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Diener HC, Becher N, Sehner S, Toennis T, Bertaglia E, Blomstrom-Lundqvist C, Brandes A, Beuger V, Calvert M, Camm AJ, Chlouverakis G, Dan GA, Dichtl W, Fierenz A, Goette A, de Groot JR, Hermans A, Lip GYH, Lubinski A, Marijon E, Merkely B, Mont L, Nikorowitsch J, Ozga AK, Rajappan K, Sarkozy A, Scherr D, Schnabel RB, Schotten U, Simantirakis E, Vardas P, Wichterle D, Zapf A, Kirchhof P. Anticoagulation in Patients With Device-Detected Atrial Fibrillation With and Without a Prior Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: The NOAH-AFNET 6 Trial. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e036429. [PMID: 39190564 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.124.036429] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short and rare episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) are commonly detected using implanted devices (device-detected AF) in patients with prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulation in patients with prior stroke or TIA and device-detected AF but with no ECG-documented AF is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS This prespecified analysis of the NOAH-AFNET 6 (Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial High Rate Episodes) trial with post hoc elements assessed the effect of oral anticoagulation in patients with device-detected AF with and without a prior stroke or TIA in the randomized, double-blind, double-dummy NOAH-AFNET 6 trial. Outcomes were stroke, systemic embolism, and cardiovascular death (primary outcome) and major bleeding and death (safety outcome). A prior stroke or TIA was found in 253 patients with device-detected AF randomized in the NOAH-AFNET 6 (mean age, 78 years; 36.4% women). There was no treatment interaction with prior stroke or TIA for any of the primary and secondary time-to-event outcomes. In patients with a prior stroke or TIA, 14 out of 122 patients experienced a primary outcome event with anticoagulation (5.7% per patient-year). Without anticoagulation, there were 16 out of 131 patients with an event (6.3% per patient-year). The rate of stroke was lower than expected (anticoagulation: 4 out of 122 [1.6% per patient-year]; no anticoagulation: 6 out of 131 [2.3% per patient-year]). Numerically, there were more major bleeding events with anticoagulation in patients with prior stroke or TIA (8 out of 122 patients) than without anticoagulation (2 out of 131 patients). CONCLUSIONS Anticoagulation appears to have ambiguous effects in patients with device-detected AF and a prior stroke or TIA in this hypothesis-generating analysis of the NOAH-AFNET 6 in the absence of ECG-documented AF, partially due to a low rate of stroke without anticoagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Christoph Diener
- Department of Neuroepidemiology Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Duisburg-Essen Essen Germany
| | - Nina Becher
- Department of Cardiology University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck Hamburg Germany
| | - Susanne Sehner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
| | - Tobias Toennis
- Department of Cardiology University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck Hamburg Germany
| | | | - Carina Blomstrom-Lundqvist
- Department of Medical Science Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Örebro University Örebro Sweden
| | - Axel Brandes
- Department of Cardiology Esbjerg Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark Esbjerg Denmark
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET) Muenster Germany
| | | | - Melanie Calvert
- Center for Patient Reported Outcomes Research Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham Birmingham United Kingdom
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Center and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands University of Birmingham Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - A John Camm
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London London United Kingdom
| | | | - Gheorghe-Andrei Dan
- Medicine University "Carol Davila" Colentina University Hospital Bucharest Romania
| | - Wolfgang Dichtl
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology Innsbruck Medical University Innsbruck Austria
| | - Alexander Fierenz
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
| | - Andreas Goette
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET) Muenster Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine St Vincenz-Hospital Paderborn Paderborn Germany
- Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg Magdeburg Germany
| | - Joris R de Groot
- The Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers University of Amsterdam Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Hermans
- Department of Cardiology and Physiology Maastricht University Maastricht the Netherlands
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Center for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital Liverpool United Kingdom
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine Aalborg University Aalborg Denmark
| | - Andrzej Lubinski
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases Medical University of Gdańsk Gdańsk Poland
| | - Eloi Marijon
- Cardiology Division European Georges Pompidou Hospital Paris France
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary
| | - Lluís Mont
- Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Catalonia Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) Barcelona Catalonia Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV) Madrid Spain
| | - Julius Nikorowitsch
- Department of Cardiology University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck Hamburg Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Ozga
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
| | - Kim Rajappan
- Cardiac Department John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Sarkozy
- HRMC University Hospital Brussels, VUB Brussels Belgium Belgium
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Department of Cardiology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
| | - Renate B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck Hamburg Germany
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET) Muenster Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET) Muenster Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Physiology Maastricht University Maastricht the Netherlands
| | | | - Panos Vardas
- Department of Cardiology Heraklion University Hospital Heraklion Greece
- Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens (BRFAA) Greece and Hygeia Hospitals Group Athens Greece
| | - Dan Wichterle
- Department of Cardiology Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine Prague Czechia
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET) Muenster Germany
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck Hamburg Germany
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET) Muenster Germany
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McIntyre WF, Benz AP, Tojaga N, Brandes A, Lopes RD, Healey JS. Direct oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with device-detected atrial fibrillation: assessing net clinical benefit. Eur Heart J Suppl 2024; 26:iv4-iv11. [PMID: 39099575 PMCID: PMC11292410 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suae075] [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: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Subclinical, device-detected atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently recorded by pacemakers and other implanted cardiac rhythm devices. Patients with device-detected AF have an elevated risk of stroke, but a lower risk of stroke than similar patients with clinical AF captured with surface electrocardiogram. Two randomized clinical trials (NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESiA) have tested a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) against aspirin or placebo. A study-level meta-analysis of the two trials found that treatment with a DOAC resulted in a 32% reduction in ischaemic stroke and a 62% increase in major bleeding; the results of the two trials were consistent. The annualized rate of stroke in the control arms was ∼1%. Several factors point towards overall net benefit from DOAC treatment for patients with device-detected AF. Strokes in ARTESiA were frequently fatal or disabling and bleeds were rarely lethal. The higher absolute rates of major bleeding compared with ischaemic stroke while on treatment with a DOAC in the two trials are consistent with the ratio of bleeds to strokes seen in the pivotal DOAC vs. warfarin trials in patients with clinical AF. Prior research has concluded that patients place a higher emphasis on stroke prevention than on bleeding. Further research is needed to identify the characteristics that will help identify patients with device-detected AF who will receive the greatest benefit from DOAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William F McIntyre
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, 237 Barton St East, Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 2X2, Canada
| | - Alexander P Benz
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, 237 Barton St East, Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 2X2, Canada
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nedim Tojaga
- Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg and Grindsted Hospital—University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Axel Brandes
- Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg and Grindsted Hospital—University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Renato D Lopes
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeff S Healey
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, 237 Barton St East, Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 2X2, Canada
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Barkhordarian M, Montazerin SM, Tran HHV, Amin T, Frishman WH, Aronow WS. Atrial Fibrillation and Cognitive Disorders. Cardiol Rev 2024:00045415-990000000-00280. [PMID: 38814075 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation among older adults is increasing. Research has indicated that atrial fibrillation is linked to cognitive impairment disorders such as Alzheimer and vascular dementia, as well as Parkinson disease. Various mechanisms are believed to be shared between atrial fibrillation and cognitive impairment disorders. The specific pathologies and mechanisms of different cognitive disorders are still being studied. Potential mechanisms include cerebral hypoperfusion, ischemic or hemorrhagic infarction, and cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide. Additionally, circulatory biomarkers and certain infectious organisms appear to be involved. This review offers an examination of the overlapping epidemiology between atrial fibrillation and cognitive disorders, explores different cognitive disorders and their connections with this arrhythmia, and discusses trials and guidelines for preventing and treating atrial fibrillation in patients with cognitive disorders. It synthesizes existing knowledge on the management of atrial fibrillation and identifies areas that require further investigation to bridge the gap in understanding the complex relationship between dementia and atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Barkhordarian
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health- Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ
| | - Sahar Memar Montazerin
- Department of Internal Medicine, New York Medical College, Saint Michael Medical Center, Newark, NJ
| | - Hadrian Hoang-Vu Tran
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health- Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ
| | - Toka Amin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Queens Hospital, New York, NY
| | | | - Wilbert S Aronow
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
- Departments of Cardiology and Medicine, Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
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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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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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6
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Becher N, Toennis T, Bertaglia E, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Brandes A, Cabanelas N, Calvert M, Camm AJ, Chlouverakis G, Dan GA, Dichtl W, Diener HC, Fierenz A, Goette A, de Groot JR, Hermans ANL, Lip GYH, Lubinski A, Marijon E, Merkely B, Mont L, Ozga AK, Rajappan K, Sarkozy A, Scherr D, Schnabel RB, Schotten U, Sehner S, Simantirakis E, Vardas P, Velchev V, Wichterle D, Zapf A, Kirchhof P. Anticoagulation with edoxaban in patients with long atrial high-rate episodes ≥24 h. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:837-849. [PMID: 37956458 PMCID: PMC10919916 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patients with long atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) ≥24 h and stroke risk factors are often treated with anticoagulation for stroke prevention. Anticoagulation has never been compared with no anticoagulation in these patients. METHODS This secondary pre-specified analysis of the Non-vitamin K antagonist Oral anticoagulants in patients with Atrial High-rate episodes (NOAH-AFNET 6) trial examined interactions between AHRE duration at baseline and anticoagulation with edoxaban compared with placebo in patients with AHRE and stroke risk factors. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, or cardiovascular death. The safety outcome was a composite of major bleeding and death. Key secondary outcomes were components of these outcomes and electrocardiogram (ECG)-diagnosed atrial fibrillation. RESULTS Median follow-up of 2389 patients with core lab-verified AHRE was 1.8 years. AHRE ≥24 h were present at baseline in 259/2389 patients (11%, 78 ± 7 years old, 28% women, CHA2DS2-VASc 4). Clinical characteristics were not different from patients with shorter AHRE. The primary outcome occurred in 9/132 patients with AHRE ≥24 h (4.3%/patient-year, 2 strokes) treated with anticoagulation and in 14/127 patients treated with placebo (6.9%/patient-year, 2 strokes). Atrial high-rate episode duration did not interact with the efficacy (P-interaction = .65) or safety (P-interaction = .98) of anticoagulation. Analyses including AHRE as a continuous parameter confirmed this. Patients with AHRE ≥24 h developed more ECG-diagnosed atrial fibrillation (17.0%/patient-year) than patients with shorter AHRE (8.2%/patient-year; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS This hypothesis-generating analysis does not find an interaction between AHRE duration and anticoagulation therapy in patients with device-detected AHRE and stroke risk factors. Further research is needed to identify patients with long AHRE at high stroke risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Becher
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Postdamer Str. 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Toennis
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Postdamer Str. 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Emanuele Bertaglia
- Department of Cardiac, Vascular, Thoracic and Public Health Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliera, Padua, Italy
| | - Carina Blomström-Lundqvist
- Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Axel Brandes
- Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital—University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nuno Cabanelas
- Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Melanie Calvert
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - A John Camm
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, and Imperial College, London, UK
| | | | - Gheorghe-Andrei Dan
- Medicine University ‘Carol Davila’, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Wolfgang Dichtl
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hans Christoph Diener
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Fierenz
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Goette
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St Vincenz-Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn, Germany
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Mendelstrasse 11, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid N L Hermans
- Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Andrzej Lubinski
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Eloi Marijon
- Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lluís Mont
- Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ann-Kathrin Ozga
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kim Rajappan
- Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Sarkozy
- HRMC, University Hospital Brussels, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Renate B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Postdamer Str. 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Mendelstrasse 11, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne Sehner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Panos Vardas
- Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital, Crete, Greece
- Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Greece and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasil Velchev
- Cardiology Clinic, St.Anna University Hospital, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dan Wichterle
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Postdamer Str. 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Mendelstrasse 11, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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Sagris D, Ntaios G, Buckley BJR, Harrison SL, Underhill P, Lane DA, Lip GYH. Direct oral anticoagulants are associated with lower risk of dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 121:114-120. [PMID: 37914656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.10.033] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of dementia. Whether direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) reduce this risk compared to vitamin-K antagonist (VKA) is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of new all-cause dementia and vascular dementia in AF patients, treated with either DOAC or VKAs. METHODS Anonymized electronic medical records from the TriNetX federated research network were used. AF patients treated with DOACs within 1 month of AF diagnosis, were 1:1 propensity score-matched with those treated with a VKA. The analysis included patients who completed 5 and 10 years of follow-up and were assessed for all-cause dementia and vascular dementia. Cox proportional hazard models were used to hazard ratios (HR), respectively with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Among patients who completed 5 years of follow-up, after propensity score matching the final cohort consisted of 215,404 well-matched AF patients. All-cause dementia was diagnosed in 4,153 (3.9%) patients among those treated with DOACs and 4,150 (3.9%) among the VKA-treated patients (HR: 1.01, 95%CI: 0.96-1.05). Among patients 65-74 years old who were followed, DOAC treatment was associated with lower risk of dementia compared to VKAs (HR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.59-0.86). Among patients who completed 10 years of follow-up, after propensity score matching the final cohort consisted of 19,208 well-matched AF patients. All-cause dementia was diagnosed in 314 (3.3%) patients among those treated with DOACs and 451 (4.7%) among the VKA-treated patients. DOAC treatment was associated with significantly lower risk of all-cause dementia during a follow-up period of 10 years compared to VKA treatment (HR: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.62-0.83), which remained consistent in patiens ≥65 years old. CONCLUSION This propensity-score matched analysis showed that among AF patients, treatment with a DOACs for a period of 10 years was associated with lower risk of all-cause dementia and vascular dementia compared to VKA treatment, an effect which was not apparent in those treated for shorter duration. This finding requires confirmation in ongoing randomised controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Sagris
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Benjamin J R Buckley
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephanie L Harrison
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Deirdre A Lane
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
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8
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Hsu NC, Hsu CH. Anticoagulation with Edoxaban in Patients with Atrial High-Rate Episodes. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:2301-2302. [PMID: 38091538 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc2312837] [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: 12/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nin-Chieh Hsu
- Taipei City Hospital Zhongxing Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hao Hsu
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Gruwez H, Verbrugge FH, Proesmans T, Evens S, Vanacker P, Rutgers MP, Vanhooren G, Bertrand P, Pison L, Haemers P, Vandervoort P, Nuyens D. Smartphone-based atrial fibrillation screening in the general population: feasibility and impact on medical treatment. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 4:464-472. [PMID: 38045439 PMCID: PMC10689910 DOI: 10.1093/ehjdh/ztad054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Aims The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility, detection rate, and therapeutic implications of large-scale smartphone-based screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and results Subjects from the general population in Belgium were recruited through a media campaign to perform AF screening during 8 consecutive days with a smartphone application. The application analyses photoplethysmography traces with artificial intelligence and offline validation of suspected signals to detect AF. The impact of AF screening on medical therapy was measured through questionnaires. Atrial fibrillation was detected in the screened population (n = 60.629) in 791 subjects (1.3%). From this group, 55% responded to the questionnaire. Clinical AF [AF confirmed on a surface electrocardiogram (ECG)] was newly diagnosed in 60 individuals and triggered the initiation of anti-thrombotic therapy in 45%, adjustment of rate or rhythm controlling strategies in 62%, and risk factor management in 17%. In subjects diagnosed with known AF before screening, a positive screening result led to these therapy adjustments in 9%, 39%, and 11%, respectively. In all subjects with clinical AF and an indication for oral anti-coagulation (OAC), OAC uptake increased from 56% to 74% with AF screening. Subjects with clinical AF were older with more co-morbidities compared with subclinical AF (no surface ECG confirmation of AF) (P < 0.001). In subjects with subclinical AF (n = 202), therapy adjustments were performed in only 7%. Conclusion Smartphone-based AF screening is feasible at large scale. Screening increased OAC uptake and impacted therapy of both new and previously diagnosed clinical AF but failed to impact risk factor management in subjects with subclinical AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Gruwez
- Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital East-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Frederik H Verbrugge
- Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Brussels, Jette, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Peter Vanacker
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital and Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Groeninge Hospital, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Geert Vanhooren
- Department of Neurology, Sint-Jan Hospital Brugge-Oostende, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Philippe Bertrand
- Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital East-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Laurent Pison
- Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital East-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Peter Haemers
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vandervoort
- Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital East-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Dieter Nuyens
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital East-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
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10
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Brahier MS, Piccini JP. Deep Learning to Identify Undiagnosed AF Using ECGs in Sinus Rhythm-Should We Rewire Our Models? JAMA Cardiol 2023; 8:1139-1141. [PMID: 37851465 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2023.3710] [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: 10/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Brahier
- Electrophysiology Section, Duke Heart Center, Duke University Hospital and Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jonathan P Piccini
- Electrophysiology Section, Duke Heart Center, Duke University Hospital and Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
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11
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O'Shea CJ, Brooks AG, Middeldorp ME, Harper C, Hendriks JM, Russo AM, Freeman JV, Gopinathannair R, Varma N, Deering TF, Campbell K, Sanders P. Device-detected atrial fibrillation in a large remote-monitored cohort: implications for anticoagulation and need for new pathways of service delivery. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:1659-1668. [PMID: 36735111 PMCID: PMC10547627 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01481-4] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remote monitoring (RM) can facilitate early detection of subclinical and symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), providing an opportunity to evaluate the need for stroke prevention therapies. We aimed to characterize the burden of RM AF alerts and its impact on anticoagulation of patients with device-detected AF. METHODS Consecutive patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device, at least one AF episode, undergoing RM were included and assigned an estimated minimum CHA2DS2-VASc score based on age and device type. RM was provided via automated software system, providing rapid alert processing by device specialists and systematic, recurrent prompts for anticoagulation. RESULTS From 7651 individual, 389,188 AF episodes were identified, 3120 (40.8%) permanent pacemakers, 2260 (29.5%) implantable loop recorders (ILRs), 987 (12.9%) implantable cardioverter defibrillators, 968 (12.7%) cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) defibrillators, and 316 (4.1%) CRT pacemakers. ILRs transmitted 48.8% of all AF episodes. At twelve-months, 3404 (44.5%) AF < 6 min, 1367 (17.9%) 6 min-6 h, 1206 (15.8%) 6-24 h, and 1674 (21.9%) ≥ 24 h. A minimum CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 was assigned to 1704 (63.1%) of the patients with an AF episode of ≥ 6 h, 531 (31.2%) who were not anticoagulated at 12-months, and 1031 (61.6%) patients with an AF episode duration of ≥ 24 h, 290 (28.1%) were not anticoagulated. CONCLUSIONS Despite being intensively managed via RM software system incorporating cues for anticoagulation, a substantial proportion of patients with increased stroke risk remained unanticoagulated after a device-detected AF episode of significant duration. These data highlight the need for improved clinical response pathways and an integrated care approach to RM. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12620001232921.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J O'Shea
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anthony G Brooks
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Melissa E Middeldorp
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Jeroen M Hendriks
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrea M Russo
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - James V Freeman
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
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12
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Kirchhof P, Toennis T, Goette A, Camm AJ, Diener HC, Becher N, Bertaglia E, Blomstrom Lundqvist C, Borlich M, Brandes A, Cabanelas N, Calvert M, Chlouverakis G, Dan GA, de Groot JR, Dichtl W, Kravchuk B, Lubiński A, Marijon E, Merkely B, Mont L, Ozga AK, Rajappan K, Sarkozy A, Scherr D, Sznajder R, Velchev V, Wichterle D, Sehner S, Simantirakis E, Lip GYH, Vardas P, Schotten U, Zapf A. Anticoagulation with Edoxaban in Patients with Atrial High-Rate Episodes. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:1167-1179. [PMID: 37622677 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2303062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Device-detected atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) are atrial arrhythmias detected by implanted cardiac devices. AHREs resemble atrial fibrillation but are rare and brief. Whether the occurrence of AHREs in patients without atrial fibrillation (as documented on a conventional electrocardiogram [ECG]) justifies the initiation of anticoagulants is not known. METHODS We conducted an event-driven, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized trial involving patients 65 years of age or older who had AHREs lasting for at least 6 minutes and who had at least one additional risk factor for stroke. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive edoxaban or placebo. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, or systemic embolism, evaluated in a time-to-event analysis. The safety outcome was a composite of death from any cause or major bleeding. RESULTS The analysis population consisted of 2536 patients (1270 in the edoxaban group and 1266 in the placebo group). The mean age was 78 years, 37.4% were women, and the median duration of AHREs was 2.8 hours. The trial was terminated early, at a median follow-up of 21 months, on the basis of safety concerns and the results of an independent, informal assessment of futility for the efficacy of edoxaban; at termination, the planned enrollment had been completed. A primary efficacy outcome event occurred in 83 patients (3.2% per patient-year) in the edoxaban group and in 101 patients (4.0% per patient-year) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 1.08; P = 0.15). The incidence of stroke was approximately 1% per patient-year in both groups. A safety outcome event occurred in 149 patients (5.9% per patient-year) in the edoxaban group and in 114 patients (4.5% per patient-year) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.67; P = 0.03). ECG-diagnosed atrial fibrillation developed in 462 of 2536 patients (18.2% total, 8.7% per patient-year). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with AHREs detected by implantable devices, anticoagulation with edoxaban did not significantly reduce the incidence of a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, or systemic embolism as compared with placebo, but it led to a higher incidence of a composite of death or major bleeding. The incidence of stroke was low in both groups. (Funded by the German Center for Cardiovascular Research and others; NOAH-AFNET 6 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02618577; ISRCTN number, ISRCTN17309850.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulus Kirchhof
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Tobias Toennis
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Andreas Goette
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - A John Camm
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Hans Christoph Diener
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Nina Becher
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Emanuele Bertaglia
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Carina Blomstrom Lundqvist
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Martin Borlich
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Axel Brandes
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Nuno Cabanelas
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Melanie Calvert
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Gregory Chlouverakis
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Gheorghe-Andrei Dan
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Joris R de Groot
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Wolfgang Dichtl
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Borys Kravchuk
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Andrzej Lubiński
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Eloi Marijon
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Béla Merkely
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Lluís Mont
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Ann-Kathrin Ozga
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Kim Rajappan
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Andrea Sarkozy
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Daniel Scherr
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Rafał Sznajder
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Vasil Velchev
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Dan Wichterle
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Susanne Sehner
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Emmanuel Simantirakis
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Panos Vardas
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
| | - Antonia Zapf
- From the Atrial Fibrillation Network, Münster (P.K., A.G., U.S.), the Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg (P.K., T.T., N.B.), and the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (A.-K.O., S.S., A.Z.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck (P.K., T.T., N.B.), Hamburg, the Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz Hospital Paderborn, Paderborn (A.G.), the Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry, and Epidemiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen (H.C.D.), and the Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg (M.B.) - all in Germany; the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (P.K.) and the Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (M.C.), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, and Imperial College London, London (A.J.C.), the Cardiac Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford (K.R.), and Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, John Moores University, and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool (G.Y.H.L.) - all in the United Kingdom; Unità Operativa Complessa Cardiologia-Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, and the Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro - both in Sweden (C.B.L.); the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, and the Department of Cardiology, Esbjerg Hospital-University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg (A.B.), and the Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg (G.Y.H.L.) - all in Denmark; the Cardiology Department, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal (N.C.); the Biostatistics Lab, School of Medicine, University of Crete (G.C.), and the Department of Cardiology, Heraklion University Hospital (E.S.), Heraklion, and the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens and Hygeia Hospitals Group, Athens (P.V.) - all in Greece; Medicine University Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania (G.-A.D.); the Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (J.R.G.), and the Departments of Cardiology and Physiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht (U.S.) - both in the Netherlands; the Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck (W.D.), and the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz (D.S.) - both in Austria; the National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (B.K.); the Department of Cardiology and Internal Disease, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk (A.L.), and the Department of Electrocardiology and Heart Failure, Leszek Giec Upper Silesian Medical Center, Katowice (R.S.) - both in Poland; the Cardiology Division, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris (E.M.); the Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (B.M.); the Hospital Clinic, Universtitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cardiovascular, Madrid - all in Spain (L.M.); the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium (A.S.); the Cardiology Clinic, St. Anna University Hospital Sofia, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria (V.V.); and the Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic (D.W.)
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13
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Apple SJ, Flomenbaum D, Parker M, Chhikara S, Stolarov A, Moser J, Mathai SV, Seo J, Ferrick N, Chudow JJ, Di Biase L, Krumerman A, Ferrick KJ. Low Utility of Short-Term Rhythm Assessment Before Long-Term Rhythm Monitoring in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke. Am J Cardiol 2023; 202:151-159. [PMID: 37437356 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.06.040] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Implantable cardiac monitors are routinely placed for long-term monitoring (LTM) after a period of negative short-term monitoring (STM) to increase atrial fibrillation (AF) detection after a cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Optimizing AF monitoring after a cryptogenic stroke is critical to improve outcomes and reduce costs. We sought to compare the diagnostic yield of STM versus LTM, assess the impact of routine STM on hospitalization length of stay, and perform a financial analysis comparing the current model to a theoretical model wherein patients can proceed directly to LTM. Our retrospective observational cohort study analyzed patients admitted to Montefiore Medical Center between May 2017 and June 2022 with a primary diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke or TIA who underwent Holter device monitoring. Of 396 subjects, STM detected AF in 10 (2.5%) compared with a diagnostic yield of 14.6% for LTM (median time to diagnosis of 76 days). Of the 386 patients with negative STM, 130 (33.7%) received an implantable cardiac monitor while an inpatient, and 256 (66.3%) did not. We calculated a point estimate of 1.67 days delay of discharge attributable to the requirement for STM to precede LTM. Our model showed that the expected cost per patient in the STM-first paradigm is $28,615.33 versus $27,111.24 in the LTM-or-STM paradigm. Considering the relatively lower diagnostic yield of STM and its association with a longer length of stay and higher costs, it may be reasonable to proceed directly to LTM to optimize AF detection after a cryptogenic stroke or TIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Apple
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health and Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
| | - David Flomenbaum
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Matthew Parker
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health and Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Sanya Chhikara
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health and Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Aaron Stolarov
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Jack Moser
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Sheetal Vasundara Mathai
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health and Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Jiyoung Seo
- Department of Medicine, New York City Health and Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Neal Ferrick
- Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Jay J Chudow
- Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Andrew Krumerman
- Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Kevin J Ferrick
- Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
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14
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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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15
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Hayashi K, Abe H, Olshansky B, Sharma AD, Jones PW, Wold N, Perschbacher D, Kohno R, Richards M, Wilkoff BL. Initial heart rate score predicts new-onset atrial tachyarrhythmias in pacemaker patients. Europace 2023; 25:euad242. [PMID: 37552791 PMCID: PMC10440628 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad242] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Heart rate score (HRSc), the per cent of atrial paced and sensed event in the largest 10 b.p.m. rate histogram bin of a pacemaker, predicts survival in patients with cardiac devices. No correlation between HRSc and development of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between pacemaker post-implantation HRSc and the incidence of newly developed atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs). METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with dual-chamber pacemakers, implanted 2013-17, with the LATITUDE remote monitoring data with ≥600 000 beats of histogram data collected at baseline were included (N = 34 543). Heart rate score was determined from the initial 3-month post-implantation histogram data. Patients were excluded if they had ATAs, defined as atrial high-rate episodes >5 min or >1% of right atrial beats >170 b.p.m. during the initial 3 months post-implantation. New ATAs, after the baseline period, were defined by each of the following: >1, >10, or >25% of atrial beats >170 b.p.m. or atrial tachycardia response (ATR) events >24 h. Patients were followed a median of 2.8 (1.0-4.0) years. The incidence of ATAs increased in proportion to HRSc (log-rank P-value <0.001), and the initial HRSc ≥70% was associated with increased ATAs by all definitions. Patients with initial HRSc ≥70% were older, had a higher percentage of right atrium pacing (%RA pacing), had a lower percentage of right ventricular pacing (%RV pacing), and were more likely programmed with rate-response vs. subjects with HRSc <70%. Initial HRSc (hazard ratio: 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.09; P < 0.0001) independently predicted ATAs after adjusting for age, gender, %RV pacing, and rate-response programming. The %RA pacing and initial HRSc were correlated. CONCLUSION Heart rate score independently predicts any subsequent duration of ATAs in pacemaker patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhide Hayashi
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue Desk J2-2, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Haruhiko Abe
- Department of Heart Rhythm Management, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Brian Olshansky
- Department of Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ritsuko Kohno
- Department of Heart Rhythm Management, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Mark Richards
- Department of Cardiology, Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, Yakima, WA, USA
| | - Bruce L Wilkoff
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue Desk J2-2, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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16
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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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17
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Razina TV, Serova MV, Andreev DA, Sazonova YS, Komarova AG. [Tactics of anticoagulant therapy in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices and subclinical atrial fibrillation: A review]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2023; 95:472054. [PMID: 38158984 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2023.04.202189] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) has attracted considerable attention recently. Of special interest are patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) that allow for recording episodes of atrial arrhythmias of various durations, including asymptomatic ones, in which case they are referred to as subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF). The available data suggest that the risk of thromboembolic events varies between patients with SCAF and clinically overt AF. As of today, the question regarding anticoagulant therapy in patients with SCAF remains unresolved. The article presents an overview of previous and ongoing studies on this issue, as well as current guidelines on anticoagulant use in patients with SCAF and CIEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V Razina
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - M V Serova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
- Pirogov City Clinical Hospital №1 Moscow
| | - D A Andreev
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
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18
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Selder JL, Te Kolste HJ, Twisk J, Schijven M, Gielen W, Allaart CP. Accuracy of a Standalone Atrial Fibrillation Detection Algorithm Added to a Popular Wristband and Smartwatch: Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44642. [PMID: 37234033 DOI: 10.2196/44642] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) may be difficult to diagnose, and AF burden is hard to establish. In contrast to conventional diagnostic devices, photoplethysmography (PPG)-driven smartwatches or wristbands allow for long-term continuous heart rhythm assessment. However, most smartwatches lack an integrated PPG-AF algorithm. Adding a standalone PPG-AF algorithm to these wrist devices might open new possibilities for AF screening and burden assessment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of a well-known standalone PPG-AF detection algorithm added to a popular wristband and smartwatch, with regard to discriminating AF and sinus rhythm, in a group of patients with AF before and after cardioversion (CV). METHODS Consecutive consenting patients with AF admitted for CV in a large academic hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, were asked to wear a Biostrap wristband or Fitbit Ionic smartwatch with Fibricheck algorithm add-on surrounding the procedure. A set of 1-min PPG measurements and 12-lead reference electrocardiograms was obtained before and after CV. Rhythm assessment by the PPG device-software combination was compared with the 12-lead electrocardiogram. RESULTS A total of 78 patients were included in the Biostrap-Fibricheck cohort (156 measurement sets) and 73 patients in the Fitbit-Fibricheck cohort (143 measurement sets). Of the measurement sets, 19/156 (12%) and 7/143 (5%), respectively, were not classifiable by the PPG algorithm due to bad quality. The diagnostic performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy was 98%, 96%, 96%, 99%, 97%, and 97%, 100%, 100%, 97%, and 99%, respectively, at an AF prevalence of ~50%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the addition of a well-known standalone PPG-AF detection algorithm to a popular PPG smartwatch and wristband without integrated algorithm yields a high accuracy for the detection of AF, with an acceptable unclassifiable rate, in a semicontrolled environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper L Selder
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henryk Jan Te Kolste
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jos Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marlies Schijven
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelis P Allaart
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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19
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Li YP, Chen JY, Chen TW, Lu WD. Atrial high-rate episodes intensify R 2CHA 2DS 2-VASc score for prognostic stratification in pacemaker patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7640. [PMID: 37169860 PMCID: PMC10175262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34784-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with device detected atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) have an increased risk of MACE. The R2CHA2DS2-VASc, CHADS2, R2CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score have been investigated for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in different groups of patients. We aimed to evaluate the R2CHA2DS2-VASc score in combination with AHRE ≥ 6 min for predicting MACE in patients with dual-chamber PPM but no prior atrial fibrillation (AF). We retrospectively enrolled 376 consecutive patients undergoing dual-chamber PPM implantation and no prior AF. The primary endpoint was subsequent MACE. For all patients in the cohort, CHADS2, R2CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores and AHRE ≥ or < 6 min were determined. AHRE was recorded as a heart rate > 175 bpm (Medtronic) or > 200 bpm (Biotronik) lasting ≥ 30 s. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with time-dependent covariates was used to determine the independent predictors of MACE. ROC-AUC analysis was performed for CHADS2, R2CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores and then adding AHRE ≥ 6 min to the four scores. The median age was 77 years, and 107 patients (28.5%) developed AHRE ≥ 6 min. After a median follow-up of 32 months, 46 (12.2%) MACE occurred. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that R2CHA2DS2-VASc score (HR, 1.485; 95% CI, 1.212-1.818; p < 0.001) and AHRE ≥ 6 min (HR, 2.125; 95% CI, 1.162-3.887; p = 0.014) were independent predictors for MACE. The optimal R2CHA2DS2-VASc score cutoff value was 4.5 (set at ≥ 5), with the highest Youden index (AUC, 0.770; 95% CI, 0.709-0.831; p < 0.001). ROC-AUC analysis of the four risk scores separately combined with AHRE ≥ 6 min all showed better discriminatory power than the four scores alone (All Z-statistic p < 0.05). In patients with PPM who develop AHRE ≥ 6 min, it is crucial to perform risk assessment with either four scores to further stratify risk for MACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Pan Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 704, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Yi Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 704, Taiwan.
| | - Tse-Wei Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 704, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Da Lu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 704, Taiwan
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20
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Gibson CM, Steinhubl S, Lakkireddy D, Turakhia MP, Passman R, Jones WS, Bunch TJ, Curtis AB, Peterson ED, Ruskin J, Saxon L, Tarino M, Tarakji KG, Marrouche N, Patel M, Harxhi A, Kaul S, Nikolovski J, Juan S, Wildenhaus K, Damaraju CV, Spertus JA. Does early detection of atrial fibrillation reduce the risk of thromboembolic events? Rationale and design of the Heartline study. Am Heart J 2023; 259:30-41. [PMID: 36642226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2023.01.004] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of using direct-to-consumer wearable devices as a means to timely detect atrial fibrillation (AF) and to improve clinical outcomes is unknown. METHODS Heartline is a pragmatic, randomized, and decentralized application-based trial of US participants aged ≥65 years. Two randomized cohorts include adults with possession of an iPhone and without a history of AF and those with a diagnosis of AF taking a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) for ≥30 days. Participants within each cohort are randomized (3:1) to either a core digital engagement program (CDEP) via iPhone application (Heartline application) and an Apple Watch (Apple Watch Group) or CDEP alone (iPhone-only Group). The Apple Watch Group has the watch irregular rhythm notification (IRN) feature enabled and access to the ECG application on the Apple Watch. If an IRN notification is issued for suspected AF then the study application instructs participants in the Apple Watch Group to seek medical care. All participants were "watch-naïve" at time of enrollment and have an option to either buy or loan an Apple Watch as part of this study. The primary end point is time from randomization to clinical diagnosis of AF, with confirmation by health care claims. Key secondary endpoint are claims-based incidence of a 6-component composite cardiovascular/systemic embolism/mortality event, DOAC medication use and adherence, costs/health resource utilization, and frequency of hospitalizations for bleeding. All study assessments, including patient-reported outcomes, are conducted through the study application. The target study enrollment is approximately 28,000 participants in total; at time of manuscript submission, a total of 26,485 participants have been enrolled into the study. CONCLUSION The Heartline Study will assess if an Apple Watch with the IRN and ECG application, along with application-facilitated digital health engagement modules, improves time to AF diagnosis and cardiovascular outcomes in a real-world environment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04276441.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mintu P Turakhia
- Center for Digital Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Veterans Affairs Health Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Rod Passman
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - W Schuyler Jones
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - T Jared Bunch
- Cardiovascular Medicine Division, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Anne B Curtis
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Eric D Peterson
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jeremy Ruskin
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Leslie Saxon
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ante Harxhi
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Titusville, NJ
| | | | | | | | | | | | - John A Spertus
- Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute/University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
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21
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Curcio A, Anselmino M, Di Biase L, Migliore F, Nigro G, Rapacciuolo A, Sergi D, Tomasi L, Pedrinelli R, Mercuro G, Filardi PP, Indolfi C. The gray areas of oral anticoagulation for prevention of thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation patients. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:e97-e105. [PMID: 37186560 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Thromboembolic events (TEE) associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) are highly recurrent and usually severe, causing permanent disability or, even, death. Previous data consistently showed significantly lower TEE in anticoagulated patients. While warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, is still used worldwide, direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have shown noninferiority to warfarin in the prevention of TEE, and represent, to date, the preferred treatment. DOACs present favorable pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy profiles, especially among vulnerable patients including the elderly, those with renal dysfunction or previous TEE. Yet, regarding specific settings of AF patients it is unclear whether oral anticoagulation therapy is beneficial, or otherwise it is the maintenance of sinus rhythm, mostly achieved through a catheter ablation-based rhythm control strategy, that prevents the causal complications linked to AF. While it is known that low-risk patients [CHA2DS2-VASc 0 (males), or score of 1 (females)] present low ischemic stroke or mortality rates (<1%/year), it remains unclear whether they need any prophylaxis. Furthermore, the appropriate anticoagulation regimen for those individuals requiring cardioversion, either pharmacologic or electric, as well as peri-procedural anticoagulation in patients undergoing trans-catheter ablation that nowadays encompasses different energies, are still a matter of debate. In addition, AF concomitant with other clinical conditions is discussed and, lastly, the choice of prescribing anticoagulation to asymptomatic patients diagnosed with subclinical AF at either wearable or implanted devices. The aim of this review will be to provide an update on current strategies in the above-mentioned settings, and to suggest possible therapeutic options, finally focusing on AF-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Curcio
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University
| | - Matteo Anselmino
- Division of Cardiology, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino' Hospital, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Federico Migliore
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova, Padova
| | - Gerardo Nigro
- Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (Second University of Naples)
| | - Antonio Rapacciuolo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples
| | - Domenico Sergi
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome
| | - Luca Tomasi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Verona, Verona
| | - Roberto Pedrinelli
- Department of Surgical, Clinical and Molecular Pathology and Intensive Care, University of Pisa, Pisa
| | - Giuseppe Mercuro
- Department of Internal Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari
| | | | - Ciro Indolfi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
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22
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Arcocha Torres MF, Gaztañaga Arantzamendi L, Zamarreño Golvano E. Atrial fibrillation detected by implantable automatic defibrillators in Spain. Incidence and prognostic factors. Med Clin (Barc) 2023:S0025-7753(23)00164-1. [PMID: 37127460 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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23
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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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24
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Yang D, Elkind MSV. Current perspectives on the clinical management of cryptogenic stroke. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:213-226. [PMID: 36934333 PMCID: PMC10166643 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2192403] [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: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptogenic stroke is a heterogeneous entity defined as an ischemic stroke for which no probable cause is identified despite thorough diagnostic evaluation. Since about a quarter of all ischemic strokes are classified as cryptogenic, it is a commonly encountered problem for providers as secondary stroke prevention is guided by stroke etiology. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors provide an overview of stroke subtype classification schemes and diagnostic evaluation in cryptogenic stroke. They then detail putative cryptogenic stroke mechanisms, their therapeutic implications, and ongoing research. This review synthesizes the available evidence on PubMed up to December 2022. EXPERT OPINION Cryptogenic stroke is an evolving concept that changes with ongoing research. Investigations are focused on improving our diagnostic capabilities and solidifying useful constructs within cryptogenic stroke that could become therapeutically targetable subgroups within an otherwise nonspecific entity. Advances in technology may help move specific proposed cryptogenic stroke mechanisms from undetermined to known source of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixon Yang
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mitchell S. V. Elkind
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- American Heart Association
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25
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Kalarus Z, Mairesse GH, Sokal A, Boriani G, Średniawa B, Casado-Arroyo R, Wachter R, Frommeyer G, Traykov V, Dagres N, Lip GYH. Searching for atrial fibrillation: looking harder, looking longer, and in increasingly sophisticated ways. An EHRA position paper. Europace 2023; 25:185-198. [PMID: 36256580 PMCID: PMC10112840 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Kalarus
- Department of Cardiology, DMS in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Cardiology, Silesian Center for Heart Diseases, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Georges H Mairesse
- Department of Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Cliniques du Sud Luxembourg—Vivalia, Arlon, Belgium
| | - Adam Sokal
- Department of Cardiology, Silesian Center for Heart Diseases, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Giuseppe Boriani
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Beata Średniawa
- Department of Cardiology, DMS in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Cardiology, Silesian Center for Heart Diseases, Zabrze, Poland
| | | | - Rolf Wachter
- Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerrit Frommeyer
- Department of Cardiology II (Electrophysiology), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Vassil Traykov
- Department of Invasive Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolaos Dagres
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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26
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Meng Y, Zhang Y, Zhu C, Nie C, Liu P, Chang S, Wang S. Atrial high-rate episode burden and stroke risks for patients with device-detected subclinical atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Cardiol 2023; 371:211-220. [PMID: 36243183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial high-rate episode (AHRE) and stroke are related; however, the magnitude of the correlations between different AHRE burdens and stroke remains unknown. We analysed studies that evaluated this relationship. METHODS We searched for observational controlled studies that reported the associations of different AHRE burdens with stroke in populations with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The primary endpoint was stroke or thrombosis during follow-up. We performed subgroup analyses according to the classification criteria and research design of the included studies. RESULTS Of the 5985 studies identified, 9 met the eligibility criteria and included 42,958 patients. Patients with low and high AHRE burdens had a 1.2-fold risk of stroke (no heterogeneity) and a 2.52-fold risk of stroke (moderate heterogeneity), respectively. After excluding studies analysing the atrial fibrillation history, no significant difference in progressive stroke risk was observed for patients with a low AHRE burden (without significant heterogeneity). An increased likelihood of stroke was observed for patients with a high AHRE burden (decreased heterogeneity). Four of the nine studies classified high and low AHRE burdens using the longest AHRE time. Five studies classified high and low AHRE burdens based on the median of the total AHRE time as the cutoff value. Low and high AHRE burdens were more closely related to stroke when classified by the total AHRE duration than when classified by the single longest AHRE duration. CONCLUSIONS For populations with CIEDs without an atrial fibrillation history, a high AHRE burden was significantly associated with stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhai Meng
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Changsheng Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Changrong Nie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Chang
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuiyun Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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27
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Proietti M. Natural history of 'silent' atrial fibrillation from subclinical to asymptomatic: State of the art and need for research. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 107:27-29. [PMID: 36404262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Proietti
- Division of Subacute Care, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Via Camaldoli 64, Milan 20138, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences at University of Liverpool, John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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28
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Rodrigues G, Adragão P. Cardiac device remote monitoring in 2022: Are digital and remote monitoring synonymous with ease and improvement? Rev Port Cardiol 2022; 41:999-1000. [PMID: 36228666 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Rodrigues
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Santa Cruz, CHLO, Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Pedro Adragão
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Santa Cruz, CHLO, Carnaxide, Portugal.
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29
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Liebe V, Kruska M, Dürschmied D, Akin I. [What is confirmed in the treatment of atrial fibrillation?]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 63:1244-1249. [PMID: 36355078 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-022-01418-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinically relevant cardiac arrhythmia. Important goals in the treatment of atrial fibrillation are improvement of the quality of life, relief of symptoms and the prevention of stroke. New in the current European guidelines on atrial fibrillation from 2020 is a structured approach with the introduction of the 4S-AF scheme (4S estimation of the risk of stroke, severity of symptoms, degree of severity of atrial fibrillation load and substrate, AF atrial fibrillation) for better characterization of atrial fibrillation and the ABC pathway in the treatment. The decision on the use of anticoagulation should be made after appropriate risk stratification. Depending on the characterization and symptoms of atrial fibrillation, the planning of further treatment should be made with respect to symptom control. Based on recent studies, rhythm-maintaining treatment by means of drugs or catheter ablation is gaining in importance over a strategy purely aimed at controlling the frequency. Integral components of treatment are also the identification and treatment of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors as well as the modification of an unhealthy lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Liebe
- I. Medizinische Klinik, Kardiologie, Angiologie, Hämostaseologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim GmbH, 68135, Mannheim, Deutschland.
| | - Mathieu Kruska
- I. Medizinische Klinik, Kardiologie, Angiologie, Hämostaseologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim GmbH, 68135, Mannheim, Deutschland
| | - Daniel Dürschmied
- I. Medizinische Klinik, Kardiologie, Angiologie, Hämostaseologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim GmbH, 68135, Mannheim, Deutschland
| | - Ibrahim Akin
- I. Medizinische Klinik, Kardiologie, Angiologie, Hämostaseologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim GmbH, 68135, Mannheim, Deutschland
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30
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Brandes A, Stavrakis S, Freedman B, Antoniou S, Boriani G, Camm AJ, Chow CK, Ding E, Engdahl J, Gibson MM, Golovchiner G, Glotzer T, Guo Y, Healey JS, Hills MT, Johnson L, Lip GYH, Lobban T, Macfarlane PW, Marcus GM, McManus DD, Neubeck L, Orchard J, Perez MV, Schnabel RB, Smyth B, Steinhubl S, Turakhia MP. Consumer-Led Screening for Atrial Fibrillation: Frontier Review of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration. Circulation 2022; 146:1461-1474. [PMID: 36343103 PMCID: PMC9673231 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.058911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The technological evolution and widespread availability of wearables and handheld ECG devices capable of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF), and their promotion directly to consumers, has focused attention of health care professionals and patient organizations on consumer-led AF screening. In this Frontiers review, members of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration provide a critical appraisal of this rapidly evolving field to increase awareness of the complexities and uncertainties surrounding consumer-led AF screening. Although there are numerous commercially available devices directly marketed to consumers for AF monitoring and identification of unrecognized AF, health care professional-led randomized controlled studies using multiple ECG recordings or continuous ECG monitoring to detect AF have failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in stroke. Although it remains uncertain if consumer-led AF screening reduces stroke, it could increase early diagnosis of AF and facilitate an integrated approach, including appropriate anticoagulation, rate or rhythm management, and risk factor modification to reduce complications. Companies marketing AF screening devices should report the accuracy and performance of their products in high- and low-risk populations and avoid claims about clinical outcomes unless improvement is demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. Generally, the diagnostic yield of AF screening increases with the number, duration, and temporal dispersion of screening sessions, but the prognostic importance may be less than for AF detected by single-time point screening, which is largely permanent, persistent, or high-burden paroxysmal AF. Consumer-initiated ECG recordings suggesting possible AF always require confirmation by a health care professional experienced in ECG reading, whereas suspicion of AF on the basis of photoplethysmography must be confirmed with an ECG. Consumer-led AF screening is unlikely to be cost-effective for stroke prevention in the predominantly young, early adopters of this technology. Studies in older people at higher stroke risk are required to demonstrate both effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The direct interaction between companies and consumers creates new regulatory gaps in relation to data privacy and the registration of consumer apps and devices. Although several barriers for optimal use of consumer-led screening exist, results of large, ongoing trials, powered to detect clinical outcomes, are required before health care professionals should support widespread adoption of consumer-led AF screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Cardiovascular Section, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
| | - Ben Freedman
- Heart Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Giuseppe Boriani
- Department of Cardiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Clara K. Chow
- Cardiovascular Division, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eric Ding
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Johan Engdahl
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweeden
| | - Michael M. Gibson
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Taya Glotzer
- Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ
| | - Yutao Guo
- Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | - Gregory Y. H. Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Gregory M. Marcus
- Department of Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Franscisco, CA
| | - David D. McManus
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Lis Neubeck
- Centre for Cardiovascular Health, Edinburgh Napier University
| | - Jessica Orchard
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Breda Smyth
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive West, Galway, Ireland
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31
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Campo D, Elie V, de Gallard T, Bartet P, Morichau-Beauchant T, Genain N, Fayol A, Fouassier D, Pasteur-Rousseau A, Puymirat E, Nahum J. Atrial Fibrillation Detection With an Analog Smartwatch: Prospective Clinical Study and Algorithm Validation. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e37280. [PMID: 35481559 PMCID: PMC9675016 DOI: 10.2196/37280] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation affects approximately 4% of the world's population and is one of the major causes of stroke, heart failure, sudden death, and cardiovascular morbidity. It can be difficult to diagnose when asymptomatic or in the paroxysmal stage, and its natural history is not well understood. New wearables and connected devices offer an opportunity to improve on this situation. OBJECTIVE We aimed to validate an algorithm for the automatic detection of atrial fibrillation from a single-lead electrocardiogram taken with a smartwatch. METHODS Eligible patients were recruited from 4 sites in Paris, France. Electrocardiograms (12-lead reference and single lead) were captured simultaneously. The electrocardiograms were reviewed by independent, blinded board-certified cardiologists. The sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm to detect atrial fibrillation and normal sinus rhythm were calculated. The quality of single-lead electrocardiograms (visibility and polarity of waves, interval durations, heart rate) was assessed in comparison with the gold standard (12-lead electrocardiogram). RESULTS A total of 262 patients (atrial fibrillation: n=100, age: mean 74.3 years, SD 12.3; normal sinus rhythm: n=113, age: 61.8 years, SD 14.3; other arrhythmia: n=45, 66.9 years, SD 15.2; unreadable electrocardiograms: n=4) were included in the final analysis; 6.9% (18/262) were classified as Noise by the algorithm. Excluding other arrhythmias and Noise, the sensitivity for atrial fibrillation detection was 0.963 (95% CI lower bound 0.894), and the specificity was 1.000 (95% CI lower bound 0.967). Visibility and polarity accuracies were similar (1-lead electrocardiogram: P waves: 96.9%, QRS complexes: 99.2%, T waves: 91.2%; 12-lead electrocardiogram: P waves: 100%, QRS complexes: 98.8%, T waves: 99.5%). P-wave visibility accuracy was 99% (99/100) for patients with atrial fibrillation and 95.7% (155/162) for patients with normal sinus rhythm, other arrhythmias, and unreadable electrocardiograms. The absolute values of the mean differences in PR duration and QRS width were <3 ms, and more than 97% were <40 ms. The mean difference between the heart rates from the 1-lead electrocardiogram calculated by the algorithm and those calculated by cardiologists was 0.55 bpm. CONCLUSIONS The algorithm demonstrated great diagnostic performance for atrial fibrillation detection. The smartwatch's single-lead electrocardiogram also demonstrated good quality for physician use in daily routine care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04351386; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04351386.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Antoine Fayol
- Cardiology Intensive Care Unit, Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Etienne Puymirat
- Cardiology Intensive Care Unit, Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Julien Nahum
- Intensive Care Unit, Centre Cardiologique du Nord, Sainte-Denis, France
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Nuche J, Panagides V, Nault I, Mesnier J, Paradis JM, de Larochellière R, Kalavrouziotis D, Dumont E, Mohammadi S, Philippon F, Rodés-Cabau J. Incidence and clinical impact of tachyarrhythmic events following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A review. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:1890-1898. [PMID: 35952981 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is well established for treating severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Whereas broad information on the epidemiology, clinical implications, and management of bradyarrhythmias after TAVR is available, data about tachyarrhythmic events remain scarce. Despite the progressively lower risk profile of TAVR patients and the improvement in device characteristics and operator skills, approximately 10% of patients develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after TAVR. The proportion of patients in whom NOAF actually corresponds to previously undiagnosed silent atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been properly determined. The transapical approach, the need for pre- or post- balloon dilation, and the presence of periprocedural complications have been associated with a higher risk of NOAF. Older age, left atrial volume, or worse functional class are patient-derived risk factors shared with preprocedural AF. NOAF after TAVR has been associated with poorer survival and a higher incidence of cerebrovascular events. However, patient management differs markedly among different centers, especially with regard to anticoagulation in patients with short-duration AF episodes detected in the periprocedural setting and in cases of silent NOAF detected during continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Evidence about ventricular arrhythmias is even more scarce than for AF. Some case reports of sudden cardiac death after TAVR in patients with a pacemaker have identified ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in device interrogation. TAVR has been shown to reduce the arrhythmic burden, but a significant proportion of patients (16%) present with complex premature ventricular complex arrhythmias within the year after TAVR. Whether these events are related to poorer outcomes is unknown. Continuous ECG monitoring after TAVR may help describe the frequency, risk factors, and prognostic implications of tachyarrhythmias in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Nuche
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vassili Panagides
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Nault
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jules Mesnier
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Paradis
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Eric Dumont
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Siamak Mohammadi
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francois Philippon
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josep Rodés-Cabau
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Atrial fibrillation is associated with a significant increase in stroke and systemic embolism. This review explores the areas of stroke prevention. RECENT FINDINGS In the last decade, NOAC has overtaken warfarin as the anticoagulant of choice for stroke prevention in AF. For patients unable to take anticoagulation, LAA closure has proven to be a valid option. The use of digital devices has led to widespread consumer-directed AF screening. It remains to be determined if all device detect AF pose the same amount of risk as recent studies have shown that short and infrequent episodes of AF may not benefit from anticoagulation. Stroke prevention is paramount in the management of AF. In this review we describe the risk factors contributing to stroke, recent advances in antithrombotic therapies, and the increasing role of digital health in guiding AF detection and stroke prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Gao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rod Passman
- Northwestern Center for Arrhythmia Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North St. Claire, Suite 600, Chicago, IL, 60657, USA.
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Fabritz L, Connolly DL, Czarnecki E, Dudek D, Guasch E, Haase D, Huebner T, Zlahoda-Huzior A, Jolly K, Kirchhof P, Obergassel J, Schotten U, Vettorazzi E, Winkelmann SJ, Zapf A, Schnabel RB. Smartphone and wearable detected atrial arrhythmias in Older Adults: Results of a fully digital European Case finding study. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. DIGITAL HEALTH 2022; 3:610-625. [PMID: 36710894 PMCID: PMC9779806 DOI: 10.1093/ehjdh/ztac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Aims Simplified detection of atrial arrhythmias via consumer-electronics would enable earlier therapy in at-risk populations. Whether this is feasible and effective in older populations is not known. Methods and results The fully remote, investigator-initiated Smartphone and wearable detected atrial arrhythmia in Older Adults Case finding study (Smart in OAC-AFNET 9) digitally enrolled participants ≥65 years without known atrial fibrillation, not receiving oral anticoagulation in Germany, Poland, and Spain for 8 weeks. Participants were invited by media communications and direct contacts. Study procedures adhered to European data protection. Consenting participants received a wristband with a photoplethysmography sensor to be coupled to their smartphone. The primary outcome was the detection of atrial arrhythmias lasting 6 min or longer in the first 4 weeks of monitoring. Eight hundred and eighty-two older persons (age 71 ± 5 years, range 65-90, 500 (57%) women, 414 (47%) hypertension, and 97 (11%) diabetes) recorded signals. Most participants (72%) responded to adverts or word of mouth, leaflets (11%) or general practitioners (9%). Participation was completely remote in 469/882 persons (53%). During the first 4 weeks, participants transmitted PPG signals for 533/696 h (77% of the maximum possible time). Atrial arrhythmias were detected in 44 participants (5%) within 28 days, and in 53 (6%) within 8 weeks. Detection was highest in the first monitoring week [incidence rates: 1st week: 3.4% (95% confidence interval 2.4-4.9); 2nd-4th week: 0.55% (0.33-0.93)]. Conclusion Remote, digitally supported consumer-electronics-based screening is feasible in older European adults and identifies atrial arrhythmias in 5% of participants within 4 weeks of monitoring (NCT04579159).
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fabritz
- Corresponding author. Tel. +4940741057980,
| | - D L Connolly
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Wolfson Drive, B15 2TT Birmingham, UK,Department of Cardiology and R&D, Birmingham City Hospital, Sandwell and West Birmingham Trust, Dudley Road, B18 7QH Birmingham, UK
| | - E Czarnecki
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Mendelstr 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - D Dudek
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Center for Digital Medicine and Robotics, Ul. Kopernika 7E, 33-332 Kraków, Poland,Maria Cecilia Hospital, Via Corriera, 1, 48033 Cotignola RA, Italy
| | - E Guasch
- Institut Clínic Cardio-Vascular, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Carrer de Villaroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, CA, Spain, Spain,IDIBAPS, Rosselló 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, CA, Spain,CIBERCV, Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellon 11, Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - D Haase
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Mendelstr 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - T Huebner
- Preventicus GmbH, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 15, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - A Zlahoda-Huzior
- Department of Measurement and Electronics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - K Jolly
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, UK
| | - P Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Martinistr. 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany,DZHK German Center for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Hamburg/Luebeck/Kiel, Germany,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Wolfson Drive, B15 2TT Birmingham, UK,Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Mendelstr 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - J Obergassel
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany,Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Martinistr. 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany,DZHK German Center for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Hamburg/Luebeck/Kiel, Germany
| | - U Schotten
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Mendelstr 11, 48149 Münster, Germany,Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center +, Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - E Vettorazzi
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Christoph-Probst-Weg 1, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - S J Winkelmann
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany,Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Martinistr. 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Zapf
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Christoph-Probst-Weg 1, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - R B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Martinistr. 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany,DZHK German Center for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Hamburg/Luebeck/Kiel, Germany,Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Mendelstr 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Proietti M, Romiti GF, Vitolo M, Borgi M, Rocco AD, Farcomeni A, Miyazawa K, Healey JS, Lane DA, Boriani G, Basili S, Lip GYH. Epidemiology of subclinical atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices: A systematic review and meta-regression. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 103:84-94. [PMID: 35817660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, attention to subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF), defined as the presence of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs), in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), has gained much interest as a determinant of clinical AF and stroke risk. We aim to perform a systematic review and meta-regression of the available scientific evidence regarding the epidemiology of SCAF in patients receiving CIEDs. METHODS PubMed and EMBASE were searched for all studies documenting the prevalence of AHREs in patients (n=100 or more, <50% with history of AF) with CIEDs from inception to 20th August 2021, screened by two independent blind reviewers. This study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42019106994. RESULTS Among the 2614 results initially retrieved, 54 studies were included, with a total of 72,784 patients. Meta-analysis of included studies showed a pooled prevalence of SCAF of 28.1% (95%CI: 24.3-32.1%), with high heterogeneity between studies (I2=98%). A multivariable meta-regression was able to explain significant proportion of heterogeneity (R2=61.9%, p<0.001), with age and follow-up time non-linearly, directly and independently associated with occurrence of SCAF. Older age, higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, history of AF, hypertension, CHF, and stroke/TIA were all associated with SCAF occurrence. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic review and meta-regression analysis, SCAF was frequent among CIED recipients and was non-linearly associated with age and follow-up time. Older age, higher thromboembolic risk, and several cardiovascular comorbidities were associated with presence of SCAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Proietti
- Geriatric Unit, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Giulio Francesco Romiti
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Vitolo
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy; Clinical and Experimental PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Borgi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic "G Martino," University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Arianna Di Rocco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Farcomeni
- Department of Economics and Finance, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Kazuo Miyazawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jeff S Healey
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Deirdre A Lane
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Giuseppe Boriani
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Basili
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
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36
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Sagris D, Harrison SL, Buckley BJR, Ntaios G, Lip GYH. Long-Term Cardiac Monitoring After Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: Search Longer, Look Harder. Am J Med 2022; 135:e311-e317. [PMID: 35580719 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) represents a heterogeneous subgroup of patients with cryptogenic stroke, in which despite an extensive diagnostic workup the cause of stroke remains uncertain. Identifying covert atrial fibrillation among patients with ESUS remains challenging. The increasing use of cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIED), such as pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, and implantable loop recorders (ILR), has provided important information on the burden of subclinical atrial fibrillation. Accumulating evidence indicate that long-term continuous monitoring, especially in selected patients with ESUS, significantly increases the possibility of atrial fibrillation detection, suggesting it may be a cost-effective tool in secondary stroke prevention. This review summarizes available evidence related to the use of long-term cardiac monitoring and the use of implantable cardiac monitoring devices in patients with ESUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Sagris
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Stephanie L Harrison
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool 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
| | - Benjamin J R Buckley
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool 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
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool 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.
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37
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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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Schnabel RB, Marinelli EA, Arbelo E, Boriani G, Boveda S, Buckley CM, Camm AJ, Casadei B, Chua W, Dagres N, de Melis M, Desteghe L, Diederichsen SZ, Duncker D, Eckardt L, Eisert C, Engler D, Fabritz L, Freedman B, Gillet L, Goette A, Guasch E, Svendsen JH, Hatem SN, Haeusler KG, Healey JS, Heidbuchel H, Hindricks G, Hobbs FDR, Hübner T, Kotecha D, Krekler M, Leclercq C, Lewalter T, Lin H, Linz D, Lip GYH, Løchen ML, Lucassen W, Malaczynska-Rajpold K, Massberg S, Merino JL, Meyer R, Mont L, Myers MC, Neubeck L, Niiranen T, Oeff M, Oldgren J, Potpara TS, Psaroudakis G, Pürerfellner H, Ravens U, Rienstra M, Rivard L, Scherr D, Schotten U, Shah D, Sinner MF, Smolnik R, Steinbeck G, Steven D, Svennberg E, Thomas D, True Hills M, van Gelder IC, Vardar B, Palà E, Wakili R, Wegscheider K, Wieloch M, Willems S, Witt H, Ziegler A, Daniel Zink M, Kirchhof P. Early diagnosis and better rhythm management to improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: the 8th AFNET/EHRA consensus conference. Europace 2022; 25:6-27. [PMID: 35894842 PMCID: PMC9907557 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite marked progress in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF), detecting AF remains difficult and AF-related complications cause unacceptable morbidity and mortality even on optimal current therapy. This document summarizes the key outcomes of the 8th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). Eighty-three international experts met in Hamburg for 2 days in October 2021. Results of the interdisciplinary, hybrid discussions in breakout groups and the plenary based on recently published and unpublished observations are summarized in this consensus paper to support improved care for patients with AF by guiding prevention, individualized management, and research strategies. The main outcomes are (i) new evidence supports a simple, scalable, and pragmatic population-based AF screening pathway; (ii) rhythm management is evolving from therapy aimed at improving symptoms to an integrated domain in the prevention of AF-related outcomes, especially in patients with recently diagnosed AF; (iii) improved characterization of atrial cardiomyopathy may help to identify patients in need for therapy; (iv) standardized assessment of cognitive function in patients with AF could lead to improvement in patient outcomes; and (v) artificial intelligence (AI) can support all of the above aims, but requires advanced interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration as well as a better medico-legal framework. Implementation of new evidence-based approaches to AF screening and rhythm management can improve outcomes in patients with AF. Additional benefits are possible with further efforts to identify and target atrial cardiomyopathy and cognitive impairment, which can be facilitated by AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate B Schnabel
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Elena Arbelo
- Arrhythmia Section, Cardiology Department, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigació August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain,CIBERCV, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Boriani
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Polyclinic of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Serge Boveda
- Cardiology—Heart Rhythm Management Department, Clinique Pasteur, 45 Avenue de Lombez, 31076 Toulouse, France,Universiteit Ziekenhuis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - A John Camm
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Barbara Casadei
- RDM, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Winnie Chua
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nikolaos Dagres
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mirko de Melis
- Medtronic Bakken Research Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lien Desteghe
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium,Heart Centre Hasselt, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Søren Zöga Diederichsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Duncker
- Hannover Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Eckardt
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Engler
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK,University Center of Cardiovascular Science Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ben Freedman
- Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Andreas Goette
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,St Vincenz Hospital, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Arrhythmia Section, Cardiology Department, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigació August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain,CIBERCV, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesper Hastrup Svendsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Karl Georg Haeusler
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jeff S Healey
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gerhard Hindricks
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Dipak Kotecha
- University of Birmingham & University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Thorsten Lewalter
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Hospital Munich South, Department of Cardiology, Munich, Germany,Department of Cardiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Honghuang Lin
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maja Lisa Løchen
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Wim Lucassen
- Amsterdam UMC (location AMC), Department General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Steffen Massberg
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site: Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Jose L Merino
- Arrhythmia & Robotic EP Unit, La Paz University Hospital, IDIPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lluıs Mont
- Arrhythmia Section, Cardiology Department, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigació August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain,CIBERCV, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lis Neubeck
- Arrhythmia & Robotic EP Unit, La Paz University Hospital, IDIPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teemu Niiranen
- Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland,Centre for Cardiovascular Health Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael Oeff
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany
| | - Jonas Oldgren
- University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | | | - George Psaroudakis
- Uppsala Clinical Research Center and Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helmut Pürerfellner
- School of Medicine, Belgrade University, Cardiology Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ursula Ravens
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Michiel Rienstra
- Ordensklinikum Linz, Elisabethinen, Cardiological Department, Linz, Austria
| | - Lena Rivard
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dipen Shah
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Moritz F Sinner
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Amsterdam UMC (location AMC), Department General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Gerhard Steinbeck
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,MUMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Steven
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,University Hospital of Geneva, Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma Svennberg
- Center for Cardiology at Clinic Starnberg, Starnberg, Germany
| | - Dierk Thomas
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,University Hospital Cologne, Heart Center, Department of Electrophysiology, Cologne, Germany,Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Cardiology, Medical University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mellanie True Hills
- HCR (Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders), Medical University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabelle C van Gelder
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burcu Vardar
- Uppsala Clinical Research Center and Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elena Palà
- StopAfib.org, American Foundation for Women’s Health, Decatur, TX, USA
| | - Reza Wakili
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Karl Wegscheider
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany,Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mattias Wieloch
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Westgerman Heart and Vascular Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Stephan Willems
- Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET), Muenster, Germany,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany,Department of Coagulation Disorders, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | | | - Matthias Daniel Zink
- Asklepios Hospital St Georg, Department of Cardiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University Campus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Corresponding author. Tel: +49 40 7410 52438; Fax: +49 40 7410 55862. E-mail address:
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Willems S. In Reply. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 119:512-513. [PMID: 36345589 PMCID: PMC9669329 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2022.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Willems
- *Klinik für Kardiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin ASKLEPIOS Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg
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40
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Chen JY, Chen TW, Lu WD. The performance of five models compared with atrial high rate episodes predicts new atrial fibrillation after cardiac implantable electronic devices implantation. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2022; 27:e12978. [PMID: 35665984 PMCID: PMC9484023 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12978] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Several predicting models have been evaluated for new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in several clinical conditions, but never in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). We aimed to evaluate the five predicting models compared with atrial high rate episodes (AHRE) to predict new AF in patients with CIED. Methods and Results We retrospective enrolled 470 consecutive patients with CIED and without a history of AF. The five predicting models, including CHA2DS2‐VASc score, C2HEST score, mCHEST score, HAT2CH2 score, and HAVOC score were used. The primary endpoint was new AF documented by 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG) or 30‐s ECG strip. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to determine variables associated with independent factors of new AF. Patients' median age was 76 years and 58.7% were male. During follow‐up (median 29 months), 34 new AF occurred (incidence rate 2.99/100 patient‐years, 95% CI 1.67–6.20). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed AHRE ≥6 min and 24 h, and HAT2CH2 score were independent predictors for new AF. Optimal AHRE cutoff value was 9.3 min with highest Youden index (AUC, 0.806; 95% CI, 0.722–0.889; p < .001). The AF occurrence rate of AHRE ≥9.3 min was 7 times AHRE <9.3 min (p < .001). Conclusions We compared 5 predicting models for new AF in patients with CIED and without a history of AF. AHRE ≥6 min and 24 h, and HAT2CH2 score were independent predictors for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tse-Wei Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Da Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Nozica N, Siontis GCM, Elchinova EG, Goulouti E, Asami M, Bartkowiak J, Baldinger S, Servatius H, Seiler J, Tanner H, Noti F, Haeberlin A, Branca M, Lanz J, Stortecky S, Pilgrim T, Windecker S, Reichlin T, Praz F, Roten L. Assessment of New Onset Arrhythmias After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Using an Implantable Cardiac Monitor. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:876546. [PMID: 35651903 PMCID: PMC9149277 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.876546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with new onset brady- and tachyarrhythmias which may impact clinical outcome.AimsTo investigate the true incidence of new onset arrhythmias within 12 months after TAVI using an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM).MethodsOne hundred patients undergoing TAVI received an ICM within 3 months before or up to 5 days after TAVI. Patients were followed-up for 12 months after discharge from TAVI for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), bradycardia (≤30 bpm), advanced atrioventricular (AV) block, sustained ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia.ResultsA previously undiagnosed arrhythmia was observed in 31 patients (31%) and comprised AF in 19 patients (19%), advanced AV block in 3 patients (3%), and sustained supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia in 10 (10%) and 2 patients (2%), respectively. Three patients had a clinical diagnosis of sick-sinus-syndrome. A permanent pacemaker (PPM) was implanted in six patients (6%). The prevalence of pre-existing AF was 28%, and 47% of the patients had AF at the end of the study period. AF burden was significantly higher in patients with pre-existing [26.7% (IQR 0.3%; 100%)] compared to patients with new-onset AF [0.0% (IQR 0.0%; 0.06%); p = 0.001]. Three patients died after TAVI without evidence of an arrhythmic cause according to the available ICM recordings.ConclusionsRhythm monitoring for 12 months after TAVI revealed new arrhythmias, mainly AF, in almost one third of patients. Atrial fibrillation burden was higher in patients with prevalent compared to incident AF. Selected patients may benefit from short-term remote monitoring.Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/: NCT02559011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Nozica
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - George C. M. Siontis
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elena Georgieva Elchinova
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Goulouti
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Masahiko Asami
- Division of Cardiology, Mitsui Memorial Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joanna Bartkowiak
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Baldinger
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helge Servatius
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Seiler
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hildegard Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Noti
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Haeberlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Branca
- Clinical Trials Unit, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Lanz
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Stortecky
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Pilgrim
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Windecker
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabien Praz
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Roten
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Laurent Roten
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Tsivgoulis G, Triantafyllou S, Palaiodimou L, Grory BM, Deftereos S, Köhrmann M, Dilaveris P, Ricci B, Tsioufis K, Cutting S, Magiorkinis G, Krogias C, Schellinger PD, Dardiotis E, Rodriguez-Campello A, Cuadrado-Godia E, Aguiar de Sousa D, Sharma M, Gladstone DJ, Sanna T, Wachter R, Furie KL, Alexandrov AV, Yaghi S, Katsanos AH. Prolonged Cardiac Monitoring and Stroke Recurrence: A Meta-analysis. Neurology 2022; 98:e1942-e1952. [PMID: 35264426 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prolonged poststroke cardiac rhythm monitoring (PCM) reveals a substantial proportion of patients with ischemic stroke (IS) with atrial fibrillation (AF) not detected by conventional rhythm monitoring strategies. We evaluated the association between PCM and the institution of stroke preventive strategies and stroke recurrence. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases to identify studies reporting stroke recurrence rates in patients with history of recent IS or TIA receiving PCM compared with patients receiving conventional cardiac rhythm monitoring. Pairwise meta-analyses were performed under the random effects model. To explore for differences between the monitoring strategies, we combined direct and indirect evidence for any given pair of monitoring devices assessed within a randomized controlled trial (RCT). RESULTS We included 8 studies (5 RCTs, 3 observational; 2,994 patients). Patients receiving PCM after their index event had a higher rate of AF detection and anticoagulant initiation in RCTs (risk ratio [RR] 3.91, 95% CI 2.54-6.03; RR 2.16, 95% CI 1.66-2.80, respectively) and observational studies (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.57-2.70; RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.43-2.83, respectively). PCM was associated with a lower risk of recurrent stroke during follow-up in observational studies (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.15-0.59), but not in RCTs (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.49-1.07). In indirect analyses of RCTs, the likelihood of AF detection and anticoagulation initiation was higher for implantable loop recorders compared with Holter monitors and external loop recorders. DISCUSSION PCM after an IS or TIA can lead to higher rates of AF detection and anticoagulant initiation. There is no solid RCT evidence supporting that PCM may be associated with lower stroke recurrence risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Tsivgoulis
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Sokratis Triantafyllou
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Lina Palaiodimou
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Brian Mac Grory
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Spyridon Deftereos
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Martin Köhrmann
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Polychronis Dilaveris
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Brittany Ricci
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Shawna Cutting
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Christos Krogias
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Peter D Schellinger
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Efthymios Dardiotis
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Ana Rodriguez-Campello
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Elisa Cuadrado-Godia
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Diana Aguiar de Sousa
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Mukul Sharma
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - David J Gladstone
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Tommaso Sanna
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Rolf Wachter
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Karen L Furie
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Andrei V Alexandrov
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Shadi Yaghi
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
| | - Aristeidis H Katsanos
- From the Second Department of Neurology (G.T., S.T., L.P., A.H.K.) and Second Department of Cardiology (S.D.), School of Medicine, "Attikon" Hospital, First Department of Cardiology (P.D., K.T.), School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, and Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School (G.M.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology (G.T., A.V.A.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.G.), Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.R., S.C., K.L.F.), Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI; Department of Neurology (C.K.), St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum; Departments of Neurology and Neurogeriatry (P.D.S.), Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany; Department of Neurology (E.D.), University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Stroke Unit (A.R.-C., E.C.-G.), Department of Neurology, Group of Research on Neurovascular Diseases, Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute. DCEX, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurosciences (Neurology) (D.A.d.S.), Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Division of Neurology (M.S., A.H.K.), McMaster University and Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton; Sunnybrook Research Institute and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program (D.J.G.), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS (T.S.); Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (T.S.), Institute of Cardiology, Rome, Italy; Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology (R.W.), University Hospital Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (S.Y.), New York University School of Medicine, NY
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Saglietto A, Ballatore A, Xhakupi H, De Ferrari GM, Anselmino M. Association of Catheter Ablation and Reduced Incidence of Dementia among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation during Long-Term Follow-Up: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9050140. [PMID: 35621851 PMCID: PMC9143892 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9050140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is independently associated with the onset of cognitive decline/dementia. AF catheter ablation (AFCA) is the most effective treatment strategy in terms of sinus rhythm maintenance, but its effects on dementia prevention remain under investigation. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the presently available studies exploring the effect of AFCA on dementia occurrence. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE databases were screened for articles through 14 March 2022 reporting adjusted time-to-event outcome data comparing AFCA and non-AFCA cohorts in terms of de novo dementia occurrence. A random effect meta-analysis was performed to estimate the meta-analytic hazard ratio (HR) of dementia occurrence in AFCA vs. non-AFCA cohorts, as well as the meta-analytic incidence rate of dementia in the non-AFCA cohort. Based on the aforementioned estimates, the number needed to treat (NNT), projected at median follow-up, was derived. Results: Four observational studies were included in the analysis, encompassing 40,146 patients (11,312 in the AFCA cohort; 28,834 in the non-AFCA cohort). AFCA conferred a significant protection to the development of dementia with an overall HR of 0.52 (95% CI 0.35–0.76). The incidence rate of dementia in the non-AFCA group was 1.12 events per 100 person-year (95% CI 0.47–2.67). The derived NNT projected to the median follow-up (4.5 years) was 41. Conclusion: AFCA is associated with a nearly 50% reduction in dementia occurrence during a median 4.5-year follow-up. Future randomized clinical trials are needed to reinforce these findings.
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Marazzato J, Blasi F, Golino M, Verdecchia P, Angeli F, De Ponti R. Hypertension and Arrhythmias: A Clinical Overview of the Pathophysiology-Driven Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Hypertensive Patients. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9040110. [PMID: 35448086 PMCID: PMC9025699 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Marazzato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (J.M.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Federico Blasi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (J.M.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Michele Golino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (J.M.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Paolo Verdecchia
- Fondazione Umbra Cuore e Ipertensione-ONLUS, 06100 Perugia, Italy;
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabio Angeli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (J.M.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (F.A.)
- Department of Medicine and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Maugeri Care and Research Institute, IRCCS Tradate, 21049 Tradate, Italy
| | - Roberto De Ponti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (J.M.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0332278934
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Huang S, Liao C, Chen Z, Chao T, Chen S, Tsao H. Distinct atrial remodeling in patients with subclinical atrial fibrillation: Lessons from computed tomographic images. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e00927. [PMID: 35194973 PMCID: PMC8863578 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs) can detect atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) and challenge current management of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS To characterize the anatomic and functional remodeling of cardiac structures between patients with subclinical AF (SCAF) and clinical AF. The predictors for AHREs ≥6 min were also investigated. RESULTS We compared the atrial volume, dynamic function, and peri-atrial fat between 104 CIEDs (AHREs = 0, n = 12; SCAF, n = 66; CIEDs with AF, n = 26) and 40 paroxysmal AF patients who were planning for catheter ablation (AF for ablation) using 256-slice multidetector computed tomography for the duration of the AHREs. The maximal volume of the left atrium (LA) and LA appendage (LAA) were significantly smaller; the total emptying fraction (EF) and active EF of the LA and LAA were significantly better in the patients with SCAF than in those with clinical AF. Less peri-atrial fat (p < 0.001) and a greater LAA/ascending aorta (AA) Hounsfield unit (HU) ratio (p < 0.05) were noted in the patients with SCAF. Significantly increased volume reduced the total EF of LA and LAA and a reduced LAA/AA HU ratio (0.91 ± 0.18 vs 0.98 ± 0.03 vs 0.97 ± 0.05, p < 0.05) were demonstrated in patients with AHREs ≥6 min compared to those with AHREs <6 min and without AHRE. Multivariate analysis showed the reduced LAA/AA HU ratio is an independent predictor for the development of AHREs ≥6 min. CONCLUSION As compared to clinical AF, patients with SCAF show a more favorable LA remodeling process. Among the patients with device-detected AHREs, worse LA remodeling and a reduced LAA/AA HU ratio were associated with the occurrence of AHREs ≥6 min. These findings may provide an incremental value for understanding SCAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung‐Hao Huang
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming Chiao‐Tung University HospitalYilanTaiwan
| | - Chao‐Feng Liao
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming Chiao‐Tung University HospitalYilanTaiwan
| | - Zu‐Yin Chen
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming Chiao‐Tung University HospitalYilanTaiwan
| | - Tze‐Fan Chao
- Heart Rhythm CenterDivision of CardiologyDepartment of MedicineTaipei Veterans General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
- School of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming Chiao‐Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Shih‐Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm CenterDivision of CardiologyDepartment of MedicineTaipei Veterans General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
- School of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming Chiao‐Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Cardiovascular CenterTaichung Veterans General HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Hsuan‐Ming Tsao
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming Chiao‐Tung University HospitalYilanTaiwan
- School of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming Chiao‐Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
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Russo V, Rapacciuolo A, Rago A, Tavoletta V, De Vivo S, Ammirati G, Pergola V, Ciriello GD, Napoli P, Nigro G, D'Onofrio A. Early evaluation of atrial high rate episodes using remote monitoring in pacemaker patients: Results from the RAPID study. J Arrhythm 2022; 38:213-220. [PMID: 35387134 PMCID: PMC8977570 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Remote monitoring (RM) of implantable cardiac devices has enabled continuous surveillance of atrial high rate episodes (AHREs) with well-recognized clinical benefits. We aimed to add evidence on the role of the RM as compared to conventional follow-up by investigating the interval from AHRE onset to physician's evaluation and reaction time in actionable episodes. Methods and Results A total of 97 dual-chamber pacemaker recipients were followed with RM (RM-ON group; N = 64) or conventional in-office visits (RM-OFF group; N = 33) for 18 months. In-office visits were scheduled at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months in the RM-OFF group and at 1 and 18 months in the RM-ON group. The overall AHRE rate was 1.98 per patient-year (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76-2.20) with no difference between the two groups (RM-ON vs. RM-OFF weighted-HR, 0.88; CI, 0.36-2.13; p = .78). In the RM-ON group, 100% AHREs evaluated within 11 days from onset, and within 202 days in the RM-OFF group, with a median evaluation delay 79 days shorter in the RM-ON group versus the RM-OFF group (p < .0001). Therapy adjustment in actionable AHREs occurred 77 days earlier in the RM-ON group versus the control group (p < .001). In the RM-ON group, there were 50% less in-office visits as compared to the RM-OFF group (p < .001). Conclusions In our pacemaker population with no history of atrial fibrillation, RM allowed significant reduction of AHRE evaluation delay and prompted treatment of actionable episodes as compared to biannual in-office visit schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Russo
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical Translational SciencesUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi HospitalNaplesItaly
| | - Antonio Rapacciuolo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Anna Rago
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical Translational SciencesUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi HospitalNaplesItaly
| | - Vincenzo Tavoletta
- Departmental Unit of Electrophysiology, Evaluation and Treatment of ArrhythmiasMonaldi HospitalNaplesItaly
| | - Stefano De Vivo
- Departmental Unit of Electrophysiology, Evaluation and Treatment of ArrhythmiasMonaldi HospitalNaplesItaly
| | - Giuseppe Ammirati
- Department of Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Valerio Pergola
- Department of Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Giovanni Domenico Ciriello
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical Translational SciencesUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi HospitalNaplesItaly
| | - Paola Napoli
- Clinical Research UnitBiotronik ItaliaMilanItaly
| | - Gerardo Nigro
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical Translational SciencesUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi HospitalNaplesItaly
| | - Antonio D'Onofrio
- Departmental Unit of Electrophysiology, Evaluation and Treatment of ArrhythmiasMonaldi HospitalNaplesItaly
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Pung X, Hong DZ, Ho TY, Shen X, Tan PT, Yeo C, Tan VH. The utilization of atrial sensing dipole in single lead implantable cardioverter defibrillator for detection of new-onset atrial high-rate episodes or subclinical atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Arrhythm 2022; 38:177-186. [PMID: 35387136 PMCID: PMC8977580 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12675] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the performance of atrial sensing dipole in single lead implantable cardioverter defibrillator (VDD-ICD) recipients in particular diagnosing new-onset atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) defined as rate threshold of 200 beats per minute, or subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) defined as device-detected AF without symptoms. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies comparing contemporary single- and dual-chamber ICD (VVI-/DDD-ICD) versus VDD-ICD were included. Restricted maximum likelihood method for random effect model and Mantel-Haenszel method for fixed effect model were used to estimate the effect size of new-onset AHREs, or SCAF detection in each group. Three prospective studies were identified and total of 991 participants were included. There were 330 (33.3%) in VDD-ICD and 661 (66.7%) in VVI-/DDD-ICD. Most (78%) participants were men. Median follow-up was from 365 days to 847 days. VDD-ICD has a higher likelihood of detecting AHREs or SCAF as compared to VVI-/DDD-ICD [(OR random effect : 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 5.8; p = .018); I-squared = 67.8%, p = .019]. This difference was more apparently seen in the comparison between VDD-ICD and VVI-ICD [(OR random effect: 3.8; 95% CI: 2.1, 6.6, p < .001), I-squared = 0.0%, p = .518]. The result is same as fixed effect. Rate of AHREs detection observed in VDD-ICD was not statistically different when compared to the only group with DDD-ICD from SENSE trial. In conclusion, this meta-analysis reveals that the use of floating atrial sensing dipole in VDD-ICD increases the detection of new-onset AHREs or SCAF when compared to VVI-ICD, with similar atrial sensing performance to DDD-ICD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanming Pung
- Department of CardiologyChangi General HospitalSingapore CitySingapore
| | - Daniel Zhihao Hong
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore CitySingapore
| | - Tzyy Yeou Ho
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore CitySingapore
| | - Xiayan Shen
- Department of CardiologyChangi General HospitalSingapore CitySingapore
| | - Pei Ting Tan
- Health Services ResearchChangi General HospitalSingapore CitySingapore
| | - Colin Yeo
- Department of CardiologyChangi General HospitalSingapore CitySingapore
| | - Vern Hsen Tan
- Department of CardiologyChangi General HospitalSingapore CitySingapore
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de Heide J, van der Graaf M, Holl MJ, Bhagwandien RE, Theuns DA, de Wit A, Zijlstra F, Szili-Torok T, Lenzen MJ, Yap SC. Pocket hematoma after pacemaker or defibrillator surgery: Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2022; 39:101005. [PMID: 35310376 PMCID: PMC8928071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2022.101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the preferred choice of oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Randomized trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of DOAC in patients undergoing a cardiac implantable electronic device procedure (CIED); however, there is limited real-world data. Objective To evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing an elective CIED procedure in a tertiary referral center with an interrupted DOAC or continued vitamin K antagonist (VKA) regimen. Methods This was a retrospective single-center study of consecutive patients with AF undergoing an elective CIED procedure between January 2016 and June 2019. The primary endpoint was a clinically significant pocket hematoma < 30 days after surgery. The secondary endpoint was any systemic thromboembolic complication < 30 days after surgery. Results Of a total of 1,033 elective CIED procedures, 283 procedures were performed in patients with AF using oral anticoagulation. One-third of the procedures were performed under DOAC (N = 81, 29%) and the remainder under VKA (N = 202, 71%). The DOAC group was younger, had less chronic renal disease, more paroxysmal AF and a lower HAS-BLED score. The VKA group more often underwent a generator change only in comparison to the DOAC group. Clinically significant pocket hematoma occurred in 5 patients (2.5%) in the VKA group and did not occur in the DOAC group (P = 0.33). There were no thromboembolic events reported. Conclusion In patients with AF undergoing an elective CIED procedure, the risk of a pocket hematoma and a systemic thromboembolic event is comparably low when using either continued VKA or interrupted DOAC.
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Lubitz SA, Atlas SJ, Ashburner JM, Trisini Lipsanopoulos AT, Borowsky LH, Guan W, Khurshid S, Ellinor PT, Chang Y, McManus DD, Singer DE. Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults at Primary Care Visits: VITAL-AF Randomized Controlled Trial. Circulation 2022; 145:946-954. [PMID: 35232217 PMCID: PMC8960369 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.057014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) may cause preventable strokes. Guidelines differ regarding AF screening recommendations. We tested whether point-of-care screening with a handheld single-lead ECG at primary care practice visits increases diagnoses of AF. METHODS We randomized 16 primary care clinics 1:1 to AF screening using a handheld single-lead ECG (AliveCor KardiaMobile) during vital sign assessments, or usual care. Patients included were ages ≥65 years. Screening results were provided to primary care clinicians at the encounter. All confirmatory diagnostic testing and treatment decisions were made by the primary care clinician. New AF diagnoses during the 1-year follow-up were ascertained electronically and manually adjudicated. Proportions and incidence rates were calculated. Effect heterogeneity was assessed. RESULTS Of 30 715 patients without prevalent AF (n=15 393 screening [91% screened], n=15 322 control), 1.72% of individuals in the screening group had new AF diagnosed at 1 year versus 1.59% in the control group (risk difference, 0.13% [95% CI, -0.16 to 0.42]; P=0.38). In prespecified subgroup analyses, new AF diagnoses in the screening and control groups were greater among those aged ≥85 years (5.56% versus 3.76%, respectively; risk difference, 1.80% [95% CI, 0.18 to 3.30]). The difference in newly diagnosed AF between the screening period and the previous year was marginally greater in the screening versus control group (0.32% versus -0.12%; risk difference, 0.43% [95% CI, -0.01 to 0.84]). The proportion of individuals with newly diagnosed AF who were initiated on oral anticoagulants was not different in the screening (n=194, 73.5%) and control (n=172, 70.8%) arms (risk difference, 2.7% [95% CI, -5.5 to 10.4]). CONCLUSIONS Screening for AF using a single-lead ECG at primary care visits did not affect new AF diagnoses among all individuals aged 65 years or older compared with usual care. REGISTRATION URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; Unique identifier: NCT03515057.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A. Lubitz
- Demoulas Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias and Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven J. Atlas
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Ashburner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Leila H. Borowsky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wyliena Guan
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shaan Khurshid
- Demoulas Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias and Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick T. Ellinor
- Demoulas Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias and Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuchiao Chang
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David D. McManus
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Daniel E. Singer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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50
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Kreimer F, Mügge A, Gotzmann M. How should I treat patients with subclinical atrial fibrillation and atrial high-rate episodes? Current evidence and clinical importance. Clin Res Cardiol 2022; 111:994-1009. [PMID: 35292844 PMCID: PMC9424173 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-022-02000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Long-term and continuous ECG monitoring using cardiac implantable electronic devices and insertable cardiac monitors has improved the capability of detecting subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial high-rate episodes. Previous studies demonstrated a high prevalence (more than 20%) in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices or insertable cardiac monitors. Subclinical AF and atrial high-rate episodes are often suspected as the cause of prior or potential future ischemic stroke. However, the clinical significance is still uncertain, and the evidence is limited. This review aims to present and discuss the current evidence on the clinical impact of subclinical AF and atrial high-rate episodes. It focuses particularly on the association between the duration of the episodes and major clinical outcomes like thromboembolic events. As subclinical AF and atrial high-rate episodes are presumed to be associated with ischemic strokes, detection will be particularly important in patients with cryptogenic stroke and in high-risk patients for thromboembolism. In this context, it is also interesting whether there is a temporal relationship between the detection of subclinical AF and atrial high-rate episodes and the occurrence of thromboembolic events. In addition, the review will examine the question whether there is a need for a therapy with oral anticoagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Kreimer
- University Hospital St Josef-Hospital Bochum, Cardiology and Rhythmology, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Mügge
- University Hospital St Josef-Hospital Bochum, Cardiology and Rhythmology, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael Gotzmann
- University Hospital St Josef-Hospital Bochum, Cardiology and Rhythmology, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
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