Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation: Doubts and Certainties From Basic and Clinical Studies

The interplay among body weight, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness in predicting atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Hypertension, obesity, and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are known risk predictors for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) that often interrelate with each other. We examined the interplay of these 3 risk indicators with the occurrence of AF in patients without known cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 13,042 patients underwent exercise stress testing (EST). The occurrence of AF during the median follow-up period of 6.8 years was investigated in relation to the presence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²), hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or history of hypertension), or low CRF (exercise capacity <8 metabolic equivalents). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the individual and combined association between the 3 risk indicators and AF.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 58 ± 9 years; 49% were women. AF occurred in 499 patients (3.8%). Obesity [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval)], 1.36 (1.12-1.65), hypertension, 1.47 (1.19-1.82), and low CRF, 1.32 (1.06-1.64), were independent risk predictors for AF after multivariable adjustment, including after adjusting for each other and also when the risk predictors were analyzed as continuous variables. In a combined model, a gradual increase in the risk of AF was observed, reaching an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.53 (1.77-3.62) in those with all 3 compared with neither risk indicators. P-for-interaction between hypertension and obesity, or hypertension and low CRF was nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity, low CRF, and hypertension are independently associated with an excess risk of developing AF in patients without known cardiovascular disease, both individually and more so when coexisting together.

Sex differences in the association between blood pressure and atrial fibrillation: A case-control study

Background

To examine the association of hypertension (HBP) and its control with atrial fibrillation (AF) and how patient sex affects this association.

Materials and methods

A case control study of patients admitted to our hospital from 2015 to 2019 was conducted. Patients were divided into subgroups according to their blood pressure (BP) levels and control status, in which odd ratios (OR) by sex for AF was estimated using a logistic regression model and restrictive cubic splines before and after propensity score matching.

Results

A total of 3,212 patients with AF and 8,307 without AF were investigated. Compared to patients with normal BP, patients with HBP had more AF [OR = 1.75 (1.52-2.02), OR = 2.66 (2.24-3.15), and OR = 4.30 (3.40-5.44) in patients with grade 1, 2, and 3 HBP, respectively]. In HBP patients with grade 3, the OR of AF was much higher in women than in men (OR = 7.15, 95% CI: 4.43-11.50 vs. OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.66-3.72). BP over 133.1/79.9 mmHg in men or 127.1/75.1 mmHg in women was positively associated with AF. In patients with HBP, uncontrolled BP was more associated with AF (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.53-3.56), especially in women (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 2.27-4.19). BP and prevalence of AF correlated with each other positively in patients admitted to a cardiology ward. Lowering BP to 145.1/85.8 mmHg in men or 140.5/82.5 mmHg in women led to less AF.

Conclusion

There is more significant relationship between HBP and AF in female patients. A lower and individualized BP target may be formulated to prevent AF in women.

Brain and cardiovascular-related changes are associated with aging, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation

PURPOSE

The neural pathways in which the brain regulates the cardiovascular system is via sympathetic and parasympathetic control of the heart and sympathetic control of the systemic vasculature. Various cortical and sub-cortical sites are involved, but how these critical brain regions for cardiovascular control are altered in healthy aging and other risk conditions that may contribute to cardiovascular disease is uncertain.

METHODS

Here we review the functional and structural brain changes in healthy aging, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation - noting their potential influence on the autonomic nervous system and hence on cardiovascular control.

RESULTS

Evidence suggests that aging, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation are each associated with functional and structural changes in specific areas of the central nervous system involved in autonomic control. Increased muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and significant alterations in the brain regions involved in the default mode network are commonly reported in aging, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies using functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coupled with autonomic nerve activity in healthy aging, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation promise to reveal the underlying brain circuitry modulating the abnormal sympathetic nerve activity in these conditions. This understanding will guide future therapies to rectify dysregulation of autonomic and cardiovascular control by the brain.

Regional and temporal progression of atrial remodeling in angiotensin II mediated atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with electrical and structural remodeling in the atria; however, the regional and temporal progression of atrial remodeling is incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the regional and temporal progression of atrial remodeling leading to changes in AF susceptibility in angiotensin II (Ang II) mediated hypertension. Mice were infused with Ang II for 3, 10 or 21 days. AF susceptibility and atrial electrophysiology were studied in vivo using intracardiac electrophysiology. Right and left atrial myocyte electrophysiology was studied using patch-clamping. Atrial fibrosis was assessed histologically. P wave duration and atrial effective refractory period increased progressively from 3 to 21 days of Ang II. AF susceptibility tended to be increased at 10 days of Ang II and was elevated at 21 days of Ang II. Left, but not right, atrial AP upstroke velocity and Na+ current were reduced at 10 and 21 days of Ang II. Left atrial action potential (AP) duration increased progressively from 3 to 21 days of Ang II due to reductions in repolarizing K+ current. Right atrial AP prolongation was increased only after 21 days of Ang II. Left and right atrial fibrosis developed progressively from 3 to 21 days, but increases were larger in the left atrium. In conclusion, Ang II mediated atrial electrical and structural remodeling develop earlier and more extensively in the left atrium compared to the right atrium, providing insight into how atrial remodeling leads to enhanced AF susceptibility in Ang II mediated hypertension.

Obesity and Atrial Fibrillation: A Narrative Review

Obesity and atrial fibrillation in the elderly population both present as significant health issues worldwide indirectly. Cases of atrial fibrillation are also rising worldwide, making it the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. There are a variety of risk factors for atrial fibrillation. Modifiable factors include smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and non-modifiable include genetic predisposition. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for multiple systemic conditions like metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, sleep-related disorders, etc. In addition, it contributes directly to the development of various cardiovascular disorders like hypertension, myocardial infarction, and, more notably, atrial fibrillation. There are multiple mechanisms by which obesity in adults increases the risk of atrial fibrillation. Some of them are systemic inflammation caused by the increased secretion of cytokines by adipocytes, neuro-hormonal disturbances and heart structure remodeling, and weight-loss strategies have shown improvements in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation.

Renal denervation prevents subclinical atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertensive heart disease: Randomized, sham-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Catheter-based renal denervation (RD), in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), reduces atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in hypertensive patients. Whether RD, without additional PVI, can prevent subclinical atrial fibrillation (SAF) in patients with hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of RD in preventing SAF in patients with HHD.

METHODS

A single-center, randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial, including patients >55 years in sinus rhythm, but with a high risk of developing SAF was conducted. Patients had uncontrolled hypertension despite taking 3 antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic. The primary endpoint was the first SAF episode lasting ≥6 minutes recorded via an implantable cardiac monitor scanned every 6 months for 24 months. A blinded independent monitoring committee assessed electrocardiographic rhythm recordings. Change in SAF burden (SAFB), and office and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) at 6-month follow-up were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were randomly assigned to RD (n = 42) or sham groups (n = 38). After 24 months of follow-up, SAF occurred in 8 RD patients (19%) and 15 sham patients (39.5%) (hazard ratio 0.40; 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.96; P = .031). Median [interquartile range] SAFB was low in both groups but was significantly lower in the RD vs sham group (0% [0-0] vs 0% [0-0.3]; P = .043). Fast AF (>100 bpm) occurred less frequently in the RD than sham group (2% vs 26%; P = .002). After adjusting for baseline values, there were no significant differences in office or 24-hour BP changes between treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

RD reduced incident SAF events, SAFB, and fast AF in patients with HHD. The observed effects may occur independent of BP lowering.

Small molecule angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors: A medicinal chemistry perspective

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a zinc metalloprotein, is a central component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). It degrades bradykinin and other vasoactive peptides. Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors, ACEIs) decrease the formation of angiotensin II and increase the level of bradykinin, thus relaxing blood vessels as well as reducing blood volume, lowering blood pressure and reducing oxygen consumption by the heart, which can be used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases. Nevertheless, ACEIs are associated with a range of adverse effects such as renal insufficiency, which limits their use. In recent years, researchers have attempted to reduce the adverse effects of ACEIs by improving the selectivity of ACEIs for structural domains based on conformational relationships, and have developed a series of novel ACEIs. In this review, we have summarized the research advances of ACE inhibitors, focusing on the development sources, design strategies and analysis of structure-activity relationships and the biological activities of ACE inhibitors.

Incidence and Determinants of Spontaneous Cardioversion of Early Onset Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent chronic arrhythmia worldwide, and it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, making it a considerable burden both to patients and the healthcare system. Nowadays, an early attempt to restore sinus rhythm in acute symptomatic AF through electrical or pharmacological cardioversion is the most common approach in the Emergency Department (ED). However, considering the high percentage of spontaneous cardioversion of paroxysmal AF reported by many studies, this approach may not be the ideal choice for all patients. In this manuscript we performed a review of the most relevant studies found in literature with the aim of identifying the main determinants of spontaneous cardioversion, focusing on those easy to detect in the ED. We have found that the most relevant predictors of spontaneous cardioversion are the absence of Heart Failure (HF), a small atrial size, recent-onset AF, rapid Atrial Fibrillatory Rate and the relationship between a previous AF episode and Heart Rate/Blood Pressure. A number of those are utilized, along with other easily determined parameters, in the recently developed "ReSinus" score which predicts the likelihood of AF spontaneous cardioversion. Such identification may help the physician decide whether immediate cardioversion is necessary, or whether to adopt a "watch-and-wait" strategy in the presence of spontaneous cardioversion determinants.

Prevalence of Periodontal Disease among Patients at the Outpatient Clinic of Internal Medicine in an Academic Hospital in The Netherlands: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

There is a worldwide increase in individuals suffering ≥2 chronic diseases (multimorbidity), and the cause of combinations of conditions remains largely unclear. This pilot study analysed the prevalence of periodontal disease (PD) among (multi)-morbid patients at the outpatient clinic of internal medicine. PD is an inflammatory disease of the tooth supporting tissues and has a negative impact on the overall health. Data were obtained from 345 patients, on demographics, systemic conditions and presence of PD. The possible differences in the distribution of PD status among patients with/without multimorbidity and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) disease chapters were explored. In total, 180 (52.2%) patients suffered from multimorbidity. The prevalence of severe PD was 16.2%, while the prevalence of mild and severe PD combined (Total PD) was 53.6%. Patients with disease chapter cardiovascular diseases (CVD) had a significantly higher prevalence of severe PD (odds ratio (OR) 2.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25, 4.33) and Total PD (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.04, 2.50) than patients without CVD. After subsequent analyses, myocardial infarction was significantly associated with severe PD (OR: 4.68 (95% CI; 1.27 to 17.25)). Those suffering from multimorbidity showed to have a non-significant increased risk for severe (OR 1.27; 95% CI 0.69, 2.34) or Total PD (OR 1.23; 95% CI 0.81, 1.88). In conclusion, PD is highly prevalent in multimorbidity patients. Furthermore, PD was significantly prevalent in patients with CVD. However, larger epidemiological studies are necessary to confirm that the prevalence of PD is significantly increased among multimorbid patients.

Global burden of atrial fibrillation/flutter due to high systolic blood pressure from 1990 to 2019: estimates from the global burden of disease study 2019

Atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) has progressed to be a public health concern, and high systolic blood pressure (HSBP) remains the leading risk factor for AF/AFL. This study estimated the HSBP attributable AF/AFL burden based on the data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. Numbers, age-standardized rates (ASR) of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and corresponding estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were analyzed by age, sex, sociodemographic index (SDI), and locations. Gini coefficient was calculated to evaluate health inequality. Globally, HSBP-related AF/AFL caused 107 091 deaths and 3 337 876 DALYs in 2019, an increase of 142.5% and 105.9% from 1990, respectively. The corresponding mortality and DALYs ASR declined by 5.8% and 7.7%. High-income Asia Pacific experienced the greatest decrease in mortality and DALYs ASR, whereas the largest increase was observed in Andean Latin America. Almost half of the HSBP-related AF/AFL burden was carried by high and high-middle SDI regions, and it was experiencing a shift to lower SDI regions. A negative correlation was detected between EAPC and SDI. Females and elderly people tended to have a higher AF/AFL burden, whereas young adults (30-49 years old) experienced an annual increase in AF/AFL burden. The Gini index of DALYs rate decreased from 0.224 in 1990 to 0.183 in 2019. Despite improved inequality having been observed over the past decades, the HSBP-related AF/AFL burden varied across regions, sexes, and ages. Cost-effective preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic tools are required to be implemented in less developed regions.

Percutaneous Treatment Approaches in Atrial Fibrillation: Current Landscape and Future Perspectives

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice, represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with an increasing prevalence. Pharmacologic treatment remains the cornerstone of its management through rhythm and rate control, as well as the prevention of thromboembolism with the use of oral anticoagulants. Recent progress in percutaneous interventional approaches have provided additional options in the therapeutic arsenal, however. The use of the different catheter ablation techniques can now lead to long arrhythmia-free intervals and significantly lower AF burden, thus reducing the rate of its complications. Particularly encouraging evidence is now available for patients with persistent AF or concomitant heart failure, situations in which catheter ablation could even be a first-line option. In the field of stroke prevention, targeting the left atrial appendage with percutaneous device implantation may reduce the risk of thromboembolism to lower rates than that predicted with conventional ischemic risk scores. Left atrial appendage occlusion through the approved Watchman or Amplatzer devices is a well-established, efficacious, and safe method, especially in high-ischemic and bleeding risk patients with contraindications for oral anticoagulation.

Early detection of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent and modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and correlates with a three-fold higher risk of incident AF. Although OSA is prevalent in patients with AF, it remains underdiagnosed. Guidelines for OSA screening are ambiguous.

LOCAL PROBLEM

A small community hospital in the southeast United States lacked standardized OSA screening and consistent sleep clinic referral for hospitalized patients with AF.

METHODS

Over 3 months, an OSA bundle (including screening, education, and referral) was implemented for hospitalized patients with AF. A retrospective electronic health record (EHR) review established a baseline comparison group. Descriptive analyses between the intervention and comparison groups evaluated the effectiveness of the OSA bundle.

INTERVENTIONS

Eligible patients received OSA screening with the STOP-Bang questionnaire. A STOP-Bang score of 3 or higher triggered patient education about the arrhythmogenic relationship of OSA and AF. At discharge, patients received an ambulatory sleep clinic referral. After 3 months, an EHR review assessed the rate of sleep clinic follow-up, sleep testing, OSA diagnosis, and initiation of positive airway pressure.

RESULTS

Of the 68 patients in the comparison group and 33 patients in the intervention group, the rate of OSA screening increased from 4.4% to 100%. Sleep clinic referral increased from 66.7% to 93.5%. Sleep clinic follow-up increased from 0% to 10%.

CONCLUSION

Screening for OSA and sleep clinic referral improved with the OSA bundle; however, sleep clinic follow-up remained low. Further quantitative and qualitative investigation is needed to better understand barriers to sleep clinic follow-up.

Polygenic Risk Scores for Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Cardiovascular disease is the leading contributor to years lost due to disability or premature death among adults. Current efforts focus on risk prediction and risk factor mitigation' which have been recognized for the past half-century. However, despite advances, risk prediction remains imprecise with persistently high rates of incident cardiovascular disease. Genetic characterization has been proposed as an approach to enable earlier and potentially tailored prevention. Rare mendelian pathogenic variants predisposing to cardiometabolic conditions have long been known to contribute to disease risk in some families. However, twin and familial aggregation studies imply that diverse cardiovascular conditions are heritable in the general population. Significant technological and methodological advances since the Human Genome Project are facilitating population-based comprehensive genetic profiling at decreasing costs. Genome-wide association studies from such endeavors continue to elucidate causal mechanisms for cardiovascular diseases. Systematic cataloging for cardiovascular risk alleles also enabled the development of polygenic risk scores. Genetic profiling is becoming widespread in large-scale research, including in health care-associated biobanks, randomized controlled trials, and direct-to-consumer profiling in tens of millions of people. Thus, individuals and their physicians are increasingly presented with polygenic risk scores for cardiovascular conditions in clinical encounters. In this scientific statement, we review the contemporary science, clinical considerations, and future challenges for polygenic risk scores for cardiovascular diseases. We selected 5 cardiometabolic diseases (coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and venous thromboembolic disease) and response to drug therapy and offer provisional guidance to health care professionals, researchers, policymakers, and patients.

Nine-Year Trends in Atrial Fibrillation Prevalence among Romanian Adult Hypertensives: A Post-Hoc Analysis of SEPHAR II-IV Surveys

Objectives: There are limited epidemiological data regarding atrial fibrillation (AF) in hypertensive (HT) Romanian adults. We sought to evaluate AF prevalence trends in the SEPHAR surveys (Study for Evaluation of Prevalence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk in an Adult Population in Romania) during a nine-year interval (2012−2016−2021). Methods: Three consecutive editions of a national epidemiological survey regarding HT included representative samples of subjects stratified by age, gender and area of residence (SEPHAR II-IV—in total, 5422 subjects, mean age 48.69 ± 16.65 years, 57.5% (n = 3116) females). A post-hoc analysis of AF prevalence and oral anticoagulation (OAC) rates was performed. AF definition was based on a documented medical history of AF and/or AF documentation by study electrocardiogram. Results: General AF prevalence was 5.5% (n = 297). AF prevalence in HT subjects was 8.9% (n = 209) and has risen since SEPHAR II—7.2% (n = 57) and SEPHAR III—8.1% (n = 72) to SEPHAR IV—11.8% (n = 80), respectively (p = 0.001). AF prevalence has increased in HT males (SEPHAR II—5.3% (n = 19), SEPHAR III—7.6% (n = 26) and SEPHAR IV—11.7% (n = 35) (p = 0.010)) and in HT from urban areas (SEPHAR II—7.8% (n = 37), SEPHAR III—7.8% (n = 40), SEPHAR IV—14.7% (n = 50), p < 0.001). In SEPHAR III-IV, only 19.3% (n = 23) of HT AF patients with OAC indication were anticoagulated. Conclusions: AF prevalence has increased by ~64% in hypertensive Romanian adults between 2012 and 2021. However, anticoagulation strategies may be suboptimal in patients with cardioembolic risk.

Metabolic Inflexibility as a Pathogenic Basis for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia, is closely intertwined with metabolic abnormalities. Recently, a metabolic paradox in AF pathogenesis has been suggested: under different forms of pathogenesis, the metabolic balance shifts either towards (e.g., obesity and diabetes) or away from (e.g., aging, heart failure, and hypertension) fatty acid oxidation, yet they all increase the risk of AF. This has raised the urgent need for a general consensus regarding the metabolic changes that predispose patients to AF. “Metabolic flexibility” aptly describes switches between substrates (fatty acids, glucose, amino acids, and ketones) in response to various energy stresses depending on availability and requirements. AF, characterized by irregular high-frequency excitation and the contraction of the atria, is an energy challenge and triggers a metabolic switch from preferential fatty acid utilization to glucose metabolism to increase the efficiency of ATP produced in relation to oxygen consumed. Therefore, the heart needs metabolic flexibility. In this review, we will briefly discuss (1) the current understanding of cardiac metabolic flexibility with an emphasis on the specificity of atrial metabolic characteristics; (2) metabolic heterogeneity among AF pathogenesis and metabolic inflexibility as a common pathological basis for AF; and (3) the substrate-metabolism mechanism underlying metabolic inflexibility in AF pathogenesis.

Association between Age of Onset of Hypertension and Incident Atrial Fibrillation

We investigated whether age at hypertension (HTN) onset was associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population. This prospective longitudinal community-based cohort study included 9892 participants without AF at baseline, who underwent biennial electrocardiography for a median duration of 11.5 years. The participants were divided into five groups, consisting of a normotensive group (Group-N) and four HTN groups based on HTN onset age: <45 years (Group-H1); 45−54 years (Group-H2); 55−64 years (Group-H3); and ≥65 years (Group-H4). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that the presence of HTN at baseline was associated with higher AF risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32−2.80). The participants in Group-H1 had the highest risk of AF (HR 3.18; CI 1.74−5.82), and the risk of AF decreased as HTN onset age increased across the four HTN groups (p for trend = 0.014). The AF onset age was significantly younger in participants in Group-H1 than in Groups-H2−H4. Early-onset HTN was associated with an increased risk of AF, and younger onset of AF in the general population. Surveillance for AF should be considered at a younger age in individuals with HTN.

The Atrium in Atrial Fibrillation - A Clinical Review on How to Manage Atrial Fibrotic Substrates

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in the population and is associated with a significant clinical and economic burden. Rigorous assessment of the presence and degree of an atrial arrhythmic substrate is essential for determining treatment options, predicting long-term success after catheter ablation, and as a substrate critical in the pathophysiology of atrial thrombogenesis. Catheter ablation of AF has developed into an essential rhythm-control strategy. Nowadays is one of the most common cardiac ablation procedures performed worldwide, with its success inversely related to the extent of atrial structural disease. Although atrial substrate evaluation remains complex, several diagnostic resources allow for a more comprehensive assessment and quantification of the extent of left atrial structural remodeling and the presence of atrial fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology, etiology, and electrophysiological aspects of atrial substrates promoting the development of AF. We also describe the risk factors for its development and how to diagnose its presence using imaging, electrocardiograms, and electroanatomic voltage mapping. Finally, we discuss recent data regarding fibrosis biomarkers that could help diagnose atrial fibrotic substrates.

The Patient Pathway Review for Atrial Fibrillation

The care pathway for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is variable and this variability is explored in a patient pathway review. This review describes events that may take place for a patient with AF considering the "ideal" and the "real-world" pathway and attempts to rationalize them by considering the patient, clinician, health service, and societal perspective. In the "ideal" pathway, AF in a patient is either identify before or after stroke. The "real-world" pathway introduces the concepts that symptoms may influence patient decision-making to seek help, AF may be identified incidentally, and healthcare professionals may fail to identify AF. The management of AF includes no treatment or treatment such as stroke prevention, rate or rhythm control, and comorbidity management. The overall outcomes for patient depend on the presence of symptoms and response to therapies. The two major priorities for patients are symptomatic relief and avoidance of stroke. While most clinicians will find that initial AF management is not challenging but there may be incidental opportunities for earlier identification. From the healthcare service perspective, noncardiologists and cardiologists care for patients with AF, which results in much heterogeneity management. From the societal perspective, the burden of AF is significant resulting in substantial cost from hospitalizations and treatments. People with AF can take on different paths, which depend on factors related to the patient's decision-making, clinical decision-making, and patient's response to the treatment. A streamlined approach to a holistic and integrated care pathway approach to AF management is needed.

Association Between the Frailty and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Among Elderly Hypertensive Patients

Background

Frailty was found to be common in patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF), but there was still a lack of evidence regarding the relationship between frailty and new-onset AF.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis of data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). In addition, we evaluated the relationship between baseline frailty status and new-onset AF in older adult patients with hypertension.

Results

In total, 7,316 participants were included in our analysis, and a total of 115 new-onset AF occurred during an average of 3.54 years of follow-up. Using SPRINT frailty index criteria, 1,535 fit, 4,041 less fit, and 1,740 frailty were enrolled. Compared with other groups, the incidence of new-onset AF in the frailty group was significantly higher. We constructed three Cox models to assess the relationship between the frailty status (fit group as reference) and new-onset AF. Participants with frailty had a significantly higher risk of new-onset AF compared with the fit group in all the models we used. We combined the fit group and the less fit group into a no frailty group to assess the impact of frailty on new-onset AF in various subgroups. After full adjustment (Model 3), frailty remained associated with the increased risk of new-onset AF compared with the no frailty group [hazard ratio [HR] = 2.09, 95% CI:(1.41, 3.09), p < 0.001]. Additionally, we examined the frailty index as continuous variable to assess the relationship between the frailty index and new-onset AF. The smooth curve showed that log HR appeared to increase linearly. And there was a significant interaction between baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) categories and frailty on the risk of new-onset AF (p for interaction = 0.030).

Conclusion

This study found baseline frailty status was a strong independent risk factor for new-onset AF among older adult patients with hypertension. Screening for frailty should be considered in older adult patients with hypertension to prevent new-onset AF.

Risk of stroke and bleeding in relation to hypertension in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hypertension is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and carries an additional risk for complications, most notably stroke and bleeding. We assessed the history of hypertension, level of blood pressure control, and an interaction with the choice of oral anticoagulants on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that randomised patients to novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and reported outcomes stratified by presence of hypertension. Collected outcomes were: ischaemic stroke or systemic embolism (SE), haemorrhagic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage and major bleeding. Log adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding standard error were calculated, and HRs were compared using Mantel-Haenszel random effects. Quality of the evidence was assessed with Cochrane risk of bias tool.

RESULTS

Five high-quality studies were eligible, including 71.527 participants who received NOACs (apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban) or VKAs, with median follow-up of 1.8-2.8 years. Compared with patients without hypertension, those with hypertension had higher adjusted risk for ischaemic stroke/SE (HR: 1.25, 95%-CI:1.09, 1.43) and haemorrhagic stroke (HR:1.98, 1.24-3.16). On a continuous scale, the risk of ischaemic stroke/SE increased 6-7% per 10 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure. No interactions were found between the efficacy or safety of NOACs versus VKAs in the presence or absence of hypertension. In both groups, the use of NOACs led to a lower risk of ischaemic stroke/SE, haemorrhagic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage compared with patients that used VKAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate blood pressure management is vital to optimally reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The benefits of NOACs over VKAs, also apply to patients with elevated blood pressure.

Blood pressure measurements during treadmill exercise testing and the risk for the future development of atrial fibrillation

Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for the onset and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Blood pressure (BP) measurements during routine exercise stress testing (EST) may identify subjects at increased risk for developing AF. We performed a retrospective analysis of treadmill EST carried out using the Bruce protocol in patients aged ≥40 years without a history of AF (n = 17,617; 42% women). BP was measured at rest, peak exercise, and 2-min recovery and analyzed for its association with the risk for developing AF. During a mean follow-up of 7 years, AF was documented in 4.5% of the patients. The incidence rate of AF per 1000 person-years increased with the rise in CHA₂DS₂VASc scores (3.26 for a Score=0 to 19.78 for scores ≥6). In a multivariate analysis, adjusting for risk score components and exercise capacity, systolic BP measurements taken at rest (≥130 vs. ≤110 mmHg), peak exercise (>170 vs. ≤150 mmHg), and recovery (>150 vs. ≤130 mmHg) were associated with an increased risk for AF: the hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.56 (95% CI, 1.30-1.87), 1.21 (1.01-1.45), and 1.33 (1.10-1.62), respectively. Similarly, diastolic BP measurements taken at rest (≥90 vs. <80 mmHg), peak exercise (≥100 vs. <90 mmHg), and recovery (>90 vs. ≤80 mmHg) were associated with an increased risk for AF: the HRs were 1.80 (1.36-2.38), 2.08 (1.28-3.37), and 1.56 (0.81-3.02), respectively. The association of exercise BP with AF was further observed when the BPs were analyzed as continuous variables and in subjects without a baseline diagnosis of hypertension. In conclusion, systolic and diastolic BP taken at the rest, peak exercise and recovery phases of EST may provide independent predictive information regarding future risk for developing AF.

Hypertension and Arrhythmias: A Clinical Overview of the Pathophysiology-Driven Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Hypertensive Patients

Because of demographic aging, the prevalence of arterial hypertension (HTN) and cardiac arrhythmias, namely atrial fibrillation (AF), is progressively increasing. Not only are these clinical entities strongly connected, but, acting with a synergistic effect, their association may cause a worse clinical outcome in patients already at risk of ischemic and/or haemorrhagic stroke and, consequently, disability and death. Despite the well-known association between HTN and AF, several pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the higher risk of AF in hypertensive patients are still incompletely known. Although several trials reported the overall clinical benefit of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone inhibitors in reducing incident AF in HTN, the role of this class of drugs is greatly reduced when AF diagnosis is already established, thus hinting at the urgent need for primary prevention measures to reduce AF occurrence in these patients. Through a thorough review of the available literature in the field, we investigated the basic mechanisms through which HTN is believed to promote AF, summarising the evidence supporting a pathophysiology-driven approach to prevent this arrhythmia in hypertensive patients, including those suffering from primary aldosteronism, a non-negligible and under-recognised cause of secondary HTN. Finally, in the hazy scenario of AF screening in hypertensive patients, we reviewed which patients should be screened, by which modality, and who should be offered oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention.

Identifying multimorbidity clusters in an unselected population of hospitalised patients

Multimorbidity (multiple coexisting chronic health conditions) is common and increasing worldwide, and makes care challenging for both patients and healthcare systems. To ensure care is patient-centred rather than specialty-centred, it is important to know which conditions commonly occur together and identify the corresponding patient profile. To date, no studies have described multimorbidity clusters within an unselected hospital population. Our aim was to identify and characterise multimorbidity clusters, in a large, unselected hospitalised patient population. Linked inpatient hospital episode data were used to identify adults admitted to hospital in Grampian, Scotland in 2014 who had ≥ 2 of 30 chronic conditions diagnosed in the 5 years prior. Cluster analysis (Gower distance and Partitioning around Medoids) was used to identify groups of patients with similar conditions. Clusters of conditions were defined based on clinical review and assessment of prevalence within patient groups and labelled according to the most prevalent condition. Patient profiles for each group were described by age, sex, admission type, deprivation and urban–rural area of residence. 11,389 of 41,545 hospitalised patients (27%) had ≥ 2 conditions. Ten clusters of conditions were identified: hypertension; asthma; alcohol misuse; chronic kidney disease and diabetes; chronic kidney disease; chronic pain; cancer; chronic heart failure; diabetes; hypothyroidism. Age ranged from 51 (alcohol misuse) to 79 (chronic heart failure). Women were a higher proportion in the chronic pain and hypothyroidism clusters. The proportion of patients from the most deprived quintile of the population ranged from 6% (hypertension) to 14% (alcohol misuse). Identifying clusters of conditions in hospital patients is a first step towards identifying opportunities to target patient-centred care towards people with unmet needs, leading to improved outcomes and increased efficiency. Here we have demonstrated the face validity of cluster analysis as an exploratory method for identifying clusters of conditions in hospitalised patients with multimorbidity.

The Heart Brain Team and Patient-Centered Management of Ischemic Stroke

The multifaceted connections between the heart and the brain have been extensively studied at the anatomy, pathophysiology, and clinical levels. Studies have suggested a vital role for both cardiologists and neurologists in the management of various cardiovascular and neurological disorders. However, a true heart-brain team-based approach remained confined to large, specialized centers. In this paper, we review the various intersection areas of cardiology and neurology with regard to ischemic stroke. We focus our discussion on the challenges and opportunity for a heart-team approach to stroke in the context of atrial fibrillation, carotid disease, and patent foramen ovale, and in the setting of strokes complicating transcatheter endovascular interventions.

Blood pressure measurement in the elderly with atrial fibrillation: an observational study comparing different noninvasive sphygmomanometers

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has affected millions of adults in the world. It is important to monitor and manage blood pressure (BP) in AF patients. The accuracy of BP monitoring in AF patients with noninvasive methods remains questionable, however.

Objectives:

To compare the accuracy of different noninvasive BP devices (oscillographic sphygmomanometer and pulse wave device) for BP measurement in elderly patients with AF, with a mercury sphygmomanometer as a reference.

Design:

This study was an observational study.

Methods:

Patients with AF from the inpatient department of cardiology were included from 1 January to 31 December 2020. BP measurements were performed by two trained nurses using a tee junction connection on the cuff to connect three sphygmomanometers. The Bland–Altman plot analysis was conducted to compare the agreement of BP measurements. We also compared the agreement of BP measurements through metrics such as accuracy, bias, and precision.

Results:

A total of 202 patients (54.5% female) were included. The Bland–Altman plot analysis showed that the lower and upper limits of agreement (LoAs) of pulse wave/reference were similar to the predefined acceptable clinical limits (10/5 mmHg). The bias and precision in both systolic and diastolic BP were significantly less in pulse wave/reference (a bias of 1.8 and 0.77 mmHg and a precision of 5.20 and 4.66 mmHg, respectively), with corresponding higher accuracy readings (98.51% for P10 in systolic BP and 85.64% for P5 in diastolic BP).

Conclusion:

A novel noninvasive sphygmomanometer – pulse wave device has a good concordance with a mercury sphygmomanometer in BP monitoring, and may be applicable to perform BP measurements in the elderly with AF.

Development and Validation of a Predictive Model to Identify Patients With an Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Background

Screening protocols do not exist for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (ATAAs). A risk prediction algorithm may aid targeted screening of patients with an undiagnosed ATAA to prevent aortic dissection. We aimed to develop and validate a risk model to identify those at increased risk of having an ATAA, based on readily available clinical information.

Methods and Results

This is a cross‐sectional study of computed tomography scans involving the chest at a tertiary care center on unique patients aged 50 to 85 years between 2013 and 2016. These criteria yielded 21 325 computed tomography scans. The double‐oblique technique was used to measure the ascending thoracic aorta, and an ATAA was defined as >40 mm in diameter. A logistic regression model was fitted for the risk of ATAA, with readily available demographics and comorbidity variables. Model performance was characterized by discrimination and calibration metrics via split‐sample testing. Among the 21 325 patients, there were 560 (2.6%) patients with an ATAA. The multivariable model demonstrated that older age, higher body surface area, history of arrhythmia, aortic valve disease, hypertension, and family history of aortic aneurysm were associated with increased risk of an ATAA, whereas female sex and diabetes were associated with a lower risk of an ATAA. The C statistic of the model was 0.723±0.016. The regression coefficients were transformed to scores that allow for point‐of‐care calculation of patients' risk.

Conclusions

We developed and internally validated a model to predict patients' risk of having an ATAA based on demographic and clinical characteristics. This algorithm may guide the targeted screening of an undiagnosed ATAA.

Systematic review of renal denervation for the management of cardiac arrhythmias

Background

In the wake of the controversy surrounding the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial and data from subsequent trials, this review aims to perform an updated and more comprehensive review of the impact of renal sympathetic denervation on cardiac arrhythmias.

Methods and results

A systematic search was performed using the Medline, Scopus and Embase databases using the terms “Renal Denervation” AND “Arrhythmias or Atrial or Ventricular”, limited to Human and English language studies within the last 10 years. This search yielded 19 relevant studies (n = 6 randomised controlled trials, n = 13 non-randomised cohort studies) which comprised 783 patients. The studies show RSD is a safe procedure, not associated with increases in complications or mortality post-procedure. Importantly, there is no evidence RSD is associated with a deterioration in renal function, even in patients with chronic kidney disease. RSD with or without adjunctive pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is associated with improvements in freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF), premature atrial complexes (PACs), ventricular arrhythmias and other echocardiographic parameters. Significant reductions in ambulatory and office blood pressure were also observed in the majority of studies.

Conclusion

This review provides evidence based on original research that ‘second generation’ RSD is safe and is associated with reductions in short-term blood pressure and AF burden. However, the authors cannot draw firm conclusions with regards to less prominent arrhythmia subtypes due to the paucity of evidence available. Large multi-centre RCTs investigating the role of RSD are necessary to comprehensively assess the efficacy of the procedure treating various arrhythmias.

Graphic abstract

Updates on epicardial adipose tissue mechanisms on atrial fibrillation

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). Local epi-myocardial or intra-myocardial adiposity caused by aging, obesity, or cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered to be a better predictor of the risk of AF than general adiposity. Some of the described mechanisms suggest that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) participates in structural remodeling owing to its endocrine activity or its infiltration between cardiomyocytes. Epicardial fat also wraps up the ganglionated plexi that reach the myocardium. Although the increment of volume/thickness and activity of EAT might modify autonomic activity, autonomic system dysfunction might also change the endocrine activity of epicardial fat in a feedback response. As a result, new preventive therapeutic strategies are focused on reducing adiposity and weight loss before AF ablation or inhibiting autonomic neurotransmitter secretion on fat pads during open-heart surgery to reduce the recurrence or postoperative risk of AF. In this manuscript, we review some of the novel findings regarding the pathophysiology and associated risk factors of AF, with special emphasis on the role of EAT in the electrical, structural, and molecular mechanisms of AF initiation and maintenance. In addition, we have included a brief note provided on epicardial fat preclinical models that could be useful for identifying new therapeutic targets.

Declined ELABELA plasma levels in hypertension patients with atrial fibrillation: a case control study

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in patients with hypertension. ELABELA, which has cardioprotective effects, is decreased in the plasma of patients with hypertension and might be associated with AF in the hypertensive population. This study aims to measure the ELABELA plasma levels in hypertension patients with and without AF and to analyse the related factors.

Methods

A total of 162 hypertension patients with or without AF were recruited for our monocentric observational study. Subjects were excluded if they had a history of valvular heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, thyroid diseases, or heart failure. The patients’ histories were recorded, and laboratory examinations were conducted. Plasma ELABELA was detected by immunoassay. Echocardiographs were performed, and parameters were collected by two experienced doctors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between ELABELA plasma level and AF in patients with hypertension.

Results

Plasma ELABELA levels were lower in hypertension patients with AF than in those without AF (2.0 [1.5, 2.8] vs. 4.0 [3.4, 5.0] ng/ml, P < 0.001). ELABELA levels were correlated with age, heart rate, BNP levels and left atrial dimension. In addition to the left atrial dimension, ELABELA plasma levels were associated with AF in patients with hypertension (OR 0.081, 95% CI 0.029–0.224, P < 0.001). ELABELA levels were further decreased in the persistent AF subgroup compared with the paroxysmal AF subgroup (1.8 [1.4, 2.5] vs. 2.2 [1.8, 3.0] ng/ml, P = 0.012) and correlated with HR, BNP and ESR levels.

Conclusions

ELALABELA levels were decreased in hypertension patients with AF and further lowered in the persistent AF subgroup. Decreased ELABELA plasma levels were associated with AF in hypertension patients and may be an underlying risk factor.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02197-x.

Management of hypertension in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: is there a blood pressure goal?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypertension remains a leading risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and elevated blood pressure (BP) portends an adverse prognosis in patients with established HFpEF. We summarize current evidence for mechanisms linking hypertension to HFpEF and management of hypertension in HFpEF.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data suggest a complex, multifactorial pathophysiology driving the association between hypertension and HFpEF, including left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, atrial dysfunction, coronary microvascular disease, endothelial dysfunction, myocardial injury and fibrosis. Although intensive BP control may attenuate these processes, this hypothesis has not been tested on clinical outcomes in a dedicated randomized controlled trial (RCT) in HFpEF. Antihypertensive therapies variably improve key surrogate markers in HFpEF, though BP reduction generally does not account for these benefits. Accordingly, BP targets are extrapolated from observational studies and RCTs testing heart failure therapies that affect BP in addition to dedicated RCT data in patients at elevated risk (without heart failure).

SUMMARY

Clinicians should recognize the risk of disease progression and poor outcomes associated with uncontrolled hypertension in HFpEF. Intensive BP control, preferably by therapies known to improve outcomes in heart failure, may slow key pathways in disease progression. Future RCTs testing intensified BP control strategies in HFpEF are warranted.

Traumatic injury and atrial fibrillation among deployed service members

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (AF/AFL), the most common atrial arrhythmias, have never been examined in combat casualties. In this study, we investigated the impact of traumatic injury on AF/AFL among service members with deployment history.

METHODS

Sampled from the Department of Defense (DoD) Trauma Registry (n = 10,000), each injured patient in this retrospective cohort study was matched with a non-injured service member drawn from the Veterans Affairs/DoD Identity Repository. The primary outcome was AF/AFL diagnosis identified using ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. Competing risk regressions based on Fine and Gray subdistribution hazards model with were utilized to assess the association between injury and AF/AFL.

RESULTS

There were 130 reported AF/AFL cases, 90 of whom were injured and 40 were non-injured. The estimated cumulative incidence rates of AF/AFL for injured was higher compared to non-injured patients (hazards ratio [HR] = 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44, 2.87). After adjustment demographics and tobacco use, the association did not appreciably decrease (HR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.23, 2.93). Additional adjustment for obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and vascular disorders, the association between injury and AF/AFL was no longer statistically significant (HR = 1.51; 95% CI = 0.99, 2.52).

CONCLUSION

Higher AF/AFL incidence rate was observed among deployed service members with combat injury compared to servicemembers without injury. The association did not remain significant after adjustment for cardiovascular-related covariates. These findings highlight the need for combat casualty surveillance to further understand the AF/AFL risk within the military population and to elucidate the potential underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.

The Impact of Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation on Cognitive Decline and Subclinical Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Assessment of cognitive impairment and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis are very important especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

We included 155 hypertensive patients (84 with AF versus 71 without AF) to identify the premature cognitive impairment, the earliest signs of subclinical atherosclerosis and onset of myocardial dysfunction and to evaluate the type of anticoagulation used, the importance of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (3), age (65 years) in hypertensive patients with AF.

RESULTS

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) were significantly decreased, and Activities of Daily Living Score (ADL), Geriatric Depression Scale(GDS-15), and intima-media thickness (IMT) were significantly increased in hypertensive patients with AF vs. without AF (p < 0.05). MMSE was significantly decreased, ADL and IMT were significant increased in patients with AF and CHA₂DS₂-VASc>3 and non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants therapy (NOACs)(p < 0.05). Patients with age >65 with AF had higher rates of cognitive impairment (MMSE significant decrease) and a larger IMT (significant increase) versus patients with AF and age <65 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive impairment is encountered in hypertensive patients having AF. Our conclusions suggest a direct link between cognitive impairment, depression, hypertension, AF, age, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, type of anticoagulants used, LVEF, cognitive parameters, and IMT. We acknowledge the importance of identifying and preventing cognitive changes.

Hypertension and atrial fibrillation: Closing a virtuous circle

Ying Gue and Gregory Lip discuss the accompanying study by Ana-Catarina Pinho-Gomes and co-workers on blood pressure lowering treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Masked and White Coat Uncontrolled Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in masked and white coat uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH and WUCH, respectively) has not yet been investigated. We assessed the risk of new-onset AF in MUCH and WUCH detected by ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring.

METHODS

The occurrence of AF was evaluated in 2,135 treated hypertensive patients aged >40 years, with baseline sinus rhythm, by electrocardiogram. Controlled hypertension (CH) was defined as clinic BP <140/90 mm Hg and daytime BP, regardless of nighttime BP, <135/85 mm Hg, MUCH as clinic BP <140/90 mm Hg and daytime BP ≥135 and/or ≥85 mm Hg, WUCH as clinic BP ≥140 and/or ≥90 mm Hg and daytime BP <135/85 mm Hg, and sustained uncontrolled hypertension (SUCH) as clinic BP ≥140 and/or ≥90 mm Hg and daytime BP ≥135 and/or ≥85 mm Hg.

RESULTS

MUCH was identified in 203 patients (9.5% of all the population, 29% of those with normal clinic BP) and WUCH in 503 patients (23.5% of all the population, 35% of those with high clinic BP). During the follow-up (mean 9.7 years), 116 cases of AF occurred. After adjustment for covariates, patients with MUCH (hazard ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval, 1.06-3.85) and SUCH (hazard ratio 1.83, 95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.21) had higher risk of new-onset AF than those with CH, whereas those with WUCH (hazard ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval, 0.59-2.13) did not.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with patients with CH, those with MUCH and SUCH are at higher risk (approximately doubled) of new-onset AF, whereas those with WUCH are not.

Association of clinic and ambulatory blood pressure with new-onset atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis of observational studies

The aim of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of studies evaluating the association of clinic and daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h blood pressure with the occurrence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation. We conducted a literature search through PubMed, Web of science, and Cochrane Library for articles evaluating the occurrence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation in relation to the above‐mentioned blood pressure parameters and reporting adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval. We identified five studies. The pooled population consisted of 7224 patients who experienced 444 cases of atrial fibrillation. The overall adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.05 (0.98‐1.13), 1.19 (1.11‐1.27), 1.18 (1.11‐1.26), and 1.23 (1.14‐1.32), per 10‐mmHg increment in clinic, daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h systolic blood pressure, respectively. The degree of heterogeneity of the hazard ratio estimates across the studies (Q and I‐squared statistics) were minimal. The results of this meta‐analysis strongly suggest that ambulatory systolic blood pressure prospectively predicts incident atrial fibrillation better than does clinic systolic blood pressure and that daytime, nighttime, and 24‐h systolic blood pressure are similarly associated with future atrial fibrillation.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation following Noncardiothoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Observational Studies

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in 16-30% of patients after cardiac and thoracic surgery and can lead to serious complications like hypoperfusion of vital organs, pulmonary edema, and myocardial infarction. The evidence on risk factors and complications associated with perioperative AF after noncardiothoracic surgery is limited.

Methods

The primary objective was to determine demographic and clinical risk factors for new-onset atrial fibrillation associated with noncardiothoracic surgery. A secondary aim was to identify the incidence and odds of perioperative complications associated with the new-onset atrial fibrillation. A systematic search within multiple databases was conducted for studies that explicitly reported on new-onset atrial fibrillation after noncardiothoracic surgery. We reported data on demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative complications as mean difference (MD) or odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) using random effects models. A two-sided P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. We performed meta-regression and sensitivity analysis of various subgroups to confirm the inference of our findings.

Results

Eleven studies reporting on 121,517 patients were included, of whom 2,944 developed perioperative AF (incidence rate: 3.7%; 95% CI: 2.3%--6.2%). Advanced age (AF group versus control group: 69.36 ± 10.5 versus 64.37 ± 9.53 years; MD: 4.06; 95% CI: 1.67--6.44; P=0.0009), male gender (52.85% versus 43.59%; OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.62; I ²: 84%; P < 0.0001), preoperative hypertension (60.42% versus 56.51%; OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.23; I ²: 0%; P < 0.00001), diabetes mellitus (22.6% versus 23.04%; OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.05; I ²: 0; P < 0.00001), and cardiac disease (30.64% versus 8.49%; OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 0.28 to 4.31; I ²: 93%; P=0.03) were found to be significant predictors for perioperative AF. The AF group was at increased odds of developing postoperative cardiac complications (34.1% versus 5%; OR: 5.44; 95% CI: 0.49 to 10.39; I ²: 82%; P=0.03), postoperative stroke (0.5% versus 0.1%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0.65 to 5.35; I ²: 0%; P=0.01), and mortality (7.40% versus 1.92%; OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 0.14 to 7.02; I ²: 0%; P=0.04). Study quality assessment by meta-regression and sensitivity analysis of the various subgroups did not affect the final inference of the results.

Conclusion

We identified advanced age, male gender, preoperative hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiac disease as important risk factors for perioperative atrial fibrillation. The atrial fibrillation group was at increased odds for postoperative cardiac complications, stroke, and higher mortality, emphasizing the need for risk stratification and close monitoring.

Vegetable nitrate intake, blood pressure and incident cardiovascular disease: Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study

Whether the vascular effects of inorganic nitrate, observed in clinical trials, translate to a reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) with habitual dietary nitrate intake in prospective studies warrants investigation. We aimed to determine if vegetable nitrate, the major dietary nitrate source, is associated with lower blood pressure (BP) and lower risk of incident CVD. Among 53,150 participants of the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, without CVD at baseline, vegetable nitrate intake was assessed using a comprehensive vegetable nitrate database. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using restricted cubic splines based on multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. During 23 years of follow-up, 14,088 cases of incident CVD were recorded. Participants in the highest vegetable nitrate intake quintile (median, 141 mg/day) had 2.58 mmHg lower baseline systolic BP (95%CI − 3.12, − 2.05) and 1.38 mmHg lower diastolic BP (95%CI − 1.66, − 1.10), compared with participants in the lowest quintile. Vegetable nitrate intake was inversely associated with CVD plateauing at moderate intakes (~ 60 mg/day); this appeared to be mediated by systolic BP (21.9%). Compared to participants in the lowest intake quintile (median, 23 mg/day), a moderate vegetable nitrate intake (median, 59 mg/day) was associated with 15% lower risk of CVD [HR (95% CI) 0.85 (0.82, 0.89)]. Moderate vegetable nitrate intake was associated with 12%, 15%, 17% and 26% lower risk of ischemic heart disease, heart failure, ischemic stroke and peripheral artery disease hospitalizations respectively. Consumption of at least ~ 60 mg/day of vegetable nitrate (~ 1 cup of green leafy vegetables) may mitigate risk of CVD.

Herpes Zoster Vaccine Live and Risk of Stroke Among Medicare Beneficiaries: A Population-Based Cohort Study

[Figure: see text].

Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation: A Study on Epidemiology and Mendelian Randomization Causality

Introduction: Hypertension (HT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexist. However, the causality between these two conditions remains to be determined.

Methods: We used individual participant data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) prospective cohort with 9,474 participants. HT was ascertained at visit 1 (1987–1989), and incident AF was identified by ECGs conducted during study examinations at each visit, hospital discharge codes, and death certificates. We used the Kaplan–Meier estimate to compute the cumulative incidence of AF by the HT subgroup. Then we used Cox hazard regression model to assess the association between HT and incident AF. The causality between genetically determined HT and AF was analyzed by the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) based on publicly summarized genome-wide association studies (GWASs) data.

Results: A total of 1,414 cases (14.9%) of AF were identified during the follow-up period (median 24.1 years). After adjusting for all covariates, the hazard ratio between the participants with HT and incident AF was 1.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29–1.73]. In the HT → AF MR analysis, we detected a causal correlation between HT and AF (OR: 1.90, 95% CI 1.18–3.04, P = 0.01) with no evidence of heterogeneity from single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Besides, the genetically determined SBP and DBP (10 mmHg) were consistently associated with a higher risk of AF.

Conclusions: In the ARIC study, the incident AF increased by 50% in patients with HT. In the MR analysis, our results supported causal inference between HT and AF.

Different Influence of Blood Pressure on New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

[Figure: see text].

Integrated Care in Atrial Fibrillation: A Road Map to the Future

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered arrhythmia in clinical practice with an epidemiological coupling appreciated with advancing age, cardiometabolic risk factors, and structural heart disease. This has resulted in a significant public health burden over the years, evident through increasing rates of hospitalization and AF-related clinical encounters. The resultant gap in health care outcomes is largely twinned with suboptimal rates of anticoagulation prescription and adherence, deficits in symptom identification and management, and insufficient comorbid cardiovascular risk factor investigation and modification. In view of these shortfalls in care, the establishment of integrated chronic care models serves as a road map to best clinical practice. The expansion of integrated chronic care programs, which include multidisciplinary team care, nurse-led AF clinics, and use of telemedicine, are expected to improve AF-related outcomes in the coming years. This review will delve into current gaps in AF care and the role of integrated chronic care models in bridging fragmentations in its management.

Meta-analysis of metabolic syndrome and its individual components with risk of atrial fibrillation in different populations

Background

Recent studies have reported the effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on atrial fibrillation (AF), but the results remain controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between MetS and AF risk.

Methods

Studies were searched from the Cochrane library, PubMed, and Embase databases through May 2020. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and then pooled by using a random effects model.

Results

A total of 6 observational cohort studies were finally included. In the pooled analysis, MetS was associated with an increased risk of AF (HR 1.57; 95% CI 1.40–1.77; P < 0.01). And the components of MetS including abdominal obesity (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.36–1.38; P < 0.01), elevated blood pressure (HR 1.56; 95% CI 1.46–1.66; P < 0.01), elevated fasting glucose (HR 1.18; 95% CI 1.15–1.21; P < 0.01) and low high density cholesterol (HDL) (HR 1.18; 95% CI 1.06–1.32; P < 0.01) was also associated with an increased risk of AF, while high triglyceride (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.87–1.11, P = 0.82) was not.

Conclusions

Our present meta-analysis suggested that MetS, as well as its components including abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose and low HDL cholesterol were associated with an increase in the risk of AF.

The relationship between blood pressure and risk of atrial fibrillation: a Mendelian randomization study

AIMS

Observational studies suggest elevated blood pressure (BP) as the leading risk factor for incident atrial fibrillation (AF), but whether this relationship is causal remains unknown. In this study, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the potential causal association of BP levels with the risk of developing AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Genetic variants associated with the BP traits were retrieved from the International Consortium of Blood Pressure-Genome Wide Association Studies (N = 299 024). From 901 reported variants, 894 were assessed in a dedicated Genome-Wide Association Study of AF genetics, including >1 000 000 subjects of European ancestry. We used two-sample MR analyses to examine the potential causal association of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) as well as of pulse pressure (PP) with AF. MR analysis identified a potentially causal association between AF and SBP [odds ratio (OR): 1.018 per 1 mmHg increase, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.012-1.024, P < 0.001], DBP (OR: 1.026, 95% CI: 1.016-1.035, P < 0.001), and PP (OR: 1.014, 95% CI: 1.001-1.028, P = 0.033). These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses, including the MR-Egger method and the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test (MR-PRESSO). The causal relationship of BP and AF did not change when single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with possible confounders (i.e. coronary artery disease and obesity) of the causal relationship were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between increased BP levels and the risk of AF is likely causal and applies for different BP indices. Independently from other risk factors, optimal BP control might represent an important therapeutic target for AF prevention in the general population.

Correlation between the elevated uric acid levels and circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the elevated uric acid (UA) levels and activation of the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

A total of 233 outpatients and inpatients of the Cardiology Department from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, were selected and divided into the sinus rhythm group (SR) with 84 cases, the paroxysmal AF group (pAF) with 76 cases, and the persistent AF group (PAF) with 73 patients. The general clinical data and the serum levels of UA of the enrolled patients were collected, and the radioimmunoassay was adopted to detect the levels of renin (Renin), angiotensin II (Ang II), and aldosterone (Ald).

Results

Renin, AngII, Ald, and UA in the PAF group were significantly higher than those in the pAF group, and the levels of the above indicators in the pAF group were significantly higher than those in the SR group (P<0.001). The left atrium anteroposterior diameter (LAD) and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were significantly increased in the PAF group (P<0.001). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the levels of the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), AngII Renin, Ald, LVEDD, and LAD were positively correlated with the serum levels of UA (r=0.174, 0.273, 0.34, 0.385, 0.138, respectively, P<0.05 in all). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was negatively correlated with the UA level (r=-0.177, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that UA (β=0.103) and LAD (β=2.162) were independent risk factors for Renin. The independent risk factor for Ang II was UA (β=0.167). The independent risk factor for Ald was UA (β=0.283) and LAD (β=8.721) (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Elevated UA might cause excessive activation of the RAAS, aggravate the oxidative stress, and participate in the atrial remodeling, thereby promoting the occurrence and persistence of AF.

Pathophysiology and therapeutic relevance of PI3K(p110α) protein in atrial fibrillation: A non-interventional molecular therapy strategy

Genetically modified animal studies have revealed specific expression patterns and unequivocal roles of class I PI3K isoenzymes. PI3K(p110α), a catalytic subunit of class I PI3Ks is ubiquitously expressed and is well characterised in the cardiovascular system. Given that genetic inhibition of PI3K(p110α) causes lethal phenotype embryonically, the catalytic subunit is critically important in housekeeping and biological processes. A growing number of studies underpin crucial roles of PI3K(p110α) in cell survival, proliferation, hypertrophy and arrhythmogenesis. While the studies provide great insights, the precise mechanisms involved in PI3K(p110α) hypofunction and atrial fibrillation (AF) are not fully known. AF is a well recognised clinical problem with significant management limitations. In this translational review, we attempted a narration of PI3K(p110α) hypofunction in the molecular basis of AF pathophysiology. We sought to cautiously highlight the relevance of this molecule in the therapeutic approaches for AF management per se (i.e without conditions associate with cell proliferation, like cancer), and in mitigating effects of clinical risk factors in atrial substrate formation leading to AF progression. We also considered PI3K(p110α) in AF gene association, with the aim of identifying mechanistic links between the ever increasingly well-defined genetic loci (regions and genes) and AF. Such mechanisms will aid in identifying new drug targets for arrhythmogenic substrate and AF.

High prevalence of masked uncontrolled morning hypertension in elderly non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients: Home blood pressure substudy of the ANAFIE Registry

In the ANAFIE Registry home blood pressure subcohort, we evaluated 5204 patients aged ≥75 years with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) to assess blood pressure (BP) control, prevalence of masked hypertension, and anticoagulant use. Mean clinic (C) and home (H) systolic/diastolic BP(SBP/DBP) was 128.5/71.3 and 127.7/72.6 mm Hg, respectively. Overall, 77.5% of patients had hypertension; of these, 27.7%, 13.4%, 23.4%, and 35.6% had well-controlled, white coat, masked, and sustained hypertension, respectively. Masked hypertension prevalence increased with diabetes, decreased renal function, age ≥80 years, current smoker status, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. By morning/evening average, 59.0% of patients had mean H-SBP ≥ 125 mm Hg; 48.9% had mean C-SBP ≥ 130 mm Hg. Early morning hypertension (morning H-SBP ≥ 125 mm Hg) was found in 65.9% of patients. Although 51.1% of patients had well-controlled C-SBP, 52.5% of these had uncontrolled morning H-SBP. In elderly NVAF patients, morning H-BP was poorly controlled, and masked uncontrolled morning hypertension remains significant.