A comparison of clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with first-diagnosed atrial fibrillation: the Belgrade Atrial Fibrillation Study

Characteristics of Patients With Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Stroke-Insights From the GLORIA-AF Registry (Phase 2)

BACKGROUND

Asymptomatic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is often suspected in patients with cryptogenic stroke which constitute 20%-30% of ischemic strokes. Detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) and treatment with anticoagulation can reduce the risk of stroke. We sought to investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (aAF) in patients with a history of stroke or an acute stroke on admission.

METHODS

From November 2011 until December 2014, 15,308 patients with a first episode of AF were enrolled in phase 2 of the international, prospective, multicenter global registry on long-term oral anticoagulation treatment in patients with AF (GLORIA-AF) Registry. For the present analysis, we focused on patients with aAF regarding the prevalence of stroke.

RESULTS

One third of patients (n = 4892, 32%) had aAF. Of these, 611 (12.5%) had a history of stroke or an acute stroke on admission. In contrast, 519 of 10,416 (5.0%) patients with symptomatic AF (sAF) had a history of stroke or an acute stroke on admission. Higher age, male gender, permanent AF, stroke, and the combination of stroke, TIA or systemic embolism were associated with a higher prevalence of aAF on admission. In a multivariable analysis, patients with aAF had a 2.3-fold (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.02-2.54) risk for stroke compared to patients with sAF. Other independent risk factors for stroke were a history of prior bleeding (odds ratio 1.62, 95% CI, 1.34-1.92), chronic kidney disease (1.38, 1.21-1.56), and diabetes mellitus (1.24, 1.10-1.41).

CONCLUSION

aAF is reported in about one third of patients with newly diagnosed AF and is associated with a 2.3-fold risk for stroke compared to sAF. Therefore, screening for aAF in high-risk patients might be appropriate to prevent further embolic cerebrovascular events.

Major clinical outcomes in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Current guidelines suggest that asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is independently associated with increased risks of stroke and mortality compared with symptomatic AF. Considering that recent investigations have provided conflicting results, the present study aimed to evaluate the association between symptom status and clinical outcomes in patients with AF.

METHODS

Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched until 25 March 2024. Triple-independent study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Evidence was pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies (217 850 participants) were included. Based on the frequentist analysis, symptomatic individuals had no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) .97, 95% confidence interval (CI) .80-1.17], cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.04, 95% CI .72-1.49), thromboembolism (HR 1.06, 95% CI .87-1.28), stroke (HR 1.06, 95% CI .84-1.34), hospitalization (HR 1.34, 95% CI .89-2.02), and myocardial infarction (HR .98, 95% CI .70-1.36), compared to the asymptomatic group. Symptomatic patients had a 33% increased risk of new-onset heart failure (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19-1.49) and a 30% lower risk of progression to permanent AF (HR .70, 95% CI .54-.89). The Bayesian analysis yielded comparable results, yet the association between symptom status and new-onset heart failure was not significant (HR 1.27, 95% credible interval .76-1.93; Bayes factor = 1.2). Symptomatic patients had higher odds of receiving antiarrhythmic drugs (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.33-2.03) and ablation therapy (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.06-2.05) compared to asymptomatic cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of major clinical outcomes did not differ between individuals with and without AF-related symptoms. Asymptomatic patients had a greater hazard of progression to permanent AF.

Novel Technologies in the Detection of Atrial Fibrillation: Review of Literature and Comparison of Different Novel Technologies for Screening of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is globally the most common arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It impairs the quality of the patient's life, imposing a remarkable burden on public health, and the healthcare budget. The detection of AF is important in the decision to initiate anticoagulation therapy to prevent thromboembolic events. Nonetheless, AF detection is still a major clinical challenge as AF is often paroxysmal and asymptomatic. AF screening recommendations include opportunistic or systematic screening in patients ≥65 years of age or in those individuals with other characteristics pointing to an increased risk of stroke. The popularities of well-being and taking personal responsibility for one's own health are reflected in the continuous development and growth of mobile health technologies. These novel mobile health technologies could provide a cost-effective solution for AF screening and an additional opportunity to detect AF, particularly its paroxysmal and asymptomatic forms.

Correlates and consequences of atrial fibrillation in a prospective study of 25 000 participants in the China Kadoorie Biobank

Aims

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is positively correlated with prior cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and CVD risk factors but is lower in Chinese than Europeans despite their higher burden of CVD. We examined the prevalence and prognosis of AF and other electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities in the China Kadoorie Biobank.

Methods and results

A random sample of 25 239 adults (mean age 59.5 years, 62% women) had a 12-lead ECG recorded and interpreted using a Mortara VERITAS™ algorithm in 2013-14. Participants were followed up for 5 years for incident stroke, ischaemic heart disease, heart failure (HF), and all CVD, overall and by CHA2DS2-VASc scores, age, sex, and area. Overall, 1.2% had AF, 13.6% had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and 28.1% had ischaemia (two-thirds of AF cases also had ischaemia or LVH). The prevalence of AF increased with age, prior CVD, and levels of CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (0.5%, 1.3%, 2.1%, 2.9%, and 4.4% for scores <2, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5, respectively). Atrial fibrillation was associated with two-fold higher hazard ratios (HR) for CVD (2.15; 95% CI, 1.71-2.69) and stroke (1.88; 1.44-2.47) and a four-fold higher HR for HF (3.79; 2.21-6.49). The 5-year cumulative incidence of CVD was comparable for AF, prior CVD, and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores ≥ 2 (36.7% vs. 36.2% vs. 37.7%, respectively) but was two-fold greater than for ischaemia (19.4%), LVH (18.0%), or normal ECG (14.1%), respectively.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of screening for AF together with estimation of CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores for prevention of CVD in Chinese adults.

The role of epicardial fat radiomic profiles for atrial fibrillation identification and recurrence risk with coronary CT angiography

OBJECTIVES

Fat radiomic profile (FRP) was a promising imaging biomarker for identifying increased cardiac risk. We hypothesize FRP can be extended to fat regions around pulmonary veins (PV), left atrium (LA), and left atrial appendage (LAA) to investigate their usefulness in identifying atrial fibrillation (AF) and the risk of AF recurrence.

METHODS

We analysed 300 individuals and grouped patients according to the occurrence and types of AF. We used receiver operating characteristic and survival curves analyses to evaluate the value of imaging biomarkers, including fat attenuation index (FAI) and FRP, in distinguishing AF from sinus rhythm and predicting post-ablation recurrence.

RESULTS

FRPs from AF-relevant fat regions showed significant performance in distinguishing AF and non-AF with higher AUC values than FAI (peri-PV: FRP = 0.961 vs FAI = 0.579, peri-LA: FRP = 0.923 vs FAI = 0.575, peri-LAA: FRP = 0.900 vs FAI = 0.665). FRPs from peri-PV, peri-LA, and peri-LAA were able to differentiate persistent and paroxysmal AF with AUC values of 0.804, 0.819, and 0.694. FRP from these regions improved AF recurrence prediction with an AUC of 0.929, 0.732, and 0.794. Patients with FRP cut-off values of ≥0.16, 0.38, and 0.26 had a 7.22-, 5.15-, and 4.25-fold higher risk of post-procedure recurrence, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

FRP demonstrated potential in identifying AF, distinguishing AF types, and predicting AF recurrence risk after ablation. FRP from peri-PV fat depot exhibited a strong correlation with AF. Therefore, evaluating epicardial fat using FRP was a promising approach to enhance AF clinical management.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in AF had been confirmed, we focussed on the relationship between EAT around pulmonary arteries and LAA in AF which was still unknown. Meanwhile, we used the FRP to excavate more information of EAT in AF.

Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation among hospitalized patients: clinical correlates and in-hospital outcomes in Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Atrial Fibrillation

AIMS

The clinical correlates and outcomes of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in hospitalized patients are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the clinical correlates and in-hospital outcomes of asymptomatic AF in hospitalized Chinese patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a cross-sectional registry study of inpatients with AF enrolled in the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Atrial Fibrillation Project between February 2015 and December 2019. We investigated the clinical characteristics of asymptomatic AF and the association between the clinical correlates and the in-hospital outcomes of asymptomatic AF. Asymptomatic and symptomatic AF were defined according to the European Heart Rhythm Association score. Asymptomatic patients were more commonly males (56.3%) and had more comorbidities such as hypertension (57.4%), diabetes mellitus (18.6%), peripheral artery disease (PAD; 2.3%), coronary artery disease (55.5%), previous history of stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA; 17.9%), and myocardial infarction (MI; 5.4%); however, they had less prevalent heart failure (9.6%) or left ventricular ejection fractions ≤40% (7.3%). Asymptomatic patients were more often hospitalized with a non-AF diagnosis as the main diagnosis and were more commonly first diagnosed with AF (23.9%) and long-standing persistent/permanent AF (17.0%). The independent determinants of asymptomatic presentation were male sex, long-standing persistent AF/permanent AF, previous history of stroke/TIA, MI, PAD, and previous treatment with anti-platelet drugs. The incidence of in-hospital clinical events such as all-cause death, ischaemic stroke/TIA, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was higher in asymptomatic patients than in symptomatic patients, and asymptomatic clinical status was an independent risk factor for in-hospital all-cause death, ischaemic stroke/TIA, and ACS.

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic AF is common among hospitalized patients with AF. Asymptomatic clinical status is associated with male sex, comorbidities, and a higher risk of in-hospital outcomes. The adoption of effective management strategies for patients with AF should not be solely based on clinical symptoms.

Reaching the Frail Elderly for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation-REAFEL

BACKGROUND

Frail elderly patients are exposed to suffering strokes if they do not receive timely anticoagulation to prevent stroke associated to atrial fibrillation (AF). Evaluation in the cardiological ambulatory can be cumbersome as it often requires repeated visits.

AIM

To develop and implement CardioShare, a shared-care model where primary care leads patient management, using a compact Holter monitor device with asynchronous remote support from cardiologists.

METHODS

CardioShare was developed in a feasibility phase, tested in a pragmatic cluster randomization trial (primary care clinics as clusters), and its implementation potential was evaluated with an escalation test. Mixed methods were used to evaluate the impact of this complex intervention, comprising quantitative observations, semi-structured interviews, and workshops.

RESULTS

Between February 2020 and December 2021, 314 patients (30% frail) were included, of whom 75% had AF diagnosed/not found within 13 days; 80% in both groups avoided referral to cardiologists. Patients felt safe and primary care clinicians satisfied. In an escalation test, 58 primary-care doctors evaluated 93 patients over three months, with remote support from four hospitals in the Capital Region of Denmark.

CONCLUSIONS

CardioShare was successfully implemented for AF evaluation in primary care.

Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular Effects of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) have changed the treatment and prognosis of several B-cell malignancies. However, since the approval of the first BTKi, ibrutinib, reports of cardiovascular adverse events especially atrial fibrillation have arisen. In this review, we discuss the cardiovascular side effects of BTKis and the management of these toxicities in clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

BTKIs increase the risks of atrial fibrillation, bleeding, hypertension, heart failure, and potentially ventricular arrhythmia. Newer second and third-generation BTKis appear to have a lower risk of cardiovascular adverse events; however, long-term follow-up data are not available for these new BTKis. BTKis are an effective treatment for some B-cell malignancies; however, they can cause cardiovascular side effects. The best preventive strategies to minimize cardiovascular complications remain undefined. Currently, a practical approach for managing patients receiving BTKis includes the management of cardiovascular risk factors and side effects of BTKis to prevent interruption of cancer treatment.

Atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention: 25 years of research at EP Europace journal

Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is one pillar of the management of this common arrhythmia. Substantial advances in the epidemiology and associated pathophysiology underlying AF-related stroke and thrombo-embolism are evident. Furthermore, the introduction of the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (also called direct oral anticoagulants) has clearly changed our approach to stroke prevention in AF, such that the default should be to offer oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention, unless the patient is at low risk. A strategy of early rhythm control is also beneficial in reducing strokes in selected patients with recent onset AF, when compared to rate control. Cardiovascular risk factor management, with optimization of comorbidities and attention to lifestyle factors, and the patient's psychological morbidity are also essential. Finally, in selected patients with absolute contraindications to long-term oral anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion or exclusion may be considered. The aim of this state-of-the-art review article is to provide an overview of the current status of AF-related stroke and prevention strategies. A holistic or integrated care approach to AF management is recommended to minimize the risk of stroke in patients with AF, based on the evidence-based Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway, as follows: A: Avoid stroke with Anticoagulation; B: Better patient-centred, symptom-directed decisions on rate or rhythm control; C: Cardiovascular risk factor and comorbidity optimization, including lifestyle changes.

Potential role of bolus-tracking data of carotid CT angiography for atrial fibrillation prediction

OBJECTIVES

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a significant cause of ischemic stroke, often goes undetected because of its asymptomatic nature. This study investigated whether the total bolus-tracking time (TTT) and average slope (AS) of a bolus-tracking graph could be used to predict AF.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective study included patients who underwent carotid CTA and a 24-h Holter test. TTT and the average degree of enhancement during bolus-tracking, derived from carotid CTA, were defined as variables of interest. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and elevated left atrial pressure (LAP) were identified according to the guidelines of the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging.

RESULTS

The final cohort comprised 716 patients, 80 of whom presented with AF. The TTT of the AF group was significantly longer (23.8 ± 5.2 s) than that of the non-AF group (18.7 ± 2.8 s); p < 0.001. The AS of the bolus-tracking graph of the AF group was 0.80 ± 0.24, which was significantly lower than that of the non-AF group 1.38 ± 0.21 (p < 0.001). TTT was associated with a significantly higher risk of AF (odds ratio [OR]: 1.36; p < 0.001) and elevated LAP (OR: 1.46; p < 0.001). In contrast, the AS of the bolus-tracking graph was not significantly associated with either AF or an elevated LAP.

CONCLUSION

TTT derived from bolus-tracking carotid CTA is an effective adjuvant tool for detecting AF related to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and elevated LAP, confirmed using echocardiography.

KEY POINTS

• Atrial fibrillation is not only a significant cause of ischemic stroke but is also often masked because of its atypical and asymptomatic features. • The total tracking time, derived from bolus tracking of carotid computed tomography angiography, may be an effective adjuvant tool for detecting undiagnosed atrial fibrillation and elevated left atrial pressure in patients.

Continuous mHealth Patch Monitoring for the Algorithm-Based Detection of Atrial Fibrillation: Feasibility and Diagnostic Accuracy Study

Background

The detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major clinical challenge as AF is often paroxysmal and asymptomatic. Novel mobile health (mHealth) technologies could provide a cost-effective and reliable solution for AF screening. However, many of these techniques have not been clinically validated.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of artificial intelligence (AI) arrhythmia analysis for AF detection with an mHealth patch device designed for personal well-being.

Methods

Patients (N=178) with an AF (n=79, 44%) or sinus rhythm (n=99, 56%) were recruited from the emergency care department. A single-lead, 24-hour, electrocardiogram-based heart rate variability (HRV) measurement was recorded with the mHealth patch device and analyzed with a novel AI arrhythmia analysis software. Simultaneously registered 3-lead electrocardiograms (Holter) served as the gold standard for the final rhythm diagnostics.

Results

Of the HRV data produced by the single-lead mHealth patch, 81.5% (3099/3802 hours) were interpretable, and the subject-based median for interpretable HRV data was 99% (25th percentile=77% and 75th percentile=100%). The AI arrhythmia detection algorithm detected AF correctly in all patients in the AF group and suggested the presence of AF in 5 patients in the control group, resulting in a subject-based AF detection accuracy of 97.2%, a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 94.9%. The time-based AF detection accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the AI arrhythmia detection algorithm were 98.7%, 99.6%, and 98.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

The 24-hour HRV monitoring by the mHealth patch device enabled accurate automatic AF detection. Thus, the wearable mHealth patch device with AI arrhythmia analysis is a novel method for AF screening.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03507335; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03507335

Reaching Frail Elderly Patients to Optimize Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation (REAFEL): A Feasibility Study of a Cross-Sectoral Shared-Care Model

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) management in primary care often requires a referral to cardiology clinics, which can be strenuous for frail patients. We developed “cardio-share” (CS), a new cross-sector collaboration model, to ease this process. General practitioners (GPs) can use a compact Holter monitor (C3 from Cortrium) to receive remote advice from the cardiologist. Objective: To test the feasibility and acceptability of the CS model to manage suspected AF in frail elderly patients. Methods: We used a mixed methods design, including the preparation of qualitative semistructured interviews of GPs and nurses. Results: Between MAR-2019 and FEB-2020, 54 patients were consulted through the CS model, of whom 35 underwent C3 Holter monitoring. The time from referral to a final Holter report was shortened from a mean (SD) of 117 (45) days in usual care to 30 days (13) with the CS model. Furthermore, 90% of the patients did not need to attend visits at the cardiology clinic. The GPs and nurses highlighted the ease of using the C3 monitor. Their perception was that patients were confident in the GPs’ collaboration with cardiologists. Conclusions: The CS model using a C3 monitor for AF is both feasible and seems acceptable to GPs. The elapsed time from referral to the Holter report performed for the diagnosis was significantly reduced.

Symptom Status, Clinical Subtypes, and Prognosis in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation from the Middle East Region (from the Gulf-SAFE Registry)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often asymptomatic. The prognosis of asymptomatic AF is at least similar or worse than symptomatic AF, but there are no such data from Middle East patients with AF. The Gulf-SAFE (Gulf Survey of Atrial Fibrillation Events) registry is a multicenter prospective survey of patients presenting with AF to participate medical institutions in 6 countries in the Gulf region. We investigated the prognostic outcomes of patients with asymptomatic AF in relation to clinical subtypes. A total of 2043 patients with AF were included; 541 were identified as having asymptomatic AF (26.5%) who tended to be older, with higher prevalences of hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, stroke, renal dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and had higher Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75, Stroke (2 points), Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 (2 points), Diabetes, Stroke (2 points), Vascular disease, Age 65-74, Sex category (CHA₂DS₂-VASc), and Hypertension, Age ≥65, Stroke, Bleeding history, liable INR, Elderly, Drug or alcohol use (HAS-BLED) scores (all p <0.05). After multivariable adjustment, asymptomatic AF was associated with higher risks of stroke/systematic embolism (SE) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10 to 4.34), all-cause mortality (aOR 2.85, 95% CI 1.90 to 4.28), and the composite outcome of stroke/SE, bleeding, and all-cause mortality (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.41). Patients with asymptomatic AF had fewer admissions for AF (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.83) and heart failure (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.86). The increased risk of stroke/SE in asymptomatic AF was more prominent among paroxysmal AF subtype (p for interaction = 0.028). In conclusion, in the Gulf-SAFE registry, patients with asymptomatic AF represent a nonbenign entity with worse outcomes compared with symptomatic AF. In paroxysmal AF, the higher risks of events were more prominent. The absence of "warning signs" and lack of timely admission in asymptomatic AF may be major reasons for the unfavorable prognosis.

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

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

Differences in Stroke or Systemic Thromboembolism Readmission Risk After Hospitalization for Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter

Background

Although atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are different arrhythmias, they are assumed to confer the same risk of stroke and systemic thromboembolism (STE) despite a lack of available evidence. In this study, we investigated the difference in the risk of stroke or STE after AF and AFL hospitalizations.

Methodology

The National Readmission Database (NRD) 2018 was used to identify AF and AFL patients using appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes and were followed until the end of the calendar year to identify stroke or STE readmissions. Survival estimates were calculated, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the adjusted hazards ratio (aHR) and compare the risk of stroke or STE readmissions between AF and AFL groups.

Results

A total of 215,810 AF and 15,292 AFL patients were identified. AFL patients were more likely to be younger (66 vs. 70 years), male (68% vs. 47%), and had higher prevalence of obesity (25% vs. 22%), obstructive sleep apnea (14% vs. 12%), diabetes mellitus (31% vs. 26%), and alcohol use (6.9% vs. 5.5%) (all p < 0.01). After adjusting for potential patient and hospital-level characteristics, there was a statistically significant decrease in one-year stroke or STE readmission risk in AFL patients compared to AF patients (aHR 0.79 (0.66-0.95); p = 0.01).

Conclusions

AFL patients are commonly younger males with a higher burden of medical comorbidity. There is a decrease in the one-year risk of stroke or STE events in AFL patients compared to AF. The predictors of stroke and STE are similar in both AFL and AF groups. Further studies with longer follow-up and anticoagulation data are needed to verify the results.

Supermarket/Hypermarket Opportunistic Screening for Atrial Fibrillation (SHOPS-AF): A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study Protocol

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and a key risk factor for ischaemic stroke. Following AF detection, treatment with oral anticoagulation can significantly lower mortality and morbidity rates associated with this risk. The availability of several hand-held devices which can detect AF may enable trained health professionals to adopt AF screening approaches which do not interfere with people’s daily routines. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a hand-held device (the MyDiagnostick single-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor) in screening for AF when embedded into the handles of supermarket trolleys. Methods: A mixed methods two-phase approach will be taken. The quantitative first phase will involve the recruitment of 2000 participants from a convenience sample at four large supermarkets with pharmacies. Prospective participants will be asked to conduct their shopping using a trolley embedded with a MyDiagnostick sensor. If the device identifies a participant with AF, the in-store pharmacist will be dispatched to take a manual pulse measurement and a static control sensor reading and offer a cardiologist consultation referral. When the sensor does not detect AF, a researcher will confirm the reading with a manual pulse measurement. ECGs will be compiled, and the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values will be determined. A qualitative second phase will consist of semi-structured interviews carried out with those pharmacists and store managers in-store during the running of the trial period. These will explore the perceptions of staff regarding the merits of embedding sensors in the handles of supermarket trolleys to detect AF. Conclusion: This feasibility study will inform a larger future definitive trial.

How should I treat patients with subclinical atrial fibrillation and atrial high-rate episodes? Current evidence and clinical importance

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.

Prevalence of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation among multimorbid elderly patients: diagnostic implications

Advancing age of the global population is one of the main reasons for the uprising trend in atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence worldwide leading to a proper "AF epidemic". Strictly related to the increasing prevalence of AF in the elderly is the relevant burden of cardiac end extra-cardiac comorbidities that these patients show. Patients with AF are frequently asymptomatic (i.e., asymptomatic or silent AF) and thus the arrhythmia is generally underdiagnosed. Detainment of proper treatment in elderly and comorbid patients may potentially result in significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, in recent years, several screening strategies (systematic vs opportunistic screening) for asymptomatic AF have been developed and early diagnosis of AF is an important treatment goal that can improve prognosis. This review will focus on the prevalence of asymptomatic AF in the elderly, frequently associated comorbidities, screening strategies, and implications for a correct AF diagnosis.

Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Health Economic Evaluation to Assess the Feasibility in Nigeria

Background:

Cardiovascular disease reflects a major burden of non-communicable disease in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Early detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), as a preventive measure against stroke, is currently not in the scope of the World Health Organization recommendation to reduce cardiovascular disease.

Objective:

We hypothesized that screening for AF would be an important approach to determine the true AF prevalence in the general population in African countries and to identify asymptomatic AF patients at risk for stroke to optimize prevention.

Methods:

A decision analytic model was developed to study the health-economic impact of AF screening in Nigeria over a life-time horizon. The patient population explored in the model was a population of newly detected AF cases that would be diagnosed with a one-time systematic screening for AF with a single lead ECG device in community health centres across Nigeria.

Conclusions:

The health gain per newly detected AF patient (N = 31,687) was 0.41 QALY at a cost of $5,205 per patient with 100% NOAC use, leading to an ICER of $12,587 per QALY gained. The intervention was cost-effective with a 99.9% warfarin use with an ICER of $1,363 per QALY gained. The total cost of a single screening session was $7.3 million for the total screened population in Nigeria or $1.60 per patient screened. Screening for AF to detect AF patients in need for stroke prevention can be a cost-effective intervention in the Sub-Saharan region, depending on type of anticoagulant used and drug costs.

Identifying Atrial Fibrillation Mechanisms for Personalized Medicine

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of heart failure and stroke. The early maintenance of sinus rhythm has been shown to reduce major cardiovascular endpoints, yet is difficult to achieve. For instance, it is unclear how discoveries at the genetic and cellular level can be used to tailor pharmacotherapy. For non-pharmacologic therapy, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone of rhythm control, yet has suboptimal success. Improving these therapies will likely require a multifaceted approach that personalizes therapy based on mechanisms measured in individuals across biological scales. We review AF mechanisms from cell-to-organ-to-patient from this perspective of personalized medicine, linking them to potential clinical indices and biomarkers, and discuss how these data could influence therapy. We conclude by describing approaches to improve ablation, including the emergence of several mapping systems that are in use today.

Age and Sex Specific Prevalence of Clinical and Screen-Detected Atrial Fibrillation in Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is high in older patients. The present study aimed to estimate the age and sex specific prevalence of clinical and screen-detected atrial fibrillation (AF) in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

The STAR-FIB cohort study was a prospective cohort study recruiting participants from a large source population of hospitalized patients aged 65-84 years. The estimated size of the source population was 26,035 (95% CI 25,918-26,152), and 795 consenting patients without clinical AF were included in the cohort study after stratification by sex and age (49.2% females; mean age 74.7 years). Patients in the cohort study underwent three seven-day Holter ECGs in intervals of two months to screen for AF.

RESULTS

In the source population, the estimated prevalence of clinical AF was 22.2% (95% CI 18.4-26.1), 23.8% for males (95% CI 20.9-26.6) and 19.8% for females (95% CI 17.3-22.4; p for difference between sexes, 0.004). There was a linear trend for an increase in the prevalence of clinical AF with increasing age, overall and in both sexes. In the cohort study, AF was newly diagnosed in 38 patients, for an estimated prevalence of screen-detected AF of 4.9% overall (95% CI 3.3-6.6), 5.5% in males (95% CI 3.2-7.8) and 4.0% in females (95% CI 2.0-6.0; p for difference between sexes, 0.041). The estimated prevalence of screen-detected AF in the source population was 3.8% overall, 4.2% in males and 3.2% in females.

CONCLUSION

In a large hospital-based patient population aged 65-84 years, the prevalence of clinical AF and of screen-detected AF was 22.2% and 3.8%, respectively, and significantly higher in males than females.

Identifying risk patterns in older adults with atrial fibrillation by hierarchical cluster analysis: A retrospective approach based on the risk probability for clinical events

•

In older AF patients, representative AF-related outcomes compete, causing difficulty in decision making.

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We proposed cluster analysis using risk probability for four AF-related outcomes.

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Older adults with AF were classified into 3 clusters.

•

The clusters could possibly identify older adults with AF with good/poor responses to AF-related treatment.

Background

Older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) have highly diverse risk levels for mortality, heart failure (HF), thromboembolism (TE), and major bleeding (MB), thus an integrated risk-pattern algorithm is warranted.

Methods

We analyzed 573 AF patients aged ≥ 75 years from our single-center cohort (Shinken Database 2010–2018). The 3-year risk scores (risk probability) for mortality (M-score), HF (HF-score), TE (TE-score), and MB (MB-score) were estimated for each patient by logistic regression analysis. Using the four risk scores, cluster analysis was performed with Ward’s linkage hierarchical algorithm.

Results

Three clusters were identified: Clusters 1 (n = 429, 74%), 2 (n = 24, 5%), and 3 (n = 120, 21%). The clusters were characterized as standard risk (Cluster 1), high TE- and MB-risk (Cluster 2), and high M- and HF-risk (Cluster 3). Oral anticoagulants were prescribed for over 80% of the patients in each cluster. Catheter ablation for AF was performed only in Cluster 1 (8.9%). Compared with Cluster 1, Cluster 2 was more closely associated with males, asymptomatic AF, history of cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack, history of intracranial hemorrhage, high HAS-BLED score (≥3), and low body mass index (<18.0 kg/m²). Cluster 3 was more closely associated with old age, heart failure, and low estimated creatinine clearance (<30 mL/min).

Conclusion

The cluster analysis identified those at a high risk for all-cause death and HF or a high risk for TE and MB and could support decision making in older adults with AF.

Prognostic Impact of the Symptom of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Insights From the NOAFCAMI-SH Registry

Background: New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common complication during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sometimes can be completely asymptomatic, but the clinical implications of these asymptomatic episodes require further characterization. The objective of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term prognostic impact of post-MI NOAF based on the presence of AF-related symptoms.

Methods: The New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction in ShangHai (NOAFCAMI-SH) registry was a retrospective cohort including participants with AMI without a documented history of AF. Patients with NOAF were divided into two groups according to the AF-related symptoms. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results: Of 2,399 patients included, 278 (11.6%) developed NOAF of whom 145 (6.0%) with asymptomatic episodes and 133 (5.5%) with symptomatic ones. During hospitalization, 148 patients died [106, 10, and 32 in the sinus rhythm (SR), asymptomatic, and symptomatic NOAF groups, respectively]. After multivariable adjustment, only symptomatic NOAF was associated with in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR): 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36–3.94] compared with SR. Over a median follow-up of 2.7 years, all-cause mortality was 3.2, 12.4, and 11.8% per year in the SR, asymptomatic, and symptomatic NOAF groups, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, it was the asymptomatic NOAF [hazard ratio (HR): 1.61, 95% CI: 1.09–2.37) rather than the symptomatic one (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 0.88–2.12) that was significantly related to mortality. Similar results were also observed for cardiovascular mortality [HRs and 95% CI were 1.71 (1.10–2.67) and 1.25 (0.74–2.11) for asymptomatic and symptomatic NOAF, respectively]. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic NOAF episodes were associated with heart failure, whereas only those with symptomatic NOAF were at heightened risk of ischemic stroke. Our exploratory analysis further identified patients with asymptomatic high-burden NOAF as the highest-risk population (mortality: 19.6% per year).

Conclusion: Among patients with AMI, symptomatic NOAF is related to in-hospital mortality and asymptomatic NOAF is associated with poor long-term survival.

Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/; Unique identifier: NCT03533543.

Comparing Outcomes in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 81,462 Patients

BACKGROUND

In atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, the presence of symptoms can guide the decision between rate or rhythm control therapy, but it is still unclear if AF-related outcomes are determined by symptomatic status of their clinical presentation.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and metanalysis following the PRISMA recommendations on available studies that compared asymptomatic to symptomatic AF reporting data on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and thromboembolic events (TEs). We included studies with a total number of patients enrolled equal to or greater than 200, with a minimum follow-up period of six months.

RESULTS

From the initial 5476 results retrieved after duplicates' removal, a total of 10 studies were selected. Overall, 81,462 patients were included, of which 21,007 (26%) were asymptomatic, while 60,455 (74%) were symptomatic. No differences were found between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients regarding the risks of all-cause death (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-1.32), and cardiovascular death (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.54-1.39). No differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were evident for stroke (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.77-1.93) and stroke/TE (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.86-1.31) risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality and stroke/TE events in AF patients were unrelated to symptomatic status of their clinical presentation. Adoption of management strategies in AF patients should not be based on symptomatic clinical status.

Quality indicators for the care and outcomes of adults with atrial fibrillation

AIMS

To develop quality indicators (QIs) that may be used to evaluate the quality of care and outcomes for adults with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We followed the ESC methodology for QI development. This methodology involved (i) the identification of the domains of AF care for the diagnosis and management of AF (by a group of experts including members of the ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines Task Force for AF); (ii) the construction of candidate QIs (including a systematic review of the literature); and (iii) the selection of the final set of QIs (using a modified Delphi method). Six domains of care for the diagnosis and management of AF were identified: (i) Patient assessment (baseline and follow-up), (ii) Anticoagulation therapy, (iii) Rate control strategy, (iv) Rhythm control strategy, (v) Risk factor management, and (vi) Outcomes measures, including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). In total, 17 main and 17 secondary QIs, which covered all six domains of care for the diagnosis and management of AF, were selected. The outcome domain included measures on the consequences and treatment of AF, as well as PROMs.

CONCLUSION

This document defines six domains of AF care (patient assessment, anticoagulation, rate control, rhythm control, risk factor management, and outcomes), and provides 17 main and 17 secondary QIs for the diagnosis and management of AF. It is anticipated that implementation of these QIs will improve the quality of AF care.

Feasibility of digital atrial fibrillation screening in an elderly population : The Ulm heart rhythm weeks

AIMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening in risk populations has the potential to prevent strokes. The authors tested the feasibility of a digital program with initial photoplethysmographic (PPG) self-screening and cardiologist-attended electrocardiographic (ECG) confirmation of screen-positive cases.

METHODS

Inhabitants of the city of Ulm aged ≥ 65 years were invited to participate. After digital consent, participants were given access to a smartphone application for 14 days of self-screening (two recordings per day recommended). Screen-positive participants without known AF were invited to present to a cardiologist for AF confirmation with a 14-day ECG event recorder. PPG recordings were first analyzed by algorithm using a combination of linear and non-linear methods. The quality of pathological (classified by algorithm) PPG and all ECG recordings were checked by a telecare service. Primary outcomes included adherence to the screening protocol defined as the proportion of participants performing at least 14 PPG recordings (or until documentation of absolute arrhythmia) and the proportion of pathological PPG and all ECG recordings rejected by the telecare center.

RESULTS

A total of 215 participants registered. Of these, 204 (95%) performed at least one recording and 169 (79%) reached the performance target of two sufficient measurements per day; 75 PPG recordings were automatically classified as pathological by algorithm; 14 (19%) were rejected by the telecare service due to poor quality. Of the 12 participants with a suspected first diagnosis of AF, five visited a cardiologist as part of the study. Of 1090 ECG recordings obtained, 390 (36%) were qualified as non-diagnostic. AF was confirmed in three cases.

CONCLUSIONS

A digital AF screening program with initial self-screening and referral of screen-positive cases to a cardiologist-attended ECG-confirmation service is feasible with meaningful results in an elderly risk population. However, the availability of the target population of persons > 65 years of age for such a digital screening program appears to be limited despite extensive public relations activities.

A Review of Biomarkers for Ischemic Stroke Evaluation in Patients With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and results in a significantly increased ischemic stroke (IS) risk. IS risk stratification tools are widely being applied to guide anticoagulation treatment decisions and duration in patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF). The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is largely validated and currently recommended by renowned guidelines. However, this score is heavily dependent on age, sex, and comorbidities, and exhibits only moderate predictive power. Finding effective and validated clinical biomarkers to assist in personalized IS risk evaluation has become one of the promising directions in the prevention and treatment of NVAF. A number of studies in recent years have explored differentially expressed biomarkers in NVAF patients with and without IS, and the potential role of various biomarkers for prediction or early diagnosis of IS in patients with NVAF. In this review, we describe the clinical application and utility of AF characteristics, cardiac imaging and electrocardiogram markers, arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis-related markers, circulating biomarkers, and novel genetic markers in IS diagnosis and management of patients with NVAF. We conclude that at present, there is no consensus understanding of a desirable biomarker for IS risk stratification in NVAF, and enrolling these biomarkers into extant models also remains challenging. Further prospective cohorts and trials are needed to integrate various clinical risk factors and biomarkers to optimize IS prediction in patients with NVAF. However, we believe that the growing insight into molecular mechanisms and in-depth understanding of existing and emerging biomarkers may further improve the IS risk identification and guide anticoagulation therapy in patients with NVAF.

Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation Incidentally Detected in Primary Care Compared with Other Clinical Presentations

BACKGROUND

 It is uncertain whether stroke risk of asymptomatic ambulatory atrial fibrillation (AA-AF) incidentally detected in primary care is comparable with other clinical AF presentations in primary care or hospital.

METHODS

 The stoke risk of 22,035 patients with incident nonvalvular AF from the United Kingdom primary care Clinical Practice Research Datalink with linkage to hospitalization and mortality data was compared with 23,605 controls without AF (age- and sex-matched 5:1 to 5,409 AA-AF patients). Incident AF included 5,913 with symptomatic ambulatory AF (SA-AF); 4,989 with primary and 5,724 with nonprimary hospital AF discharge diagnosis (PH-AF and non-PH-AF); and 5,409 with AA-AF. Ischemic stroke adjusted subhazard ratios (aSHRs) within 3 years of AA-AF were compared with SA-AF, PH-AF, non-PH-AF, and no AF, accounting for mortality as competing risk and adjusted for ischemic stroke risk factors.

RESULTS

 There were 1,026 ischemic strokes in 49,544 person-years in patients with incident AF (crude incidence rate: 2.1 ischemic strokes/100 person-years). Ischemic stroke aSHR over 3 years showed no differences between AA-AF and SA-AF, PH-AF, and non-PH-AF groups (aSHR: 0.87-1.01 vs. AA-AF). All AF groups showed a significantly higher aSHR compared with no AF.

CONCLUSION

 Ischemic stroke risk in patients with AA-AF incidentally detected in primary care is far from benign, and not less than incident AF presenting clinically in general practice or hospital. This provides justification for identification of previously undetected AF, e.g., by opportunistic screening, and subsequent stroke prevention with thromboprophylaxis, to reduce the approximately 10% of ischemic strokes related to unrecognized AF.

Incidence of atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease and heart failure in patients with diabetes

Background

Diabetes has strongly been linked to atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease and heart failure. The epidemiology of these cardiovascular diseases is changing, however, due to changes in prevalence of obesity-related conditions and preventive measures. Recent population studies on incidence of atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease and heart failure in patients with diabetes are needed.

Methods

A dynamic longitudinal cohort study was performed using primary care databases of the Julius General Practitioners’ Network. Diabetes status was determined at baseline (1 January 2014 or upon entering the cohort) and participants were followed-up for atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease and heart failure until 1 February 2019. Age and sex-specific incidence and incidence rate ratios were calculated.

Results

Mean follow-up was 4.2 years, 12,168 patients were included in the diabetes group, and 130,143 individuals in the background group. Incidence rate ratios, adjusted for age and sex, were 1.17 (95% confidence interval 1.06–1.30) for atrial fibrillation, 1.66 (1.55–1.83) for ischaemic heart disease, and 2.36 (2.10–2.64) for heart failure. Overall, incidence rate ratios were highest in the younger age categories, converging thereafter.

Conclusion

There is a clear association between diabetes and incidence of the major chronic progressive heart diseases, notably with heart failure with a more than twice increased risk.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01313-7.

Digital health solutions in the screening of subclinical atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) will become one of the biggest challenges in cardiovascular medicine in the near future. Attempting an improvement in future patient care calls explicitly for the screening of subclinical AF. Digital health solutions implementing communication technologies for the collection and analysis of digitally assessable data will most likely serve this need. Several new rapidly developing methods were introduced in the past decade. Although the vast majority still require scientific validation, the body of evidence is growing and several randomized controlled trials are planned. This review aims to give an overview of current technologies with a specific focus on mobile health (mHealth) and appraise their value with regard to the available scientific data.

Progression and clinical manifestations in screening-detected atrial fibrillation: A follow-up of the STROKESTOP study

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of data on atrial fibrillation (AF) progression after AF screening.

HYPOTHESIS

We studied the hypothesis that progression of AF subtype after AF screening was similar to the progression noted in clinical AF cases. We also studied predictors for AF progression and AF symptoms during 5-year follow-up.

METHODS

All participants from the STROKESTOP study with screening-detected AF were included in this prospective cohort study (n = 218). Deceased patients, patients with dementia and/or patients receiving institutional care were excluded (n = 31). Patients were interviewed at their visit regarding symptoms, treatment with oral anticoagulation and clinical events during follow-up and instructed to record ECG using a handheld ECG recording twice daily for two weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 187 patients were invited for follow-up and 120 (64%) participated. The mean age was 81.0 ± 0.6 years and 56 (47%) of the participants were women. The mean follow-up time was 5.3 ± 0.4 years. Among the participants with 5-year follow-up data available, 18% (22/120) were diagnosed with permanent AF at study entry, compared to 49/120 (41%) after five years (p < 0.001). Among patients with paroxysmal AF at study entry, 33/98 (34%) had progressed to permanent AF after five years. Among participants approximately half remained asymptomatic, whereas 48% reported predominantly mild symptoms. None of the components of CHA₂DS₂-VASc were significantly predictive of AF progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The progression for screening-detected AF is like that of clinically detected AF. Half of the patients with screening-detected AF report symptoms over time, and symptoms were generally mild.

Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients in the Polish Atrial Fibrillation (POL-AF) Registry

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) can cause severe symptoms, but it is frequently asymptomatic. We aimed to compare the clinical features of patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic AF.

METHODS

A prospective, observational, multicenter study was performed (the Polish Atrial Fibrillation (POL-AF) registry). Consecutive hospitalized AF patients over 18 years of age were enrolled at ten centers. The data were collected for two weeks during each month of 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 2785 patients were analyzed, of whom 1360 were asymptomatic (48.8%). Asymptomatic patients were more frequently observed to have coronary artery disease (57.5% vs. 49.1%, p < 0.0001), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (39.8% vs. 26.5%, p < 0.0001), a previous thromboembolic event (18.2% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.0002), and paroxysmal AF (52.3% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.0002). In multivariate analysis, history of electrical cardioversion, paroxysmal AF, heart failure, coronary artery disease, previous thromboembolic event, and higher left ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of a lack of AF symptoms. First-diagnosed AF was a predictor of AF symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison to symptomatic patients, more of those hospitalized with asymptomatic AF had been previously diagnosed with this arrhythmia and other cardiovascular diseases. However, they presented with better left ventricular function and were more frequently treated with cardiovascular medicines.

Is Screening for Atrial Fibrillation and Its Risk Factors Useful and Cost-Effective?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major, preventable cause of stroke, whose prevalence is increasing with the aging of the population. There are safe and effective anticoagulation therapies to prevent stroke and new technologies that can identify AF in asymptomatic individuals. Ongoing research will determine if AF screening is cost-effective and will define the best screening strategies. The effectiveness of AF screening can be enhanced by simultaneously screening for the cardiovascular conditions that predispose to the development and progression of AF and its complications. Future studies evaluating an integrated screening program on outcomes, health care utilization, and cost are needed.

Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation in Dependence of Left Atrial Volume Index

BACKGROUND/AIM

Despite advances in the treatment strategies of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the risk of AF recurrences is still over 50%. An increased left atrial volume index (LAVI) reflects left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) and deterioration of the LA function. This study aims to determine AF recurrence following cardioversion (CV) or catheter ablation for AF (pulmonary vein isolation; PVI) in dependence of DD and LAVI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and sixty-two patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF in whom either CV or PVI were performed were included and followed over a mean of 22.9±3.8 months. Recurrence was defined as any recurrence of AF that occurred 3 months following the procedure. DD and LAVI were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

RESULTS

Recurrent AF occurred in 100 (61.7%) patients, predominantly following CV [CV 41 (76.2%) vs. PVI 59 (54.6%), p<0.0001]. Both DD and an increased LAVI were more common in the recurrence-group [DD 46.0% vs. 14.5%, p=0.0001; LAVI (ml/m²) 49.0±18.6 vs. 26.3±7.0, p<0.0001]. ROC analysis revealed LAVI>36 ml/m² as cut-off (p<0.0001, AUC=0.92, 95%CI=0.87-0.97, sensitivity=76%, specificity=94%). In the multivariate analysis, DD (HR=1.6, 95%CI=1.3-2.1, p=0.04) and LA enlargement (defined as LAVI>36 ml/m² with HR=2.1, 95%CI=1.8-2.7, p<0.0001) could be identified as independent predictors of AF recurrence after attempting to control the heart rhythm.

CONCLUSION

LA enlargement and DD are independent risk factors associated with AF recurrence after initial successful rhythm control attempt. These findings have implications for timing of either ablation or CV.

Clinical classification and the subclinical atrial fibrillation challenge: a position paper of the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society

Symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) or clinical AF is associated with impaired quality of life, higher risk of stroke, heart failure, and increased mortality. Current clinical classification of AF is based on the duration of AF episodes and the recurrence over time. Appropriate management strategy should follow guidelines of Scientific Societies. The last decades have been marked by the advances in mechanism comprehension, better management of symptomatic AF, particularly regarding stroke prevention with the use of direct oral anticoagulants and a wider use of AF catheter or surgical ablations. The advent of new tools for detection of asymptomatic AF including continuous monitoring with implanted electronic devices and the use of implantable cardiac monitors and recently wearable devices or garments have identified what is called "subclinical AF" encompassing atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs). New concepts such as "AF burden" have resulted in new management challenges. Oral anticoagulation has proven to reduce substantially stroke risk in patients with symptomatic clinical AF but carries the risk of bleeding. Management of detected asymptomatic atrial arrhythmias and their relation to clinical AF and stroke risk is currently under evaluation. Based on a review of recent literature, the validity of current clinical classification has been reassessed and appropriate updates are proposed. Current evidence supporting the inclusion of subclinical AF within current clinical classification is discussed as well as the need for controlled trials which may provide responses to current therapeutic challenges particularly regarding the subsets of asymptomatic AF patients that might benefit from oral anticoagulation.

Characteristics of symptom burden in atrial fibrillation with concomitant heart failure

Background

Symptom burden is an important factor in determining the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is frequently accompanied by heart failure (HF). This study investigated the characteristics of AF symptoms with concomitant HF.

Methods

A total of 4885 patients with AF were consecutively enrolled through a prospective observational registry (the Comparison Study of Drugs for Symptom Control and Complication Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation [CODE-AF] registry). Clinically diagnosed HF was divided into three categories (preserved, mid-range, and reduced ejection fraction [EF]). Symptom severity was assessed using the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) classification.

Results

The presence of AF-related symptoms was comparable irrespective of concomitant HF. Patients with HF with reduced EF demonstrated severe (EHRA classes 3 and 4) and atypical symptoms. HF with preserved EF was also associated with atypical symptoms. Female sex and AF type were associated with the presence of symptoms in AF without HF, and non-maintenance of sinus rhythm and increased left atrial pressure (E/e′ ≥ 15) were factors related to the presence of symptoms in AF with HF.

Conclusion

AF with concomitant HF presented with more severe and atypical symptoms than AF without HF. Maintaining the sinus rhythm and reducing the E/e’ ratio are important factors for reducing symptoms in AF with concomitant HF.

Evaluation of the C2HEST Risk Score as a Possible Opportunistic Screening Tool for Incident Atrial Fibrillation in a Healthy Population (From a Nationwide Danish Cohort Study)

A simple clinical score, C₂HEST (C₂: CAD/COPD [1 point each]; H: Hypertension; E: Elderly [Age ≥75, doubled]; S: Systolic HF [doubled]; T: Thyroid disease [hyperthyroidism]) has been proposed to predict incident atrial fibrillation (AF), with good discrimination and internal calibration. To define high-risk patients at particular age strata for incident AF in a nationwide population cohort, who could potentially be targeted for AF screening, we used a nationwide cohort study of all Danish citizen aged ≥65 years to evaluate the performance of the C₂HEST score. "High risk" subjects at age 65, 70, and 75 had 5-year risks of new onset AF of 11.8%, 14.2% and 13.6%, respectively, and the corresponding event rates were 2.99, 3.67, and 3.38 per 100 person years, respectively. Associated hazard ratios (HR) were 4.08 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.84 to 4.34), 3.80 (95% CI: 3.68 to 3.92) and 2.17 (95% CI: 2.13 to 2.22), respectively compared with the lowest risk strata within age category. At all age cohorts, the greatest risk component of the C₂HEST score on multivariable analysis was by having 2 points for C (C₂), that is both CAD and COPD followed by systolic heart failure (S) both with HRs up to 2.0. CAD or COPD alone (C₁) or hypertension (H) were associated with increased risk of new onset AF corresponding to HR between 1.44 and 1.64. In conclusion, this nationwide population cohort addresses the question on clinical risk prediction for new onset AF in a population at different age strata, whereby the C₂HEST score may help in identifying those at 'high risk' of new onset AF at 3 distinct age cohorts (65, 70, and 75 years). A high risk C₂HEST score stratum was associated with a greater risk of new onset AF. These patients could be considered for more intensive efforts for screening and detection of incident AF.

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

Hypertension and atrial fibrillation (AF) are 2 important public health priorities. Their prevalence is increasing worldwide, and the 2 conditions often coexist in the same patient. Hypertension and AF are strikingly related to an excess risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Hypertension ultimately increases the risk of AF, and because of its high prevalence in the population, it accounts for more cases of AF than other risk factors. Among patients with established AF, hypertension is present in about 60% to 80% of individuals. Despite the well-known association between hypertension and AF, several pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the higher risk of AF in hypertensive patients are still incompletely known. From an epidemiological standpoint, it is unclear whether the increasing risk of AF with blood pressure (BP) is linear or threshold. It is uncertain whether an intensive control of BP or the use of specific antihypertensive drugs, such as those inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, reduces the risk of subsequent AF in hypertensive patients in sinus rhythm. Finally, in spite of the observational evidence suggesting a progressive relation between BP levels and the risk of thromboembolism and bleeding in patients with hypertension and AF, the extent to which BP should be lowered in these patients, including those who undergo catheter ablation, remains uncertain. This article summarizes the main basic mechanisms through which hypertension is believed to promote AF. It also explores epidemiological data supporting an evolutionary pathway from hypertension to AF, including the emerging evidence favoring an intensive BP control or the use of drugs, which inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to reduce the risk of AF. Finally, it examines the impact of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin in relation to hypertension.

Lessons from the current European Heart Rhythm Association consensus document on screening for atrial fibrillation

In this paper, we reviewed the atrial fibrillation screening strategies in a stepwise manner and discussed the uncertainties in the assessment of the need for anticoagulation in light of the recently published European Heart Rhythm Association consensus document. We reviewed not only the methods and tools but also the role of health care professionals and patient organizations in addition to cost-effectiveness issues.

Management of asymptomatic arrhythmias: a European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document, endorsed by the Heart Failure Association (HFA), Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), Cardiac Arrhythmia Society of Southern Africa (CASSA), and Latin America Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)

Asymptomatic arrhythmias are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Although studies specifically dedicated to these asymptomatic arrhythmias are lacking, many arrhythmias still require proper diagnostic and prognostic evaluation and treatment to avoid severe consequences, such as stroke or systemic emboli, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. The present document reviews the evidence, where available, and attempts to reach a consensus, where evidence is insufficient or conflicting.