowledge and guidance for future research directions are also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Haruhiko Abe
- University of Occupational and Environmental Health Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Nikolaos Dagres
- Heart Center Leipzig at the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aarti S Dalal
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Olivia Gilbert
- Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Janet K Han
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary Runte
- University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Bert Vandenberk
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Varma N, Braunschweig F, Burri H, Hindricks G, Linz D, Michowitz Y, Ricci RP, Nielsen JC. Remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices and disease management. Europace 2023; 25:euad233. [PMID: 37622591 PMCID: PMC10451003 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This reviews the transition of remote monitoring of patients with cardiac electronic implantable devices from curiosity to standard of care. This has been delivered by technology evolution from patient-activated remote interrogations at appointed intervals to continuous monitoring that automatically flags clinically actionable information to the clinic for review. This model has facilitated follow-up and received professional society recommendations. Additionally, continuous monitoring has provided a new level of granularity of diagnostic data enabling extension of patient management from device to disease management. This ushers in an era of digital medicine with wider applications in cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Varma
- Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44118, USA
| | | | - Haran Burri
- University Hospital of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Dominik Linz
- Maastricht University Medical Center, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Yoav Michowitz
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
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31
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Toennis T, Bertaglia E, Brandes A, Dichtl W, Fluschnik N, de Groot JR, Marijon E, Mont L, Lundqvist CB, Cabanelas N, Dan GA, Lubinski A, Merkely B, Rajappan K, Sarkozy A, Velchev V, Wichterle D, Kirchhof P. The influence of atrial high-rate episodes on stroke and cardiovascular death: an update. Europace 2023; 25:euad166. [PMID: 37345804 PMCID: PMC10319778 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) are atrial tachyarrhythmias detected by continuous rhythm monitoring by pacemakers, defibrillators, or implantable cardiac monitors. Atrial high-rate episodes occur in 10-30% of elderly patients without atrial fibrillation. However, it remains unclear whether the presence of these arrhythmias has therapeutic consequences. The presence of AHRE increases the risk of stroke compared with patients without AHRE. Oral anticoagulation would have the potential to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with AHRE but is also associated with a rate of major bleeding of ∼2%/year. The stroke rate in patients with AHRE appears to be lower than the stroke rate in patients with atrial fibrillation. Wearables like smart-watches will increase the absolute number of patients in whom atrial arrhythmias are detected. It remains unclear whether anticoagulation is effective and, equally important, safe in patients with AHRE. Two randomized clinical trials, NOAH-AFNET6 and ARTESiA, are expected to report soon. They will provide much-needed information on the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulation in patients with AHRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Toennis
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emanuele Bertaglia
- Department of Cardiac, Vascular, Thoracic and Public Health Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliera, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Axel Brandes
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Wolfgang Dichtl
- University Hospital of Internal Medicine III, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nina Fluschnik
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eloi Marijon
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Lluis Mont
- Cardiovascular Clinical Institute, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carina Blomström Lundqvist
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, 701 85 Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nuno Cabanelas
- Arrhythmias Unit of Cardiology Department, Hospital Prof. Dr. Fernando Fonseca, 2720-276 Amadora-Sintra, Portugal
| | - G Andrei Dan
- Department 5, Colentina University Hospital, Medicine University ‘Carol Davila’, Bucharest 020021, Romania
| | - Andrzej Lubinski
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk,80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University Budapest, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kim Rajappan
- Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Andrea Sarkozy
- Ventricular Arrhythmia and Sudden Death Management Unit, Heart Rhythm Management Center, University Hospital of Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vasil Velchev
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital, Medical University Sofia, 1750, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dan Wichterle
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 140 21 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UHB and Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trusts, IBR 126a, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), 48149 Muenster, Germany
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32
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Zhang MJ, Ji Y, Wang W, Norby FL, Parikh R, Eaton AA, Inciardi RM, Alonso A, Soliman EZ, Mosley TH, Johansen MC, Gottesman RF, Shah AM, Solomon SD, Chen LY. Association of Atrial Fibrillation With Stroke and Dementia Accounting for Left Atrial Function and Size. JACC. ADVANCES 2023; 2:100408. [PMID: 37954510 PMCID: PMC10634508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with higher risks of ischemic stroke (IS) and dementia. Whether alterations in left atrial (LA) function or size-atrial myopathy-confound these associations remains unknown. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the association of prevalent and incident AF with ischemic stroke and dementia in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study, adjusting for LA function and size. METHODS Participants at visit 5 (2011-2013) with echocardiographic LA function (reservoir, conduit, contractile strain, and emptying fraction) and size (maximal, minimal volume index) data, and without prevalent stroke or dementia were followed through 2019. For analysis, we used time-varying Cox regression. RESULTS Among 5,458 participants (1,193 with AF, mean age of 76 years) in the stroke analysis and 5,461 participants (1,205 with AF, mean age of 75 years) in the dementia analysis, 209 participants developed ischemic stroke, and 773 developed dementia over 7.1 years (median). In a demographic and risk factor-adjusted model, AF was significantly associated with ischemic stroke (HR, 1.63; 95% CI: 1.11-2.37) and dementia (HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.13-1.70). After additionally adjusting for LA reservoir strain, these associations were attenuated and no longer statistically significant (stroke [HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 0.88-2.00], dementia [HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.92-1.43]). Associations with ischemic stroke and dementia were also attenuated and not statistically significant after adjustment for LA contractile strain, emptying fraction, and minimal volume index. CONCLUSIONS AF-ischemic stroke and AF-dementia associations were not statistically significant after adjusting for measures of atrial myopathy. This proof-of-concept analysis does not support AF as an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Zhang
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Yuekai Ji
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Wendy Wang
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Faye L. Norby
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Cardiac Arrest Prevention, Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Romil Parikh
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Anne A. Eaton
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Riccardo M. Inciardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Institute of Cardiology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alvaro Alonso
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elsayed Z. Soliman
- Cardiovascular Medicine Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Thomas H. Mosley
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Michelle C. Johansen
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rebecca F. Gottesman
- Stroke Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Intramural Research Program, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amil M. Shah
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Scott D. Solomon
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lin Yee Chen
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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33
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Hu D, Barajas-Martinez H, Zhang ZH, Duan HY, Zhao QY, Bao MW, Du YM, Burashnikov A, Monasky MM, Pappone C, Huang CX, Antzelevitch C, Jiang H. Advances in basic and translational research in atrial fibrillation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220174. [PMID: 37122214 PMCID: PMC10150218 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very common cardiac arrhythmia with an estimated prevalence of 33.5 million patients globally. It is associated with an increased risk of death, stroke and peripheral embolism. Although genetic studies have identified a growing number of genes associated with AF, the definitive impact of these genetic findings is yet to be established. Several mechanisms, including electrical, structural and neural remodelling of atrial tissue, have been proposed to contribute to the development of AF. Despite over a century of exploration, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying AF have not been fully established. Current antiarrhythmic drugs are associated with a significant rate of adverse events and management of AF using ablation is not optimal, especially in cases of persistent AF. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding and management of AF, including new concepts of epidemiology, genetics and pathophysiological mechanisms. We review the current status of antiarrhythmic drug therapy for AF, new potential agents, as well as mechanism-based AF ablation. This article is part of the theme issue 'The heartbeat: its molecular basis and physiological mechanisms'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hector Barajas-Martinez
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, and Lankenau Heart Institute, Wynnwood, PA 19096, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhong-He Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yi Duan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Yan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Wei Bao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Mei Du
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Alexander Burashnikov
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, and Lankenau Heart Institute, Wynnwood, PA 19096, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michelle M. Monasky
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
| | - Carlo Pappone
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
| | - Cong-Xin Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Charles Antzelevitch
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, and Lankenau Heart Institute, Wynnwood, PA 19096, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
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Ferrick AM, Raj SR, Deneke T, Kojodjojo P, Lopez‐Cabanillas N, Abe H, Boveda S, Chew DS, Choi J, Dagres N, Dalal AS, Dechert BE, Frazier‐Mills CG, Gilbert O, Han JK, Hewit S, Kneeland C, Mirza SD, Mittal S, Ricci RP, Runte M, Sinclair S, Alkmim‐Teixeira R, Vandenberk B, Varma N, Davenport E, Freedenberg V, Glotzer TV, Huang J, Ikeda T, Kramer DB, Lin D, Rojel‐Martínez U, Stühlinger M, Varosy PD. 2023 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS Expert Consensus Statement on Practical Management of the Remote Device Clinic. J Arrhythm 2023; 39:250-302. [PMID: 37324757 PMCID: PMC10264760 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Remote monitoring is beneficial for the management of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices by impacting morbidity and mortality. With increasing numbers of patients using remote monitoring, keeping up with higher volume of remote monitoring transmissions creates challenges for device clinic staff. This international multidisciplinary document is intended to guide cardiac electrophysiologists, allied professionals, and hospital administrators in managing remote monitoring clinics. This includes guidance for remote monitoring clinic staffing, appropriate clinic workflows, patient education, and alert management. This expert consensus statement also addresses other topics such as communication of transmission results, use of third-party resources, manufacturer responsibilities, and programming concerns. The goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations impacting all aspects of remote monitoring services. Gaps in current knowledge and guidance for future research directions are also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Haruhiko Abe
- University of Occupational and Environmental Health HospitalJapan
| | | | | | | | - Nikolaos Dagres
- Heart Center Leipzig at the University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | | | | | | | | | - Janet K. Han
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCalifornia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary Runte
- University of LethbridgeLethbridgeAlbertaCanada
| | | | | | - Bert Vandenberk
- University of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesLeuvenBelgium
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35
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Papakonstantinou PE, Tsioufis K. Optimizing Anticoagulation Management in Atrial Fibrillation: Beyond the Guidelines. How and for Whom? J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2023; 81:397-399. [PMID: 36791395 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Anticoagulation therapy (AT) is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment for thromboembolic event prevention. The AF burden, however, is of predictive relevance and may be used as a foundation for therapeutic decisions in individuals with paroxysmal or persistent AF. Remote rhythm monitoring devices can provide early detection of the arrhythmia, long-term rhythm monitoring, and the development of anticoagulation strategies based on AF recurrence profile and the total burden of the arrhythmia. Although the exact thromboembolic cut-off value for the AF burden has not yet been established, targeted anticoagulation treatments in the new oral anticoagulants era have shown encouraging outcomes. The combined evaluation of AF burden and patient thromboembolic risk reported in some studies supports the concept of tailored anticoagulation management, at least in a subset of patients with low AF burden and intermediate thromboembolic risk, for whom the guidelines recommend that AT should be individualized based on net clinical benefit and patient values and preferences. Although it is still premature to derive firm conclusions or algorithms diverging from the current guidelines, the combination of a patient's AF burden, thromboembolic risk, and bleeding risk can lead in the future to an individualized management of patients with a congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age 65-74 years sex category (female) (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc) score of 1 (2 for female patients), in whom the guidelines do not strictly recommend long-term AT. In this study, we provide an algorithm regarding the individualized implementation of anticoagulation strategies in AF in different patients' thromboembolic risk profiles, based on the available data on the so far tailored anticoagulation strategies in AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panteleimon E Papakonstantinou
- 1st Cardiology Department, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
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36
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Ferrick AM, Raj SR, Deneke T, Kojodjojo P, Lopez-Cabanillas N, Abe H, Boveda S, Chew DS, Choi JI, Dagres N, Dalal AS, Dechert BE, Frazier-Mills CG, Gilbert O, Han JK, Hewit S, Kneeland C, Mirza SD, Mittal S, Ricci RP, Runte M, Sinclair S, Alkmim-Teixeira R, Vandenberk B, Varma N, Davenport E, Freedenberg V, Glotzer TV, Huang JL, Ikeda T, Kramer DB, Lin D, Rojel-Martínez U, Stühlinger M, Varosy PD. 2023 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS Expert Consensus Statement on Practical Management of the Remote Device Clinic. Europace 2023; 25:euad123. [PMID: 37208301 PMCID: PMC10199172 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Remote monitoring is beneficial for the management of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices by impacting morbidity and mortality. With increasing numbers of patients using remote monitoring, keeping up with higher volume of remote monitoring transmissions creates challenges for device clinic staff. This international multidisciplinary document is intended to guide cardiac electrophysiologists, allied professionals, and hospital administrators in managing remote monitoring clinics. This includes guidance for remote monitoring clinic staffing, appropriate clinic workflows, patient education, and alert management. This expert consensus statement also addresses other topics such as communication of transmission results, use of third-party resources, manufacturer responsibilities, and programming concerns. The goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations impacting all aspects of remote monitoring services. Gaps in current knowledge and guidance for future research directions are also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Haruhiko Abe
- University of Occupational and Environmental Health Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Nikolaos Dagres
- Heart Center Leipzig at the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aarti S Dalal
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Olivia Gilbert
- Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Janet K Han
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary Runte
- University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Bert Vandenberk
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Hindricks G, Theuns DA, Bar-Lev D, Anguera I, Ayala Paredes FA, Arnold M, Geller JC, Merkely B, Dyrda KM, Perings C, Maglia G, Ploux S, Meyhöfer J, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Karjalainen P, Liang Y, Diemberger I, Wranicz JK, Barr C, Quartieri F, Timmel T, Bollmann A. Ability to remotely monitor atrial high-rate episodes using a single-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator with a floating atrial sensing dipole. Europace 2023; 25:euad061. [PMID: 37038759 PMCID: PMC10227664 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To allow timely initiation of anticoagulation therapy for the prevention of stroke, the European guidelines on atrial fibrillation (AF) recommend remote monitoring (RM) of device-detected atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) and progression of arrhythmia duration along pre-specified strata (6 min…<1 h, 1 h…<24 h, ≥ 24 h). We used the MATRIX registry data to assess the capability of a single-lead implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) with atrial sensing dipole (DX ICD system) to follow this recommendation in patients with standard indication for single-chamber ICD. METHODS AND RESULTS In 1841 DX ICD patients with daily automatic RM transmissions, electrograms of first device-detected AHREs per patient in each duration stratum were adjudicated, and the corresponding positive predictive values (PPVs) for the detections to be true atrial arrhythmia were calculated. Moreover, the incidence and progression of new-onset AF was assessed in 1451 patients with no AF history. A total of 610 AHREs ≥6 min were adjudicated. The PPV was 95.1% (271 of 285) for episodes 6min…<1 h, 99.6% (253/254) for episodes 1 h…<24 h, 100% (71/71) for episodes ≥24 h, or 97.5% for all episodes (595/610). The incidence of new-onset AF was 8.2% (119/1451), and in 31.1% of them (37/119), new-onset AF progressed to a higher duration stratum. Nearly 80% of new-onset AF patients had high CHA2DS2-VASc stroke risk, and 70% were not on anticoagulation therapy. Age was the only significant predictor of new-onset AF. CONCLUSION A 99.7% detection accuracy for AHRE ≥1 h in patients with DX ICD systems in combination with daily RM allows a reliable guideline-recommended screening for subclinical AF and monitoring of AF-duration progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Hindricks
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Leipzig and Leipzig Heart Institute, Strümpellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dominic A Theuns
- Erasmus University Medical Center,‘s-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 GD Rotterdam, TheNetherlands
| | - David Bar-Lev
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center,52621 Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ignasi Anguera
- Arrhythmia Unit, Heart Diseases Institute, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Bellvitge University Hospital, Feixa Llarga, 08907 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Martin Arnold
- Department of Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Christoph Geller
- Zentralklinik Bad Berka GmbH,Robert-Koch-Allee 9, 99437 Bad Berka, Germany
| | - Béla Merkely
- Semmelweis Medical University, Városmajorutca 68, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katia Marjolaine Dyrda
- Montreal Heart Institute affiliated with Université de Montréal, 5000, rue Belanger, H1T 1C8 Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Giampiero Maglia
- Azienda Ospedaliera Pugliese Ciaccio, Via Vinicio Cortese 25, 88100 Catanzaro, Italia
| | - Sylvain Ploux
- Hôpital Haut Lévêque (CHU), 1 avenue de Magellan, 33600 Pessac Cedex, France
| | - Jürgen Meyhöfer
- Maria Heimsuchung—Caritas-Klinik Pankow,Breite Str. 46/47, 13187 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carina Blomström-Lundqvist
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiology, Uppsala University, S-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pasi Karjalainen
- Satakunta Central Hospital, Sydänyksikkö, Sairaalantie 3, 28500 Pori, Finland
| | - Yanchun Liang
- General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, 110016 Shenyang, China
| | - Igor Diemberger
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italia
| | - Jerzy Krzysztof Wranicz
- Department of Electrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland
| | - Craig Barr
- Russells Hall Hospital, Pensett Road, DY1 2HQ Dudley, UK
| | - Fabio Quartieri
- Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italia
| | - Tobias Timmel
- Biotronik SE & Co. KG,Woermannkehre 1, 12359 Berlin, Germany
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Ginder C, Li J, Halperin JL, Akar JG, Martin DT, Chattopadhyay I, Upadhyay GA. Predicting Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmias Using Real-Time Remote Monitoring. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023; 81:949-961. [PMID: 36889873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapies are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, the prediction of malignant ventricular arrhythmias has remained elusive. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether daily remote-monitoring data may predict appropriate ICD therapies for ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of IMPACT (Randomized trial of atrial arrhythmia monitoring to guide anticoagulation in patients with implanted defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization devices), a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of 2,718 patients evaluating atrial tachyarrhythmias and anticoagulation for patients with heart failure and ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator devices. All device therapies were adjudicated as either appropriate (to treat ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation) or inappropriate (all others). Remote monitoring data in the 30 days before device therapy were utilized to develop separate multivariable logistic regression and neural network models to predict appropriate device therapies. RESULTS A total of 59,807 device transmissions were available for 2,413 patients (age 64 ± 11 years, 26% women, 64% ICD). Appropriate device therapies (141 shocks, 10 antitachycardia pacing) were delivered to 151 patients. Logistic regression identified shock lead impedance and ventricular ectopy as significantly associated with increased risk of appropriate device therapy (sensitivity 39%, specificity 91%, AUC: 0.72). Neural network modeling yielded significantly better (P < 0.01 for comparison) predictive performance (sensitivity 54%, specificity 96%, AUC: 0.90), and also identified patterns of change in atrial lead impedance, mean heart rate, and patient activity as predictors of appropriate therapies. CONCLUSIONS Daily remote monitoring data may be utilized to predict malignant ventricular arrhythmias in the 30 days before device therapies. Neural networks complement and enhance conventional approaches to risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis Ginder
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jonathan L Halperin
- Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joseph G Akar
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - David T Martin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ishanu Chattopadhyay
- Department of Hospital Medicine, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gaurav A Upadhyay
- Center for Arrhythmia Care, Heart and Vascular Institute, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA. https://twitter.com/gauravaupadhyay
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Gunawardene M, Hartmann J, Willems S. [Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation : Screening and therapy]. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2023; 34:122-130. [PMID: 36912974 DOI: 10.1007/s00399-023-00933-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting millions of people worldwide and poses a significant burden to the health care system. AF screening of the general population or of a specific higher-risk population could not only lead to earlier detection of AF but also to a prompt initiation of an adequate therapy to prevent complications such as stroke or death and consecutively to a potential reduction of health care costs, especially in asymptomatic AF patients. To conduct screening programs, accessible new technology devices such as "wearables", smartwatches, and implantable event recorders provide an innovative solution. However, as data regarding screening are inconclusive, routine AF screening of the population is currently not recommended by the European Society of Cardiology. Recently published studies have indicated that anticoagulation and early rhythm control of asymptomatic AF could avoid occurrence of clinical endpoints. This article reports on the scientific results of the current literature as well as gaps of evidence and discusses possible treatment options of asymptomatic AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Gunawardene
- Klinik für Kardiologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Lohmühlenstr. 5, 20099, Hamburg, Deutschland.
| | - Jens Hartmann
- Klinik für Kardiologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Lohmühlenstr. 5, 20099, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Stephan Willems
- Klinik für Kardiologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Lohmühlenstr. 5, 20099, Hamburg, Deutschland
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40
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Tatarsky BA, Napalkov DA. Atrial Fibrillation: a Marker or Risk Factor for Stroke. RATIONAL PHARMACOTHERAPY IN CARDIOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.20996/1819-6446-2023-01-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is strongly associated with stroke risk, but an association by itself does not necessarily imply causation. The question remains whether AF is a risk factor for stroke and whether treatment that reduces the severity of AF will also reduce the burden of stroke. On the other hand, it is possible that AF is a risk marker associated with atrial insufficiency, in which structural and electrical atrial remodeling coexist, leading to the clinical manifestations of AF and the risk of stroke simultaneously. Atrial fibrillation and stroke are inextricably linked to the classic Virchow pathophysiology, which explains thromboembolism as blood stasis in a fibrillating left atrium. This concept has been reinforced by the proven efficacy of oral anticoagulants for the prevention of stroke in AF. However, a number of observations showing that the presence of AF is neither necessary nor sufficient for stroke cast doubt on the causal role of AF in vascular brain injury. The growing recognition of the role of atrial cardiomyopathy and the atrial substrate in the development of stroke associated with AF, as well as stroke without AF, has led to a rethinking of the pathogenetic model of cardioembolic stroke. A number of recent studies have shown that AF is a direct cause of stroke. Studies in which cardiac implantable devices have been used to collect data on pre-stroke AF do not appear to show a direct time relationship. The presence of AF is neither necessary nor sufficient for stroke, which casts doubt on the causal role of AF in cerebrovascular injury. Known risk factors for stroke in the presence of AF are also recognized risk factors for ischemic stroke, regardless of the presence of AF. The risk of stroke in patients with AF in the absence of risk factors differs little from that in patients without AF. This work is devoted to an attempt to answer the question whether AF is a marker or a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. A. Tatarsky
- Scientific Medical Research Center named after V.A. Almazova
| | - D. A. Napalkov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
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Briosa e Gala A, Pope MTB, Leo M, Sharp AJ, Tsoi V, Paisey J, Curzen N, Betts TR. 'Pill-in-the-pocket' Oral Anticoagulation Guided by Daily Rhythm Monitoring for Stroke Prevention in Patients with AF: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2023; 12:e05. [PMID: 37600156 PMCID: PMC10433111 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2022.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims In patients with a low AF burden and long periods of sinus rhythm, 'pill-in-the-pocket' oral anticoagulation (OAC) may, taken as needed in response to AF episodes, offer the same thromboembolic protection as continuous, life-long OAC, while reducing bleeding complications at the same time. The purpose of this study is to systematically summarise available evidence pertaining to the feasibility, safety and efficacy of pill-in-the-pocket OAC. Methods Medline and Embase were searched from inception to July 2022 for studies adopting a pill-in-the-pocket OAC strategy in AF patients guided by daily rhythm monitoring (PROSPERO/CRD42020209564). Outcomes of interest were extracted and event rates per patient-years of follow-up were calculated. A random effects model was used for pooled estimates. Results Eight studies were included (711 patients). Daily rhythm monitoring was continuous in six studies and intermittent in two (pulse checks or smartphone single-lead electrocardiograms were used). Anticoagulation criteria varied across studies, reflecting the uncertainty regarding the AF burden that warrants anticoagulation. The mean time from AF meeting OAC criteria to its initiation was not reported. Adopting pill-in-the-pocket OAC led to 390 (54.7%) patients stopping OAC, 85 (12.0%) patients taking pill-in-the-pocket OAC and 237 (33.3%) patients remaining on or returning to continuous OAC. Overall, annualised ischaemic stroke and major bleeding rates per patient-year of follow-up were low at 0.005 (95% CI [0.002-0.012]) and 0.024 (95% CI [0.013-0.043]), respectively. Conclusion Current evidence, although encouraging, is insufficient to inform practice. Additional studies are required to improve our understanding of the relationships between AF burden and thromboembolic risk to help define anticoagulation criteria and appropriate monitoring strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Briosa e Gala
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Timothy Brian Pope
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Milena Leo
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander James Sharp
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Victor Tsoi
- Wessex Cardiac Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - John Paisey
- Wessex Cardiac Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Nick Curzen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Wessex Cardiac Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Timothy Rider Betts
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
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Bayés-de-Luna A, Bacharova L. New electrocardiographic aspects of the P wave: Its value in clinical cardiology. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2023; 28:e13053. [PMID: 36825831 DOI: 10.1111/anec.13053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we will comment on new aspects of P-wave morphology that help us to better diagnose atrial blocks and atrial enlargement, and their clinical implications. These include: (1) Atypical ECG patterns of advanced interatrial block; (2) The ECG diagnosis of left atrial enlargement versus interatrial block; (3) Atrial fibrillation and advanced interatrial block: The two sides of the same coin; and (4) P-wave parameters: Clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Bayés-de-Luna
- Cardiovascular Research Foundation. Cardiovascular ICCC- Program, Research Institute Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ljuba Bacharova
- Department of Biophotonics, International Laser Center CVTI, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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43
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Field TS, Sposato LA, Hill MD, Healey JS, Andrade JG, Zhou LW. Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: Current Perspectives on Diagnosis, Investigations, and Management. Can J Cardiol 2023; 39:172-186. [PMID: 36272633 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2014, Hart et al. introduced the concept of "embolic stroke of undetermined source" (ESUS) to the clinical-research stroke community. The hypothesis underlying the development of the ESUS construct was that this potentially heterogenous group of stroke mechanisms were largely thromboembolic, and would thus benefit from anticoagulation over antiplatelet for secondary prevention. Since then, 2 large clinical trials have shown that, to date, there is not a clear uniform antithrombotic strategy for secondary prevention after ESUS as it was originally broadly defined. However, this work has yielded valuable information about the patient phenotypes that experience ESUS strokes, as well as hypothesis-generating substudies that have given rise to the next generation of secondary prevention trials aimed at more personalized approaches for different suspected mechanisms of embolic stroke. In parallel with the evolution of ESUS, several studies aimed at screening for atrial fibrillation in the secondary stroke prevention population have generated additional questions about the mechanistic relevance of atrial fibrillation detected after stroke, and how this should inform poststroke workup, and secondary prevention strategies. Herein, we provide a synthesis of the current understanding surrounding the patient phenotypes that experience ESUS strokes, and previous, ongoing, and anticipated clinical trials that will guide earlier and later secondary prevention strategies and poststroke cardiac investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalia S Field
- Division of Neurology, Vancouver Stroke Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Luciano A Sposato
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute, Heart and Brain Laboratory, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael D Hill
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeff S Healey
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason G Andrade
- Division of Cardiology, Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lily W Zhou
- Division of Neurology, Vancouver Stroke Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Atrial cardiomyopathy: Diagnosis, clinical implications and unresolved issues in anticoagulation therapy. J Electrocardiol 2023; 76:1-10. [PMID: 36370545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Atrial cardiomyopathy (AC) is an evolving pathophysiological entity that has expanded our understanding regarding the atrium and its role in arrhythmogenesis and cardiac thromboembolism. The pathological myocardium in AC promotes arrhythmogenesis through mechanical dysfunction (hypocontractility, fibrosis), adverse alterations of the endothelium and secretion of prothrombotic factors (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a). 'Red flags', indicative of AC, can be recognized either non-invasively by electrocardiography, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or invasively by high-density electroanatomical mapping as low bipolar voltage areas of the affected myocardium. Signs of AC have been strongly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, even embolic strokes of undetermined source, regardless of the coexistence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The underlying existence of AC has been negatively correlated with the success rate of catheter ablation of AF. The clinical value of AC is the provision of a novel pathway regarding the potential mechanisms of cerebrovascular events of cardiac thromboembolic origin. In addition, AC may serve as a risk stratification tool to predict the long-term responders of AF catheter ablation.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity globally. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. It is set to reach epidemic proportions. AF is associated with a five-fold increase in risk of stroke. Strokes caused by AF more often are fatal or result in severe disability. Even though the incidence of stroke has been significantly reduced by oral anticoagulation, AF is thought to account for a significant proportion of cryptogenic strokes where no etiology is identified. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the literature related to AF and stroke, pathophysiological insights, diagnosis of AF in stroke patients, and its management (Graphical Abstract). EXPERT OPINION The pathophysiology of thrombogenesis that links AF and stroke is not well understood and is an area of active research to identify new therapeutic targets to prevent AF and stroke. As the nature of AF and stroke is multifaceted, an integrated care approach to managing AF and stroke is increasingly essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia E Choi
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dimitrios Sagris
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Andrew Hill
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Stroke Division, Department of Medicine for Older People, Whiston Hospital, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Azmil H Abdul-Rahim
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Stroke Division, Department of Medicine for Older People, Whiston Hospital, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
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Sharma AN, McIntyre WF, Nguyen ST, Baranchuk A. Implantable loop recorders in patients with atrial fibrillation. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2022; 20:919-928. [PMID: 36444859 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2022.2153673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) provide practitioners with high-quality electrocardiographic data over an extended monitoring period. These data can guide the diagnosis and management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the available evidence and consensus statements supporting the use of ILRs in the detection of AF, as well as monitoring of patients with known AF. Future directions for research are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION ILRs are the gold standard for detecting AF, providing superior diagnostic yield compared to other modes of ambulatory electrocardiography monitoring. Both experimental evidence and consensus statements support the use of ILRs in clinical settings where the diagnosis of AF may significantly change management, or where a high degree of sensitivity is needed. ILRs may also be used to monitor patients following AF ablation. More evidence is needed to better inform how ILR-detected AF should change management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun N Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Adrian Baranchuk
- Division of Cardiology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Kerr B, Brandon L. Atrial Fibrillation, thromboembolic risk, and the potential role of the natriuretic peptides, a focus on BNP and NT-proBNP - A narrative review. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2022; 43:101132. [PMID: 36246770 PMCID: PMC9562601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2022.101132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most commonly encountered arrythmia in clinical practice. AF itself can be driven by genetic predisposition, ectopic electrical activity, and abnormal atrial tissue substrates. Often there is no single etiological mechanism, but rather a combination of factors that feed back to remodel and worsen tissue substrate, "AF begets AF". The clinical consequences of AF can often include emboli, heart failure, and early mortality. The classical AF cardioembolic (CE) concept requires thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage, with subsequent embolization. The temporal dissociation between AF occurrence and CE events has thrown doubt on AF as the driver of this mechanism. Instead, there has been a resurgence of the "atrial cardiomyopathy" (ACM) concept. An ACM is proposed as a potential mechanism of embolic disease through promotion of prothrombotic mechanisms, with AF instead reflecting atrial disease severity. Regardless, AF has been implicated in 25% to 30% of cryptogenic strokes. Natriuretic peptide(NP)s have been shown to be elevated in AF, with higher levels of both NT-proBNP and BNP being predictive of incidental AF. NPs potentially reflect the atrial environment and could be used to identify an underlying ACM. Therefore, this narrative review examines this evidence and mechanisms that may underpin the role of NPs in identifying atrial dysfunction, with focus on both, BNP and NTproBNP. We explore their potential role in the prediction and screening for both, ACM and AF. Moreover, we compare both NPs directly to ascertain a superior biomarker.
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Key Words
- ACM, Atrial cardiomyopathy
- AF, Atrial fibrillation
- ARISTOTLE trial, Apixaban For Reduction In Stroke And Other Thromboembolic Events In Atrial Fibrillation Trial
- ASSERT trial, Atrial Fibrillation Evaluation In Pacemaker Patient’s Trial
- ASSERT-II trial, Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Evaluation in Pacemaker Patients and the Atrial Fibrillation Reduction Atrial Pacing Trial
- AUC, Area Under The Curve
- Atrial cardiomyopathy
- Atrial fibrillation
- BNP
- BNP, Brain natriuretic peptide
- CE, Cardioembolic
- CHA2DS2-Vasc, Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75, Diabetes, Stroke/TIA/Thromboembolism, Vascular Disease, Age 65–74
- CHARGE, Cohorts For Heart And Aging Research In Genomic Epidemiology
- CI, Confidence Intervals
- CNP, C-type natriuretic peptide
- EHRAS, EHRA/ HRS/APHRS/SOLAECE
- ESUS, Embolic Stroke of Unknown Source
- IMPACT Trial, Implementation of An RCT To Improve Treatment With Oral Anticoagulants In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
- MR-proANP, Mid Regional Pro-Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
- NP, Natriuretic peptide
- NT-proBNP
- NT-proBNP, N-Terminal Pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide
- Natriuretic peptides
- RE-LY study, The Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy study
- SE, Standard Error
- TE, Thromboembolic event
- TIA, Transient ischemic attack
- TRENDS trial, A Prospective Study of the Clinical Significance of Atrial Arrhythmias Detected by Implanted Device Diagnostics
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Kerr
- Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, James Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Lisa Brandon
- Department of Cardiology, St James Hospital, James Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
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Li Z, Wang X, Liu Q, Li C, Gao J, Yang Y, Wang B, Hidru TH, Liu F, Yang X, Xia Y. Atrial cardiomyopathy markers predict ischemic cerebrovascular events independent of atrial fibrillation in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1025842. [DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1025842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundContemporary data on atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) markers and ischemic cerebrovascular events (ICVE) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is lacking. We aimed to examine whether ACM markers predict ICVE among AMI patients.Materials and methodsA total of 4,206 AMI cases diagnosed in clinical examinations between January 2016 and June 2021 were assessed for markers of ACM including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), P-wave terminal force in ECG lead V1 (PTFV1), and left atrium diameter (LAD). Left atrial enlargement (LAE) and abnormal PTFV1 were defined by previously published cut-off points. The primary outcome was incident ICVE composed of ischemic stroke (IS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Receiver operating curve analyses were used to compare the predictive performance of the CHA2DS2-VASc score combined with ACM markers to the CHA2DS2-VASc score alone.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 44.0 months, 229 (5.44%) ICVE occurred. Of these, 156 individuals developed IS and the remaining 73 cases were diagnosed with TIAs. The ICVE group showed larger PTFV1 and increased LAD as well as elevated BNP levels at baseline. In the multivariate analysis, we found significant associations with ICVE for PTFV1 (HR per 1,000 μV*ms, 1.143; 95% CI, 1.093–1.196), LAD (HR per millimeter, 1.148; 95% CI, 1.107–1.190), but not BNP after adjusting for known ICVE risk factors and interim atrial fibrillation (AF). The addition of abnormal PTFV1 and LAE improved the predictive accuracy of the CHA2DS2-VASc score with C-statistic increasing from 0.708 to 0.761 (p < 0.001).ConclusionAtrial cardiomyopathy markers including PTFV1 and LAD were associated with incident ICVE independent of well-established risk factors and AF occurrence. The addition of ACM markers with CHA2DS2-VASc score may well discriminate individuals at high risk of ICVE in AMI patients.
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Del Buono MG, Sanna T. Atrial fibrillation: focus on monitoring strategies after cryptogenic stroke. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2022; 70:606-615. [PMID: 35080356 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.21.05851-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is responsible for up to one-third of ischemic strokes, with stroke potentially being the first manifestation of a previously undetected AF. Given the efficacy of oral anticoagulants in preventing AF-related ischemic events, searching for unknown AF after stroke requires a comprehensive diagnostic workup. Prospective data have demonstrated the benefits of long-term cardiac monitoring to identify AF in association with cryptogenic stroke, as most strokes are presumed to result from AF. However, strategies of empirical anticoagulation using oral anticoagulants following cryptogenic stroke failed to improve outcomes. We herein summarize contemporary evidence and knowledge gaps on searching for AF after a stroke and the potential secondary prevention strategies to prevent further recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tommaso Sanna
- Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy -
- IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Dilaveris PE, Antoniou CK, Caiani EG, Casado-Arroyo R, Climent AΜ, Cluitmans M, Cowie MR, Doehner W, Guerra F, Jensen MT, Kalarus Z, Locati ET, Platonov P, Simova I, Schnabel RB, Schuuring MJ, Tsivgoulis G, Lumens J. ESC Working Group on e-Cardiology Position Paper: accuracy and reliability of electrocardiogram monitoring in the detection of atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke patients : In collaboration with the Council on Stroke, the European Heart Rhythm Association, and the Digital Health Committee. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. DIGITAL HEALTH 2022; 3:341-358. [PMID: 36712155 PMCID: PMC9707962 DOI: 10.1093/ehjdh/ztac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The role of subclinical atrial fibrillation as a cause of cryptogenic stroke is unambiguously established. Long-term electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring remains the sole method for determining its presence following a negative initial workup. This position paper of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on e-Cardiology first presents the definition, epidemiology, and clinical impact of cryptogenic ischaemic stroke, as well as its aetiopathogenic association with occult atrial fibrillation. Then, classification methods for ischaemic stroke will be discussed, along with their value in providing meaningful guidance for further diagnostic efforts, given disappointing findings of studies based on the embolic stroke of unknown significance construct. Patient selection criteria for long-term ECG monitoring, crucial for determining pre-test probability of subclinical atrial fibrillation, will also be discussed. Subsequently, the two major classes of long-term ECG monitoring tools (non-invasive and invasive) will be presented, with a discussion of each method's pitfalls and related algorithms to improve diagnostic yield and accuracy. Although novel mobile health (mHealth) devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, have dramatically increased atrial fibrillation detection post ischaemic stroke, the latest evidence appears to favour implantable cardiac monitors as the modality of choice; however, the answer to whether they should constitute the initial diagnostic choice for all cryptogenic stroke patients remains elusive. Finally, institutional and organizational issues, such as reimbursement, responsibility for patient management, data ownership, and handling will be briefly touched upon, despite the fact that guidance remains scarce and widespread clinical application and experience are the most likely sources for definite answers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polychronis E Dilaveris
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 114 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Konstantinos Antoniou
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 114 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Electrophysiology and Pacing Laboratory, Athens Heart Centre, Athens Medical Center, Marousi, Attica, Greece
| | - Enrico G Caiani
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Electronics, Information and Biomedical Engineering, Milan, Italy
- National Council of Research, Institute of Electronics, Information and Telecommunication Engineering, Milan, Italy
| | - Ruben Casado-Arroyo
- Department of Cardiology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andreu Μ Climent
- ITACA Institute, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia, Spain
| | - Matthijs Cluitmans
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin R Cowie
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfram Doehner
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiology (Virchow Klinikum), and Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Federico Guerra
- Cardiology and Arrhythmology Clinic, Marche Polytechnic University, University Hospital ‘Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I—Lancisi—Salesi’, Ancona, Italy
| | - Magnus T Jensen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager & Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Zbigniew Kalarus
- DMS in Zabrze, Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Emanuela Teresa Locati
- Arrhythmology & Electrophysiology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Pyotr Platonov
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Iana Simova
- Cardiology Clinic, Heart and Brain Centre of Excellence—University Hospital, Medical University Pleven, Pleven, Bulgaria
| | - Renate B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site, Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mark J Schuuring
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, ‘Attikon’ University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Joost Lumens
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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