Extended ECG Improves Classification of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Based on P- and f-Waves

Background

The standard 12-lead ECG has been shown to be of value in characterizing atrial conduction properties. The added value of extended ECG recordings (longer recordings from more sites) has not been systematically explored yet.

Objective

The aim of this study is to employ an extended ECG to identify characteristics of atrial electrical activity related to paroxysmal vs. persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

In 247 participants scheduled for AF ablation, an extended ECG was recorded (12 standard plus 3 additional leads, 5 min recording, no filtering). For patients presenting in sinus rhythm (SR), the signal-averaged P-wave and the spatiotemporal P-wave variability was analyzed. For patients presenting in AF, f-wave properties in the QRST (the amplitude complex of the ventricular electrical activity: Q-, R-, S-, and T-wave)-canceled ECG were determined.

Results

Significant differences between paroxysmal (N = 152) and persistent patients with AF (N = 95) were found in several P-wave and f-wave parameters, including parameters that can only be calculated from an extended ECG. Furthermore, a moderate, but significant correlation was found between echocardiographic parameters and P-wave and f-wave parameters. There was a moderate correlation of left atrial (LA) diameter with P-wave energy duration (r = 0.317, p < 0.001) and f-wave amplitude in lead A3 (r = -0.389, p = 0.002). The AF-type classification performance significantly improved when parameters calculated from the extended ECG were taken into account [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.58, interquartile range (IQR) 0.50-0.64 for standard ECG parameters only vs. AUC = 0.76, IQR 0.70-0.80 for extended ECG parameters, p < 0.001].

Conclusion

The P- and f-wave analysis of extended ECG configurations identified specific ECG features allowing improved classification of paroxysmal vs. persistent AF. The extended ECG significantly improved AF-type classification in our analyzed data as compared to a standard 10-s 12-lead ECG. Whether this can result in a better clinical AF type classification warrants further prospective study.

Open-Label, Multicenter Study of Flecainide Acetate Oral Inhalation Solution for Acute Conversion of Recent-Onset, Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation to Sinus Rhythm

BACKGROUND

Oral and intravenous flecainide is recommended for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. In this open-label, dose-escalation study, the feasibility of delivering flecainide via oral inhalation (flecainide acetate inhalation solution) for acute conversion was evaluated. We hypothesized that flecainide delivered by oral inhalation would quickly reach plasma concentrations sufficient to restore sinus rhythm in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

Patients (n=101) with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (for ≤48 hours) self administered flecainide acetate inhalation solution using a nebulizer (30 mg [n=10], 60 mg [n=22], 90 mg [n=21], 120 mg [n=19], and 120 mg in a formulation containing saccharin [n=29]). Electrocardiograms and flecainide plasma concentrations were obtained, cardiac rhythm using 4-hour Holter was monitored, and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Conversion rates increased with dose and with the maximum plasma concentrations of flecainide. At the highest dose, 48% of patients converted to sinus rhythm within 90 minutes from the start of inhalation. Among patients who achieved a maximum plasma concentration >200 ng/mL, the conversion rate within 90 minutes was 50%; for those who achieved a maximum plasma concentration <200 ng/mL, it was 24%. Conversion was rapid (median time to conversion of 8.1 minutes from the end of inhalation), and conversion led to symptom resolution in 86% of the responders. Adverse events were typically mild and transient and included: cough, throat pain, throat irritation; at the highest dose with the formulation containing saccharin, these adverse events were reported by 41%, 14%, and 3% of patients, respectively. Cardiac adverse events consistent with those observed with oral and intravenous flecainide were uncommon and included postconversion pauses (n=2), bradycardia (n=1), and atrial flutter with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction (n=1); none required treatment, and all resolved without sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of flecainide via oral inhalation was shown to be safe and to yield plasma concentrations of flecainide sufficient to restore sinus rhythm in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT03539302.

Efficacy and safety of dronedarone versus placebo in patients with atrial fibrillation stratified according to renal function: Post hoc analyses of the EURIDIS-ADONIS trials

BACKGROUND

The use of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complex because impaired renal clearance can cause increased drug levels, and risk of intolerance or adverse events. Due to the propensity for CKD to occur alongside atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL), it is essential that AAD safety and efficacy are assessed for patients with CKD.

HYPOTHESIS

Dronedarone, an approved AAD, may present a suitable therapeutic option for patients with AF/AFL and concomitant CKD.

METHODS

EURIDIS-ADONIS (EURIDIS, NCT00259428; ADONIS, NCT00259376) were identically designed, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group trials investigating AF/AFL control with dronedarone 400 mg twice daily versus placebo (randomized 2:1). In this post hoc analysis, the primary endpoint was time to first AF/AFL. Patients were stratified according to renal function using the CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration equation and divided into estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) subgroups of 30-44, 45-59, 60-89, and ≥90 ml/min. Time-to-events between treatment groups were compared using log-rank testing and Cox regression.

RESULTS

At baseline, most (86%) patients demonstrated a mild or mild-to-moderate eGFR decrease. Median time to first AF/AFL recurrence was significantly longer with dronedarone versus placebo for all eGFR subgroups except the 30 to 44 ml/min group, where the trend was similar but statistical power may have been limited by the small population. eGFR stratification had no significant effect on serious adverse events, deaths, or treatment discontinuations.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis suggests that dronedarone could be an effective therapeutic option for AF with an acceptable safety profile in patients with impaired renal function.

The prognostic impact of mechanical atrial dysfunction and atrial fibrillation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

AIMS

This study assessed the prognostic implications of mechanical atrial dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients with different stages of atrial fibrillation (AF) in detail.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HFpEF patients (n = 258) systemically underwent an extensive clinical characterization, including 24-h Holter monitoring and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were categorized according to rhythm and stages of AF: 112 with no history of AF (no AF), 56 with paroxysmal AF (PAF), and 90 with sustained (persistent/permanent) AF (SAF). A progressive decrease in mechanical atrial function was seen: left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) 30.5 ± 10.5% (no AF), 22.3 ± 10.5% (PAF), and 13.9 ± 7.8% (SAF), P < 0.001. Independent predictors for lower LASr values were AF, absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, higher N-terminal-pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide, left atrial volume index, and relative wall thickness, lower left ventricular global longitudinal strain, and echocardiographic signs of elevated left ventricular filling pressure. LASr was an independent predictor of adverse outcome (hazard ratio per 1% decrease =1.049, 95% confidence interval 1.014-1.085, P = 0.006), whereas AF was not when the multivariable model included LASr. Moreover, LASr mediated the adverse outcome associated with AF in HFpEF (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Mechanical atrial dysfunction has a possible greater prognostic role in HFpEF compared to AF status alone. Mechanical atrial dysfunction is a predictor of adverse outcome independently of AF presence or stage, and may be an underlying mechanism (mediator) for the worse outcome associated with AF in HFpEF. This may suggest mechanical atrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in disease progression in HFpEF patients with AF, and possibly also in HFpEF patients without AF.

Long-term outcome of targeted therapy of underlying conditions in patients with early persistent atrial fibrillation and heart failure: data of the RACE 3 trial

AIMS

The Routine vs. Aggressive risk factor driven upstream rhythm Control for prevention of Early persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure (HF) (RACE 3) trial demonstrated that targeted therapy of underlying conditions improved sinus rhythm maintenance at 1 year. We now explored the effects of targeted therapy on the additional co-primary endpoints; sinus rhythm maintenance and cardiovascular outcome at 5 years.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with early persistent AF and mild-to-moderate stable HF were randomized to targeted or conventional therapy. Both groups received rhythm control therapy according to guidelines. The targeted group additionally received four therapies: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), statins, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and cardiac rehabilitation. The presence of sinus rhythm and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality at 5-year follow-up were assessed. Two hundred and sixteen patients consented for long-term follow-up, 107 were randomized to targeted and 109 to conventional therapy. At 5 years, MRAs [76 (74%) vs. 10 (9%) patients, P < 0.001] and statins [81 (79%) vs. 59 (55%), P < 0.001] were used more in the targeted than conventional group. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/ARBs and physical activity were not different between groups. Sinus rhythm was present in 49 (46%) targeted vs. 43 (39%) conventional group patients at 5 years (odds ratio 1.297, lower limit of 95% confidence interval 0.756, P = 0.346). Cardiovascular mortality and morbidity occurred in 20 (19%) in the targeted and 15 (14%) conventional group patients, P = 0.353.

CONCLUSION

In patients with early persistent AF and HF superiority of targeted therapy in sinus rhythm maintenance could not be preserved at 5-year follow-up. Cardiovascular outcome was not different between groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00877643.

Evaluation of the feasibility and accuracy of remote mobile app-based self-reported atrial fibrillation risk factor assessment in patients with atrial fibrillation: TeleCheck-AF results

Background

Previously, we introduced the TeleCheck-AF approach, which is an on-demand mobile health (mHealth) infrastructure incorporating mobile app-based heart rate and rhythm monitoring as well as mobile app-based self-reported atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factor assessment to allow comprehensive remote AF management through teleconsultation. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of remote mobile app-based self-reported AF risk factor assessment in AF patients.

Methods

In our University Medical Center, 545 patients were managed within the TeleCheck-AF project by an on-demand heart rate and rhythm mHealth infrastructure through teleconsultation. Patients were asked to fill in a short mobile app-based 10-item questionnaire related to AF risk factors. A reminder to complete the questionnaire automatically popped-up after the following four heart rate and rhythm recordings. Furthermore, patient's medical history was retrieved from the electronic health records (EHRs).

Results

Out of 545 patients, 542 (99.4%) patients (217 female, age 67 (59–72) years) completed the mobile app-based 10-item questionnaire and were included in this analysis. The number of patients with diabetes mellitus was similar in the EHRs and mobile app-based questionnaire (both 11.3%, p=1.000). There was no significant difference in the number of patients who had a medical history of transient ischemic attack (TIA)/cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and artery disease (coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease) in the EHRs and mobile app-based questionnaire (11.4% vs 12.2%, p=0.608 and 14.8% vs 13.3%, p=0.366, respectively). Heart failure was more frequently reported in the mobile app-based questionnaire compared to the EHRs (33.4% vs 14.0%, p&lt;0.001). A total of 260 (48.0%) patients had a diagnosis of hypertension verified in EHRs and only 239 (44.1%) patients reported hypertension in the mobile app-based questionnaire (p=0.044). There was no significant difference in number of patients with CHA2DS2-VASc-score ≥2 between the EHRs and mobile app-based questionnaire (64.2% vs 66.1%, p=0.275). The accuracy of mobile app-based assessment of diabetes mellitus was 85.4%, of TIA/CVA 78.9%, of artery disease 60.9%, of heart failure 78.8%, and of hypertension 89.3%.

Conclusion

Patient self-reported AF risk factors by a remote mobile app-based assessment is feasible and may be useful for future digital trials and comprehensive remote AF management through teleconsultation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The photoplethysmography dictionary: practical guidance on signal interpretation and clinical scenarios from TeleCheck-AF

Introduction

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous centres in Europe used on-demand photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to remotely assess heart rate and rhythm in conjunction with teleconsultations within the TeleCheck-AF project.

Purpose

To develop an educational structured stepwise practical guide on how to interpret PPG signals and to study typical clinical scenarios how on-demand PPG was used in the TeleCheck-AF project.

Methods

During an online conference, the structured stepwise practical guide on how to interpret PPG signals was discussed and further refined during an internal review process. We provide the number of respective PPG recordings and number of patients managed within a clinical scenario during the TeleCheck-AF project.

Results

To interpret PPG recordings, we introduce a structured stepwise practical guide and provide representative PPG recordings. In the TeleCheck-AF project, 2522 subjects collected 90.616 recordings. The majority of these recordings was classified by the PPG algorithm as sinus rhythm (57.6%), followed by atrial fibrillation (AF) (23.6%). In 9.7% of recordings the quality was too low to interpret. Other observed rhythms were tachycardia (1.4%), extra systoles (4.7%), bigeminy episodes (1.8%), trigeminy episodes (0.6%) and atrial flutter (0.2%). The most frequent clinical scenario where PPG technology was used in the TeleCheck-AF project was follow-up after AF ablation (1110 patients) followed by heart rate and rhythm assessment around (tele)consultation (966 patients), sometimes including remote PPG-guided adaption of rate or rhythm control. 275 patients were followed around cardioversion, either (semi-)acute or elective. Other possible scenarios are assessment of palpitations, assessment of symptom-rhythm correlation and monitoring during up-titration of heart failure medication.

Conclusion

We introduce a newly developed structured stepwise practical guide on PPG signal interpretation developed based on presented experiences from TeleCheck-AF. The present clinical scenarios for the use of on-demand PPG technology derived from the TeleCheck-AF project will help to implement PPG technology in the management of arrhythmia patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. TeleCheck-AF clinical scenariosClassification of PPG recordings

Clinical utility of rhythm control by electrical cardioversion to assess the association between self-reported symptoms and rhythm status in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

Background

The best strategy to assess the association between symptoms and rhythm status (symptom-rhythm correlation) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the clinical utility of rhythm control by electrical cardioversion (ECV) to assess symptom-rhythm correlation in patients with persistent AF.

Methods

We used ECV to examine symptom-rhythm correlation in 81 persistent AF patients. According to current clinical practice, the presence of self-reported symptoms before ECV and at the first outpatient clinic follow-up visit (within 1-month) was assessed to determine the prevalence of a symptom-rhythm correlation (defined as self-reported symptoms present during AF and absent in sinus rhythm or absent in AF and yet relief during sinus rhythm). In addition, we evaluated symptom patterns around ECV.

Results

Only in 18 patients (22%), a symptom-rhythm correlation could be documented. Twenty-eight patients (35%) did not show any symptom-rhythm correlation and 35 patients (43%) had an unevaluable symptom-rhythm correlation as these patients were in symptomatic AF both at baseline and at the first outpatient AF clinic follow-up visit. Importantly, self-reported symptom patterns around ECV were intra-individually variable in 10 patients (12%) without symptom-rhythm correlation (of which 9 patients (11%) had AF recurrence) and in 2 patients (2%) with an unevaluable symptom-rhythm correlation.

Conclusions

In patients with persistent AF, symptom assessment around rhythm control by ECV, once before ECV and once within 1-month follow-up, rarely identifies a symptom-rhythm correlation and often suggests changes in symptom pattern. Better strategies are needed to assess symptom-rhythm correlation in patients with persistent AF.

Contemporary management of patients with atrial fibrillation in the Netherlands and Belgium: a report from the EORP-AF long-term general registry

BACKGROUND

Contemporary data regarding the characteristics, treatment and outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are needed. We aimed to assess these data and guideline adherence in the EURObservational Research Programme on Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) long-term general registry.

METHODS

We analysed 967 patients from the EORP-AF long-term general registry included in the Netherlands and Belgium from 2013 to 2016. Baseline and 1‑year follow-up data were gathered.

RESULTS

At baseline, 887 patients (92%) received anticoagulant treatment. In 88 (10%) of these patients, no indication for chronic anticoagulant treatment was present. A rhythm intervention was performed or planned in 52 of these patients, meaning that the remaining 36 (41%) were anticoagulated without indication. Forty patients were not anticoagulated, even though they had an indication for chronic anticoagulation. Additionally, 63 of the 371 patients (17%) treated with a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) were incorrectly dosed. In total, 50 patients (5%) were overtreated and 89 patients (9%) were undertreated. However, the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was still low with 4.2% (37 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Overtreatment and undertreatment with anticoagulants are still observable in 14% of this contemporary, West-European AF population. Still, MACCE occurred in only 4% of the patients after 1 year of follow-up.

The photoplethysmography dictionary: practical guidance on signal interpretation and clinical scenarios from TeleCheck-AF

Aims

Within the TeleCheck-AF project, numerous centres in Europe used on-demand photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to remotely assess heart rate and rhythm in conjunction with teleconsultations. Based on the TeleCheck-AF investigator experiences, we aimed to develop an educational structured stepwise practical guide on how to interpret PPG signals and to introduce typical clinical scenarios how on-demand PPG was used.

Methods and results

During an online conference, the structured stepwise practical guide on how to interpret PPG signals was discussed and further refined during an internal review process. We provide the number of respective PPG recordings (FibriCheck®) and number of patients managed within a clinical scenario during the TeleCheck-AF project. To interpret PPG recordings, we introduce a structured stepwise practical guide and provide representative PPG recordings. In the TeleCheck-AF project, 2522 subjects collected 90 616 recordings in total. The majority of these recordings were classified by the PPG algorithm as sinus rhythm (57.6%), followed by AF (23.6%). In 9.7% of recordings, the quality was too low to interpret. The most frequent clinical scenarios where PPG technology was used in the TeleCheck-AF project was a follow-up after AF ablation (1110 patients) followed by heart rate and rhythm assessment around (tele)consultation (966 patients).

Conclusion

We introduce a newly developed structured stepwise practical guide on PPG signal interpretation developed based on presented experiences from TeleCheck-AF. The present clinical scenarios for the use of on-demand PPG technology derived from the TeleCheck-AF project will help to implement PPG technology in the management of AF patients.

Rate control drugs differ in the prevention of progression of atrial fibrillation

Aims

We hypothesize that in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), verapamil is associated with lower AF progression compared to beta blockers or no rate control.

Methods and results

In this pre-specified post hoc analysis of the RACE 4 randomized trial, the effect of rate control medication on AF progression in paroxysmal AF was analysed. Patients using Vaughan-Williams Class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite of first electrical cardioversion (ECV), chemical cardioversion (CCV), or atrial ablation. Event rates are displayed using Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression analyses are used to adjust for baseline differences. Out of 666 patients with paroxysmal AF, 47 used verapamil, 383 used beta blockers, and 236 did not use rate control drugs. The verapamil group was significantly younger than the beta blocker group and contained more men than the no rate control group. Over a mean follow-up of 37 months, the primary outcome occurred in 17% in the verapamil group, 33% in the beta blocker group, and 33% in the no rate control group (P = 0.038). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, patients using verapamil have a significantly lower chance of receiving ECV, CCV, or atrial ablation compared to patients using beta blockers [hazard ratio (HR) 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19–0.83] and no rate control (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.93).

Conclusion

In patients with newly diagnosed paroxysmal AF, verapamil was associated with less AF progression, as compared to beta blockers and no rate control.

Both beat-to-beat changes in RR-interval and left ventricular filling time determine ventricular function during atrial fibrillation

Aims

The irregular atrial electrical activity during atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a variable left ventricular (LV) systolic function. The mechanisms determining LV function during AF remain incompletely understood. We aimed at elucidating how changes in RR-interval and LV preload affect LV function during AF.

Methods and results

Beat-to-beat speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed in 10 persistent AF patients. We evaluated the relation between longitudinal LV peak strain and preceding RR-interval during AF. We used the CircAdapt computational model to evaluate beat-to-beat preload and peak strain during AF for each patient by imposing the patient-specific RR-interval sequences and a non-contractile atrial myocardium. Generic simulations with artificial RR-interval sequences quantified the haemodynamic changes induced by sudden irregular beats. Clinical data and simulations both showed a larger sensitivity of peak strain to changes in preceding RR-interval at slow heart rate (HR) (cycle length, CL <750 ms) than at faster HR. Simulations explained this by a difference in preload of the current beat. Generic simulations confirmed a larger sensitivity of peak strain to preceding RR-interval at fast HR (CL = 600 ms: Δ peak strain = 3.7% vs. 900 ms: Δ peak strain = 0.3%) as in the patients. They suggested that longer LV activation with respect to preceding RR-interval is determinant for this sensitivity.

Conclusions

During AF, longitudinal LV peak strain is highly variable, particularly at fast HR. Beat-to-beat changes in preload explain the differences in LV systolic function. Simulations revealed that a reduced diastolic LV filling time can explain the increased variability at fast HR.

Dynamic risk assessment to improve quality of care in patients with atrial fibrillation: the 7th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference

AIMS

The risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and its complications continues to increase, despite good progress in preventing AF-related strokes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This article summarizes the outcomes of the 7th Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) held in Lisbon in March 2019. Sixty-five international AF specialists met to present new data and find consensus on pressing issues in AF prevention, management and future research to improve care for patients with AF and prevent AF-related complications. This article is the main outcome of an interactive, iterative discussion between breakout specialist groups and the meeting plenary. AF patients have dynamic risk profiles requiring repeated assessment and risk-based therapy stratification to optimize quality of care. Interrogation of deeply phenotyped datasets with outcomes will lead to a better understanding of the cardiac and systemic effects of AF, interacting with comorbidities and predisposing factors, enabling stratified therapy. New proposals include an algorithm for the acute management of patients with AF and heart failure, a call for a refined, data-driven assessment of stroke risk, suggestions for anticoagulation use in special populations, and a call for rhythm control therapy selection based on risk of AF recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The remaining morbidity and mortality in patients with AF needs better characterization. Likely drivers of the remaining AF-related problems are AF burden, potentially treatable by rhythm control therapy, and concomitant conditions, potentially treatable by treating these conditions. Identifying the drivers of AF-related complications holds promise for stratified therapy.

Early Rhythm Control Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Even on optimal therapy, many patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation experience cardiovascular complications. Additional treatments are needed to reduce these events, especially in patients with heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

Different circulating biomarkers in women and men with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: results from the AF-RISK and RACE V studies

Aims

The clinical risk profile of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is different in men and women. Our aim was to identify sex differences in blood biomarkers in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Methods and results

Sex differences in 92 blood biomarkers were measured in 364 patients included in our discovery cohort, the identification of a risk profile to guide atrial fibrillation therapy (AF-RISK) study, assessed by multivariable logistic regression and enrichment pathway analysis. Findings were subsequently confirmed in 213 patients included in our validation cohort, the Reappraisal of Atrial Fibrillation: Interaction between HyperCoagulability, Electrical remodelling, and Vascular Destabilisation in the Progression of AF (RACE V) study. In the discovery cohort, mean age was 59 ± 12 years, 41% were women. CHA₂DS₂-VASc-score was 1.6 ± 1.4. A total of 46% had hypertension, 10% diabetes, and 50% had heart failure, predominantly with preserved ejection fraction (47%). In women, activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) and fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP-4) were higher. In men, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), C-C motif chemokine-16 (CCL-16), and myoglobin were higher. In the validation cohort, four out of five biomarkers could be confirmed: levels of ALCAM (P = 1.73 × 10^–4) and FABP-4 (P = 2.46 × 10^–7) and adhesion biological pathways [false discovery rate (FDR) = 1.23 × 10^–8] were higher in women. In men, levels of MMP-3 (P = 4.31 × 10^–8) and myoglobin (P = 2.10 × 10^–4) and markers for extracellular matrix degradation biological pathways (FDR = 3.59 × 10^–9) were higher.

Conclusion

In women with paroxysmal AF, inflammatory biomarkers were more often higher, while in men with paroxysmal AF, biomarkers for vascular remodelling were higher. Our data support the clinical notion that pathophysiological mechanisms in women and men with AF may differ.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01510210 for AF-RISK; Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02726698 for RACE V.

The European TeleCheck-AF project on remote app-based management of atrial fibrillation during the COVID-19 pandemic: centre and patient experiences

Aims

TeleCheck-AF is a multicentre international project initiated to maintain care delivery for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) during COVID-19 through teleconsultations supported by an on-demand photoplethysmography-based heart rate and rhythm monitoring app (FibriCheck^®). We describe the characteristics, inclusion rates, and experiences from participating centres according the TeleCheck-AF infrastructure as well as characteristics and experiences from recruited patients.

Methods and results

Three surveys exploring centre characteristics (n = 25), centre experiences (n = 23), and patient experiences (n = 826) were completed. Self-reported patient characteristics were obtained from the app. Most centres were academic (64%) and specialized public cardiology/district hospitals (36%). Majority of the centres had AF outpatient clinics (64%) and only 36% had AF ablation clinics. The time required to start patient inclusion and total number of included patients in the project was comparable for centres experienced (56%) or inexperienced in mHealth use. Within 28 weeks, 1930 AF patients were recruited, mainly for remote AF control (31% of patients) and AF ablation follow-up (42%). Average inclusion rate was highest during the lockdown restrictions and reached a steady state at a lower level after easing the restrictions (188 vs. 52 weekly recruited patients). Majority (>80%) of the centres reported no problems during the implementation of the TeleCheck-AF approach. Recruited patients [median age 64 (55–71), 62% male] agreed that the FibriCheck^® app was easy to use (94%).

Conclusion

Despite different health care settings and mobile health experiences, the TeleCheck-AF approach could be set up within an extremely short time and easily used in different European centres during COVID-19.

Atrial remodeling and atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation : Past, present, and future developments

The term "atrial remodeling" is used to describe the electrical, mechanical, and structural changes associated with the presence of an arrhythmogenic substrate for atrial fibrillation. Rhythm control therapy may slow down or even reverse progressive atrial remodeling. Atrial remodeling has long been recognized as an important predictor of clinical outcomes and therapeutic success, but recent advances have highlighted its clinical relevance and revealed the implications of specific anatomical changes such as atrial asymmetry or shape. This has opened the path to computational precision medicine that captures these data in detail and combines them with other factors, to provide patient-specific solutions. The goal of precision medicine lies in improving clinical outcomes, reducing costs, and avoiding unnecessary procedures. In this article, we review the history of atrial remodeling and we summarize the insights from our research on anatomical atrial remodeling and its association with rhythm outcomes after catheter ablation. Finally, we present recent advances in the field, reflecting the beginning of a new technological era that will enable us to improve patient care by personalized patient-specific medicine.

Clinical and electrophysiological predictors of device-detected new-onset atrial fibrillation during 3 years after cardiac surgery

Aims

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery is an independent predictor of stroke and mortality late after discharge. We aimed to determine the burden and predictors of early (up to 5th postoperative day) and late (after 5th postoperative day) new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) using implantable loop recorders (ILRs) in patients undergoing open chest cardiac surgery.

Methods and results

Seventy-nine patients without a history of AF undergoing cardiac surgery underwent peri-operative high-resolution mapping of electrically induced AF and were followed 36 months after surgery using an ILR (Reveal XT™). Clinical and electrophysiological predictors of late POAF were assessed. POAF occurred in 46 patients (58%), with early POAF detected in 27 (34%) and late POAF in 37 patients (47%). Late POAF episodes were short-lasting (mostly between 2 min and 6 h) and showed a circadian rhythm pattern with a peak of episode initiation during daytime. In POAF patients, electrically induced AF showed more complex propagation patterns than in patients without POAF. Early POAF, right atrial (RA) volume, prolonged PR time, and advanced age were independent predictors of late POAF.

Conclusions

Late POAF occurred in 47% of patients without a history of AF. Patients who develop early POAF, with higher age, larger RA, or prolonged PR time have a higher risk of developing late POAF and may benefit from intensified rhythm follow-up after cardiac surgery.

Clinicaltrials.gov number

NCT01530750.

Temporal patterns and short-term progression of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: data from RACE V

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) often starts as a paroxysmal self-terminating arrhythmia. Limited information is available on AF patterns and episode duration of paroxysmal AF. In paroxysmal AF patients, we longitudinally studied the temporal AF patterns, the association with clinical characteristics, and prevalence of AF progression.

Methods and results

In this interim analysis of the Reappraisal of AF: Interaction Between HyperCoagulability, Electrical Remodelling, and Vascular Destabilisation in the Progression of AF (RACE V) registry, 202 patients with paroxysmal AF were followed with continuous rhythm monitoring (implantable loop recorder or pacemaker) for 6 months. Mean age was 64 ± 9 years, 42% were women. Atrial fibrillation history was 2.1 (0.5–4.4) years, CHA₂DS₂-VASc 1.9 ± 1.3, 101 (50%) had hypertension, 69 (34%) heart failure. One-third had no AF during follow-up. Patients with long episodes (>12 hours) were often men with more comorbidities (heart failure, coronary artery disease, higher left ventricular mass). Patients with higher AF burden (>2.5%) were older with more comorbidities (worse renal function, higher calcium score, thicker intima media thickness). In 179 (89%) patients, 1-year rhythm follow-up was available. On a quarterly basis, average daily AF burden increased from 3.2% to 3.8%, 5.2%, and 6.1%. Compared to the first 6 months, 111 (62%) patients remained stable during the second 6 months, 39 (22%) showed progression to longer AF episodes, 8 (3%) developed persistent AF, and 29 (16%) patients showed AF regression.

Conclusions

In paroxysmal AF, temporal patterns differ suggesting that paroxysmal AF is not one entity. Atrial fibrillation burden is low and determined by number of comorbidities. Atrial fibrillation progression occurred in a substantial number.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02726698.

Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter revisited: current evidence and practical guidance for a common procedure

Cardioversion is widely used in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter when a rhythm control strategy is pursued. We sought to summarize the current evidence on this important area of clinical management of patients with AF including electrical and pharmacological cardioversion, peri-procedural anticoagulation and thromboembolic complications, success rate, and risk factors for recurrence to give practical guidance.

Sex-related differences in risk factors, outcome, and quality of life in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation: results from the RACE II study

AIMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors translate into disease progression. Whether this affects women and men differently is unclear. We aimed to investigate sex differences in risk factors, outcome, and quality of life (QoL) in permanent AF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Rate Control Efficacy in Permanent Atrial Fibrillation (RACE II) randomized 614 patients, 211 women and 403 men, to lenient or strict rate control. In this post hoc analysis risk factors, cardiovascular events during 3-year follow-up (cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, stroke, systemic embolism, bleeding, and life-threatening arrhythmic events), outcome parameters, and QoL were compared between the sexes. Women were older (71 ± 7 vs. 66 ± 8 years, P < 0.001), had more hypertension (70 vs. 57%, P = 0.002), and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (36 vs. 17%, P < 0.001), but less coronary artery disease (13 vs. 21%, P = 0.02). Women had more risk factors (3.7 ± 1.2 vs. 2.9 ± 1.4, P < 0.001) Cardiovascular events occurred in 46 (22%) women and 59 (15%) men (P = 0.03). Women had a 1.52 times [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-2.24] higher yearly cardiovascular event-rate [8.2% (6.0-10.9) vs. 5.4% (4.1-6.9), P = 0.03], but this was no longer significant after adjusting for the number of underlying risk factors. Women had reduced QoL, irrespective of age and heart rate but negatively influenced by their risk factors.

CONCLUSION

In this permanent AF population, women had more accumulation of AF risk factors than men. The observed higher cardiovascular event rate in women was no longer significant after adjusting for the number of risk factors. Further, QoL was negatively influenced by the higher number of risk factors in women. This suggests that sex differences may be driven by the greater risk factor burden in women.