Screening for Atrial Fibrillation by Digital Health Technology in Older People in Homecare Settings: A Feasibility Trial

Aims

Users of homecare services are often excluded from clinical trials due to advanced age, multimorbidity, and frailty. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and frequently undiagnosed arrhythmia in the elderly and is associated with severe mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Timely identification prevents associated complications through evidence-based treatment. This study is aimed at assessing the feasibility of AF screening using new digital health technology in older people in a homecare setting.

Methods

Users of homecare services ≥ 65 years old with at least one additional risk factor for stroke in two Norwegian municipalities were assessed for study participation by nurses. Participants performed a continuous prolonged ECG recording using a patch ECG device (ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor).

Results

A total of 144 individuals were assessed for study participation, but only 18 (13%) were included. The main reasons for noninclusion were known AF and/or anticoagulation therapy (25%), severe cognitive impairment (26%), and lack of willingness to participate (36%). The mean age of participants performing the ECG test was 81 (SD ± 7) years, and 9 (50%) were women. All ECG tests were interpretable; the mean ECG monitoring time was 104 hours (IQR 34-338 hours). AF was detected in one individual (6%).

Conclusion

This feasibility study highlights the challenges of enrolling older people receiving homecare services in clinical trials. However, all included participants performed an interpretable and prolonged continuous ECG recording with a digital ECG patch device. This trial is registered with NCT04700865.

High Diagnostic Accuracy of Long-Term Electrocardiogram Interpretation by General Practitioners

Aims

Traditional long-term ECG monitoring systems have primarily been used by cardiologist. New remote and wearable easy-to-use devices have led to increased use of ECG recordings also outside cardiology clinics. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of interpretation of the one-lead ECG recordings from a patch ECG device (ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor system) by general practitioners (GP).

Methods

Norwegian GPs were invited to digitally assess 10 long-term ECG recordings with different arrhythmias performed by the ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor system. For all ECG examinations, the presence/absence of different arrhythmias was registered.

Results

A total of 40 GPs accepted the invitation and assessed all the 10 long-term ECG recordings. All the tests were assessed as interpretable by all the GPs. Arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation/flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia) were correctly identified in most cases, with sensitivity of 98% (95% CI 95-99%), specificity of 75% (95% CI 68-82%), and diagnostic accuracy of 89% (85-92%). Incorrect automatic system algorithm interpretations were rarely corrected by the GPs.

Conclusion

GPs interpreted one-lead recordings by the ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor system with high diagnostic accuracy for common arrhythmias. However, in cases with rare arrhythmias, we recommend consulting a cardiologist to confirm the diagnosis before treatment is initiated. This trial is registered with NCT04700865.

Fully digital self-screening for atrial fibrillation with patch electrocardiogram

AIMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide. The AF is associated with severe mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs, and guidelines recommend screening people at risk. However, screening methods and organization still need to be clarified. The current study aimed to assess the feasibility of a fully digital self-screening procedure and to assess the prevalence of undetected AF using a continuous patch electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Individuals ≥65 years old with at least one additional risk factor for stroke from the general population of Norway were invited to a fully digital continuous self-screening for AF using a patch ECG device (ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor). Participants self-reported clinical characteristics and usability online, and all participants received digital feedback of their results. A total of 2118 individuals with a mean CHA2DS2-VASc risk score of 2.6 (0.9) were enrolled in the study [74% women; mean age 70.1 years (4.2)]. Of these, 1849 (87.3%) participants completed the ECG self-screening test, while 215 (10.2%) did not try to start the test and 54 (2.5%) failed to start the test. The system usability score was 84.5. The mean ECG monitoring time was 153 h (87). Atrial fibrillation was detected in 41 (2.2%) individuals.

CONCLUSION

This fully digitalized self-screening procedure for AF demonstrated excellent feasibility. The number needed to screen was 45 to detect one unrecognized case of AF in subjects at risk for stroke. Randomized studies with long-term follow-up are needed to assess whether self-screening for AF can reduce the incidence of AF-related complications.

CLINICAL TRIALS

NCT04700865.

ANMCO-SIMEU consensus document: appropriate management of atrial fibrillation in the emergency department

Atrial fibrillation (AF) accounts for 2% of the total presentations to the emergency department (ED) and represents the most frequent arrhythmic cause for hospitalization. It steadily increases the risk of thromboembolic events and is often associated with several comorbidities that negatively affect patient's quality of life and prognosis. AF has a considerable impact on healthcare resources, making the promotion of an adequate and coordinated management of this arrhythmia necessary in order to avoid clinical complications and to implement the adoption of appropriate technological and pharmacological treatment options. AF management varies across regions and hospitals and there is also heterogeneity in the use of anticoagulation and electric cardioversion, with limited use of direct oral anticoagulants. The ED represents the first access point for early management of patients with AF. The appropriate management of this arrhythmia in the acute setting has a great impact on improving patient's quality of life and outcomes as well as on rationalization of the financial resources related to the clinical course of AF. Therefore, physicians should provide a well-structured clinical and diagnostic pathway for patients with AF who are admitted to the ED. This should be based on a tight and propositional collaboration among several specialists, i.e. the ED physician, cardiologist, internal medicine physician, anesthesiologist. The aim of this ANMCO-SIMEU consensus document is to provide shared recommendations for promoting an integrated, accurate, and up-to-date management of patients with AF admitted to the ED or Cardiology Department, in order to make it homogeneous across the national territory.

Prevalence and prognosis of atrial fibrillation in a hypertensive population: A prospective cohort study

Identifying risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) and evaluating their impact are essential to avoid the occurrence of adverse events. However, few studies to date have explored the prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis of AF in hypertensive patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of AF in a hypertensive population and determine the relationship between AF and all-cause mortality. At baseline, a total of 8541 Chinese patients with hypertension were enrolled from the Northeast Rural Cardiovascular Health Study. A logistic regression model was established to assess the relationship between blood pressure and AF, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and multivariate Cox regression were used to explore the relationship between AF and all-cause mortality. Meanwhile, subgroup analyses illustrated the robustness of results. This study found that the overall prevalence rate of AF was 1.4% in its Chinese hypertensive population. After adjusting for the confounding factors, every standard deviation increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was associated with a 37% increase in the prevalence of AF (95% confidence interval: 1.152-1.627, p < .001). Compared to hypertensive patients without AF, those with AF had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 1.866, 95% confidence interval: 1.117-3.115, p = .017) in the adjusted model. The results show that the burden of AF is quite large in rural-dwelling Chinese hypertensive patients. Focusing on the control of DBP to prevent the occurrence of AF can be helpful. Meanwhile, AF increases risk of all-cause mortality in hypertensive patients. Our results indicated a huge burden of AF. Considering that most of the risk factors of AF were unmodifiable in hypertensive individuals and given their high risk of mortality, long-term interventions, including AF education, timely screening, and widespread use of anticoagulant drugs, should be emphasized in hypertensive populations.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm and atrial fibrillation: clinical associations with the risk of stroke from a global federated health network analysis

BACKGROUND

An association with aortic aneurysm has been reported among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of thoracic aorta aneurysm (TAA) among patients with AF and to assess whether the co-presence of TAA is associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using TriNetX, a global federated health research network of anonymised electronic medical records, all adult patients with AF, were categorised into two groups based on the presence of AF and TAA or AF alone. Between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2019, 874,212 people aged ≥ 18 years with AF were identified. Of these 17,806 (2.04%) had a TAA. After propensity score matching (PSM), 17,805 patients were included in each of the two cohorts. During the 3 years of follow-up, 3079 (17.3%) AF patients with TAA and 2772 (15.6%) patients with AF alone, developed an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The risk of ischemic stroke/TIA was significantly higher in patients with AF and TAA (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15; log-rank p value < 0.001) The risk of major bleeding was higher in patients with AF and TAA (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14), but not significant in time-dependent analysis (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.98-1.10; log-rank p value = 0.187), CONCLUSION: This retrospective analysis reports a clinical concomitance of the two medical conditions, and shows in a PSM analysis an increased risk of ischemic events in patients affected by TAA and AF compared to AF alone.

Relationship between left atrial myopathy and atrial fibrillation in adults with coarctation of aorta

Background

Although patients with coarctation of aorta (COA) have clinical risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF), there are limited data about AF prevalence, and role of left atrial (LA) indices for risk stratification in this population. We hypothesized that LA indices (LA reservoir strain and LA volume index) were associated with AF, and would identify patients at risk for AF progression.

Methods

We analyzed electrocardiograms/Holters, and echocardiograms of adult COA patients at Mayo Clinic (2000-2018).

Results

Of 776 patients, 726(94 %), 46(5.9 %) and 4(0.5 %) had no history of AF, paroxysmal AF, and persistent AF respectively; yielding AF prevalence of 6.4 %. LA reservoir strain (AUC 0.782 [0.751-0.808]) had more robust association with AF as compared to LA volume index (AUC difference -0.115, p < 0.001).Among 726 patients without prior AF, 25(3.4 %) had new-onset AF during follow-up. LA reservoir strain <25 % and LA volume index >34 ml/m2 were independent predictors of new-onset AF (HR 1.81 [1.15-3.85], and HR 1.41 [1.03-4.78], respectively). Of 46 patients with paroxysmal AF, 22(48 %) had recurrent AF, and LA reservoir strain <25 % was an independent predictor of recurrent AF (HR 1.94 [1.41-4.17]). LV pressure overload and stiffness indices were associated with progressive LA dysfunction and new-onset AF.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data suggest that LA strain can potentially be used for AF risk stratification. Further studies are required to determine whether LA strain can proactively identify patients that will respond favorably to different antiarrhythmic therapies, and whether interventions to reduce LV pressure overload will improve LA function and reduce AF progression.

The Feasibility and Safety of Flecainide Use Among Patients With Varying Degrees of Coronary Disease

BACKGROUND

Class 1C antiarrhythmic agents are effective for treating atrial tachyarrhythmias, but their use is restricted in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Data on the safety of the use of 1C agents in patients with CAD in the absence of recent acute coronary syndromes are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of treatment with 1C agents in patients with varying degrees of CAD in a large serial, real-world cohort.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified all patients at our institution from January 2005 to February 2021 on a 1C agent (n = 3,445) and those on sotalol or dofetilide (n = 2,216) as controls, excluding those with a prior history of ventricular tachycardia, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement, or nonrevascularized myocardial infarction. Baseline clinical characteristics included degree of CAD (categorized as none, nonobstructive, or obstructive), other comorbid illness, and medication use. Clinical outcomes, including survival, were ascertained. We performed Cox regression analysis to evaluate the effect of 1C use on event-free survival across varying degrees of CAD.

RESULTS

After adjustment for baseline characteristics, there was an independent association between 1C use and improved mortality. However, there was an interaction between 1C use and degree of CAD (compared to sotalol) demonstrating poorer event-free survival among those with obstructive coronary disease (HR: 3.80; 95% CI: 1.67-8.67; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Among select patients with nonobstructive CAD and without a history of ventricular tachycardia, 1C agents are not associated with increased mortality. Therefore, these agents may be an option for some patients in whom they are frequently restricted. Further prospective studies are warranted.

Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation and risk of CVD mortality among hypertensive population: A prospective cohort study in Northeast China

Background

Determining risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality and evaluating their influence are important for effectively reducing corresponding mortality. However, few research findings have estimated the relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and CVD-related mortality among hypertension individuals.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of AF in a hypertension population and determine the relationship between AF and CVD-related mortality.

Methods

Using a multistage, stratified, and cluster random sampling method, the prospective cohort study with a median follow-up of 3.51 years enrolled 10,678 hypertensive participants at baseline. The prevalence, awareness, and anticoagulation data of AF in this focal population were carefully assessed. Stepwise logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were respectively performed to evaluate the determinants of AF and the association between AF and CVD-related mortality.

Results

The overall prevalence of AF was 1.3% (95% CI, 1.1%−1.6%) in the hypertensive population, and it was higher in men than in women (1.8% vs. 1.0%, respectively; p=0.001). The awareness of AF was 53.1%, and the rate of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy was only 4.2%, although all AF participants should have required according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. The determinants of AF included elder, male, and history of coronary heart disease in the hypertensive population. Besides, compared with individuals without AF, the risk of CVD-related mortality significantly increased in the hypertensive population with AF (HR 3.37, 95% CI 2.10–5.40).

Conclusion

Our results indicated a huge burden of AF and underuse of OAC therapy for them in a community-based hypertensive population. Considering that most of the risk factors of AF were unmodifiable in hypertensive individuals, as well as its high risk of mortality, long-term interventions including AF education, timely screening, and widespread use of OACs should be emphasized in the focal populations.

Characteristics and natural history of early-stage cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis

AIMS

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is increasingly diagnosed at an early stage of the disease natural history, defined as National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) ATTR Stage I. The natural history of early-stage ATTR-CM remains poorly characterized.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective multi-centre observational study of 879 patients with ATTR-CM, either wild-type TTR genotype or carrying the p.V142I TTR variant, and NAC ATTR Stage I biomarkers at the time of diagnosis who did not receive disease-modifying therapy for amyloidosis. Disease characteristics at diagnosis that were independently associated with mortality by Cox regression analysis were N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), TTR genotype, and troponin T. Patients were categorized into NAC ATTR Stage Ia, defined as a furosemide equivalent diuretic requirement of <0.75 mg/kg and an NT-proBNP ≤500 ng/L or ≤1000 ng/L in the presence of atrial fibrillation, and NAC ATTR Stage Ib comprising all remaining Stage I patients. Median estimated survival among the 88% NAC ATTR Stage Ib patients was 75 (95% CI 57-93) months compared with >100 months in the 12% with Stage Ia disease [hazard ratio for death 5.06 (95% confidence interval 1.23-20.87); P = 0.025] despite significant cardiovascular morbidity at the time of diagnosis which increased during follow-up, including among patients diagnosed in NAC ATTR Stage Ia. Estimated survival among UK NAC ATTR Stage Ia patients was comparable to UK general population controls (P = 0.297).

CONCLUSION

Patients with NAC ATTR Stage I ATTR-CM can be further stratified according to NT-proBNP concentration and diuretic requirement at diagnosis. Patients with Stage Ia ATTR-CM have significant cardiovascular morbidity despite good short- and mid-term survival.

Management of Oral Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke with and without Atrial Fibrillation

The association between atrial fibrillation (AF), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and stroke is a complex scenario in which the assessment of both thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk is necessary for scheduling an individually tailored therapeutic plan. Recent clinical trials investigating new antithrombotic drugs and dual and triple pathways in high-risk cardiovascular patients have revealed a new therapeutic scenario. In this paper, we review the burden of ischemic stroke (IS) in patients post-myocardial infarction with and without atrial fibrillation and the possible therapeutic strategies from a stroke point of view.

Qualidade da Anticoagulação Oral em Pacientes com Fibrilação Atrial em um Hospital Terciário no Brasil

Fundamento

A fibrilação atrial (FA) afeta de 0,5% a 2,0% da população geral e geralmente está associada a doenças estruturais cardíacas, comprometimento hemodinâmico e complicações tromboembólicas. A anticoagulação oral previne eventos tromboembólicos e é monitorada pela razão normalizada internacional (RNI).

Objetivos

Avaliar a estabilidade do RNI em pacientes com FA não valvar tratados com anticoagulante varfarina, avaliar complicações tromboembólicas ou hemorrágicas e identificar o grupo com risco mais alto de eventos tromboembólicos ou hemorrágicos.

Métodos

Dados de prontuários médicos de 203 pacientes atendidos em um hospital terciário no Brasil foram analisados e o tempo de intervalo terapêutico (TTR) foi calculado usando-se o método Rosendaal. Em seguida possíveis fatores que influenciam o TTR foram analisados e a relação entre TTR e eventos tromboembólicos ou hemorrágicos foi calculada. O nível de significância foi 5%.

Resultados

O TTR médio foi 52,2%. Pacientes com instabilidade de RNI na fase de adaptação tinham um TTR médio mais baixo (46,8%) do que aqueles sem instabilidade (53,9%). Entre os pacientes estudados, 6,9% sofreram eventos hemorrágicos e 8,4% tiveram um acidente vascular cerebral. O grupo com risco mais alto de acidente vascular cerebral e sangramento era composto de pacientes com instabilidade de RNI na fase de adaptação.

Conclusões

A qualidade da anticoagulação nesse hospital terciário no Brasil é semelhante à de centros de países em desenvolvimento. Pacientes com instabilidade de RNI maior na fase de adaptação evoluíram para um TTR médio mais baixo durante o acompanhamento, tinham uma chance de acidente vascular cerebral 4,94 vezes maior e uma chance de sangramento 3,35 vezes maior. Portanto, para esse grupo de pacientes, individualizar a escolha de tratamento anticoagulante seria recomendado, considerando-se a relação custo-benefício.

U-Shaped Association Between Blood Pressure and Mortality Risk in ICU Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: The MIMIC-III Database

Background

Existing evidence on the association between blood pressure (BP) and mortality risk in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is scarce.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the associations between blood pressure (BP) and risks of in-hospital and all-cause mortality in ICU patients with AF.

Methods

A total of 2,345 records of patients with AF whose BP was monitored after admission to the ICU were obtained from the MIMIC-III database. Incidences were calculated for endpoints (hospital mortality, 7-day mortality, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality). We performed smooth curve and logistic regression analyses to evaluate the association between BP and the risk of each endpoint.

Results

Smooth curve regression showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) followed U-shaped curves with respect to endpoints (hospital mortality, 7-day mortality, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality). The incidence of these endpoints was lowest at 110/70/55 mm Hg. There was an increased risk of 1-year mortality observed with BP > 110/70/55 mm Hg (SBP, odds ratio [OR] = 1.008, 95% CI 1.001–1.015, p = 0.0022; MBP, OR = 1.010, 95% CI 1.005–1.016, p < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, and medical history. In contrast, an inverse association between BP and the risk of 1-year mortality was observed with BP ≤ 110/70/55 mm Hg (SBP, OR = 0.981, 95% CI 0.974–0.988, p < 0.001; MBP OR = 0.959, 95% CI 0.939–0.979, p < 0.001; and DBP, OR = 0.970, 95% CI 0.957–0.983, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We observed a U-shaped association between BP and in-hospital/all-cause mortality in ICU patients with AF. However, the underlying causes need to be investigated.

Automated detection of atrial fibrillation based on vocal features analysis

INTRODUCTION

Early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) is desirable but challenging due to the often-asymptomatic nature of AF. Known screening methods are limited and most of them depend of electrocardiography or other techniques with direct contact with the skin. Analysis of voice signals from natural speech has been reported for several applications in medicine. The study goal was to evaluate the usefulness of vocal features analysis for the detection of AF.

METHODS

This prospective study was performed in two medical centers. Patients with persistent AF admitted for cardioversion were enrolled. The patients pronounced the vowels "Ahh" and "Ohh" were recorded synchronously with an ECG tracing. An algorithm was developed to provide an "AF indicator" for detection of AF from the speech signal.

RESULTS

A total of 158 patients were recruited. The final analysis of "Ahh" and "Ohh" syllables was performed on 143 and 142 patients, respectively. The mean age was 71.4 ± 9.3 and 43% of patients were females. The developed AF indicator was reliable. Its numerical value decreased significantly in sinus rhythm (SR) after the cardioversion ("Ahh": from 13.98 ± 3.10 to 7.49 ± 1.58; "Ohh": from 11.39 ± 2.99 to 2.99 ± 1.61). The values at SR were significantly more homogenous compared to AF as indicated by a lower standard deviation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was >0.98 and >0.89 ("Ahh" and "Ohh," respectively, p < .001). The AF indicator sensitivity is 95% with 82% specificity.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first report to demonstrate feasibility and reliability of the identification of AF episodes using voice analysis with acceptable accuracy, within the identified limitations of our study methods. The developed AF indicator has higher accuracy using the "Ahh" syllable versus "Ohh."

Performance of the imPulse device for the detection of atrial fibrillation in hospital settings

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases thromboembolism and stroke risk; this can be reduced by oral anticoagulation, but only if AF is detected. A portable, point-of-care device, capable of accurately detecting and identifying AF, could reduce workload and diagnostic delay by minimizing need for follow-up 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECGs).

Objective

To assess the diagnostic performance of the Plessey imPulse lead I ECG device compared with a 12-lead ECG in detecting AF.

Methods

Cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study. Participants underwent simultaneous 12-lead ECG and imPulse device recordings. The imPulse device reports AF to be “probable,” “possible,” “unlikely,” or “uncontrolled AF unlikely.” imPulse and ECG reference results were cross-tabulated; sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values, and positive/negative likelihood ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated based on different imPulse device report categorizations and heart rate subgroups.

Results

A total of 217 participants were recruited (mean age 70.2 [standard deviation 12.7]), 56% male, 57% outpatients, 43% inpatients) and 199 were included in analyses. AF was diagnosed on ECG for 41 of 199 (20.6%) participants and reported by imPulse as possible, probable, or uncontrolled AF unlikely present for 49 of 199 (24.6%). Sensitivity and specificity for imPulse detection of possible, probable, or uncontrolled AF unlikely vs unlikely, compared with ECG, were 80.5% (95% CI, 65.1%–91.2%) and 89.9% (84.1%–94.1%), respectively. When probable or uncontrolled AF unlikely were compared vs possible or unlikely AF, sensitivity and specificity were 63.4% (46.9%–77.9%) and 98.1% (94.6%–99.6%), respectively.

Conclusion

The imPulse device has moderate sensitivity and good specificity compared with ECG AF detection in a hospital setting.

Validation of an algorithm for atrial fibrillation detection with an analog smartwatch: prospective interventional clinical study

BACKGROUND

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) affects about 4% of the World's population and is one of the major causes of stroke, heart failure, sudden death, and cardiovascular morbidity. It can be difficult to diagnose when asymptomatic or in the paroxysmal stage, and its natural history is not well understood. New wearables and connected devices offer an opportunity to improve on this situation.

OBJECTIVE

To validate an algorithm for the automatic detection of AF from a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) taken with a smartwatch.

METHODS

Eligible patients were recruited from 4 sites in Paris, France. Twelve-lead reference ECGs and single-lead ECG were captured simultaneously. The ECGs were reviewed by independent, blinded board-certified cardiologists. The sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm to detect AF and normal sinus rhythm (NSR) were calculated. The quality of single-lead ECGs (visibility and polarity of waves, interval durations, heart rate) was assessed by comparison to the gold standard.

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty two patients were included in the final analysis: 100 AF, 113 NSR, 45 Other arrhythmia, 4 presented unreadable ECGs. Mean age was of 74.3 years ± 12.3 in the AF group versus 61.8 years old ± 14.3 and 66.9 years old ± 15.2 in the NSR and other arrhythmia groups respectively. 6.9% (18/262) were classified as "Noise" by the algorithm. Excluding "Other" arrhythmia and "Noise", the sensitivity to detect AF was of SeAF/NSR = 0.963 (0.894), and specificity of SpAF/NSR = 1.000 (0.967). Visibility and polarity accuracies (1-lead ECG vs 12-lead ECG) were respectively: P-waves: 96.9%/100%, QRS-complexes: 99.2%/98.8%, and T-waves: 91.2%/99.5% . P-wave visibility accuracy was of 99% (99/100) in AF patients and of 95.7% (155/162) when excluding AF patients. The absolute values of the mean difference in PR duration and QRS width were below 3ms, and more than 97% of these differences were below 40ms. The mean difference between the HR calculated by the algorithm and the device 1-lead ECG read by cardiologists was 0.55 bpm.

CONCLUSIONS

Withings algorithm demonstrated great diagnostic performance for AF detection. The smartwatch single-lead ECGs also demonstrated good quality for physician use in daily routine care.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT04351386.

Optimal opportunistic screening of atrial fibrillation using pulse palpation in cardiology outpatient clinics: Who and how

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remain a prevalent undiagnosed condition frequently encountered in primary care.

Objective

We aimed to find the parameters that optimize the diagnostic accuracy of pulse palpation to detect AF. We also aimed to create a simple algorithm for selecting which individuals would benefit from pulse palpation and, if positive, receive an ECG to detect AF.

Methods

Nurses from four Cardiology outpatient clinics palpated 7,844 pulses according to a randomized list of arterial territories and durations of measure and immediately followed by a 12-lead ECG, which we used as the reference standard. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the palpation parameters. We also assessed whether diagnostic accuracy depended on the nurse’s experience or on a list of clinical factors of the patients. With this information, we estimated the positive predictive values and false omission rates according to very few clinical factors readily available in primary care (age, sex, and diagnosis of heart failure) and used them to create the algorithm.

Results

The parameters associated with the highest diagnostic accuracy were palpation of the radial artery and classifying as irregular those palpations in which the nurse was uncertain about pulse regularity or unable to palpate pulse (sensitivity = 79%; specificity = 86%). Specificity decreased with age. Neither the nurse’s experience nor any investigated clinical factor influenced diagnostic accuracy. We provide the algorithm to select the ≥40 years old individuals that would benefit from a pulse palpation screening: a) do nothing in <60 years old individuals without heart failure; b) do ECG in ≥70 years old individuals with heart failure; c) do radial pulse palpation in the remaining individuals and do ECG if the pulse is irregular or you are uncertain about its regularity or unable to palpate it.

Conclusions

Opportunistic screening for AF using optimal pulse palpation in candidate individuals according to a simple algorithm may have high effectiveness in detecting AF in primary care.

Time trends in adherence to guideline recommendations for anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction

Background

Poor adherence to guideline recommendations for anticoagulation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) is previously reported. The aim of the present cohort study was to assess time trends in prescription of anticoagulation therapy in a nationwide registry-based cohort of patients with acute MI and AF.

Methods

All patients, registered in the Norwegian Myocardial Infarction Registry (NORMI) between 2013 and 2019 with ECG-verified AF at hospitalisation, were included in the cohort study. The primary outcome was the prescription rate of anticoagulation therapy at hospital discharge and follow-up through 2019.

Results

AF was observed in 8565 (10.9% of 78369) patients registered in the NORMI from 2013 through 2019. The congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 (doubled), diabetes, stroke (doubled), vascular disease, age 65–75, and sex (female) score was ≥2 in 7845 (92%) of the hospitalised patients with AF, and in 7174 (96%) of 7440 patients discharged alive. Only 3704 (47.2%) of these patients were treated with anticoagulation prior to the MI. The prescription rate of anticoagulation therapy at discharge was 55% in 2013, increasing to 78% in 2019 (annual per cent change 6.0 (95% CI 0.7 to 11.6)). Patients prescribed anticoagulation therapy had reduced risk of all types of stroke or death at follow-up compared with patients without prescription of anticoagulation therapy (multivariate-adjusted HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.8, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The prescription rate of anticoagulation therapy in patients with MI and AF increased during the study period, but many patients were still undertreated with respect to stroke prevention.

Atrial fibrillation prevalence and predictors in patients with diabetes: a cross-sectional screening study

Prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes is increasing worldwide. Diabetes is a risk factor for AF and both increase stroke risk. Previous AF screening studies have recruited highrisk patient groups, but not with diabetes as the target group. This study aims to determine whether people with diabetes have a higher prevalence of AF than the general population and investigate whether determinants, such as diabetes duration or diabetes control, add to AF risk. In a cross-sectional screening study, patients with diabetes were recruited via their GP surgeries or a diabetes centre. A 30-second single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded using the Kardia^® device, along with physiological measurements and details relating to risk factor variables. There were 300 participants recruited and 16 patients identified with AF (5.3% prevalence). This demonstrated a significantly greater likelihood of AF than the background population (p=0.043). People with diabetes and AF were significantly older than those who only had diabetes. More people with type 2 diabetes had AF than people with type 1. Prediction of AF diagnosis by age, sex, diabetes type, diabetes duration and level of control revealed only age as a significant predictor. In conclusion, these findings add to existing data around the association of these chronic conditions, supporting AF screening in this high-risk group, particularly in those of older age. This can contribute to appropriate management of both conditions in combination, not least with regards to stroke prevention.

Association of Diabetes Duration and Glycemic Control With Stroke Rate in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Diabetes: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background

There are limited data on the association of diabetes duration and glycemic control with stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (AF). Our objective was to study the association of diabetes duration and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with the rate of stroke in people with diabetes and newly diagnosed AF.

Methods and Results

This was a population‐based cohort study using linked administrative data sets. We studied 37 209 individuals aged ≥66 years diagnosed with AF in Ontario between April 2009 and March 2019, who had diabetes diagnosed 1 to 16 years beforehand. The primary outcome was hospitalization for stroke at 1 year. Cause‐specific hazard regression was used to model the association of diabetes duration and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with the rate of stroke. Restricted cubic spline analyses showed increasing hazard ratios (HR) for stroke with longer diabetes duration that plateaued after 10 years and increasing HRs for stroke with HbA1c levels >7%. Relative to patients with <5 years diabetes duration, stroke rates were significantly higher for patients with ≥10 years duration (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.16–1.82; P=0.001), while diabetes duration 5 to <10 years was not significantly different. Relative to glycated hemoglobin 6% to <7%, values ≥8% were associated with higher stroke rates (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12–1.84; P=0.004), while other HbA1c categories were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Longer diabetes duration and higher glycated hemoglobin were associated with significantly higher stroke rates in patients with AF and diabetes. Models for stroke risk prediction and preventive care in AF may be improved by considering patients’ diabetes characteristics.

Diagnostic performance of a wearing dynamic ECG recorder for atrial fibrillation screening: the HUAMI heart study

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac dysrhythmia with high morbidity and mortality rate. Evidence shows that in every three patients with AF, one is asymptomatic. The asymptomatic and paroxysmal nature of AF is the reason for unsatisfactory and delayed detection using traditional instruments. Research indicates that wearing a dynamic electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder can guide accurate and safe analysis, interpretation, and distinction of AF from normal sinus rhythm. This is also achievable in an upright position and after exercises, assisted by an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm.

METHODS

This study enrolled 114 participants from the outpatient registry of our institution from June 24, 2020 to July 24, 2020. Participants were tested with a wearable dynamic ECG recorder and 12-lead ECG in a supine, an upright position and after exercises for 60 s.

RESULTS

Of the 114 subjects enrolled in the study, 61 had normal sinus rhythm and 53 had AF. The number of cases that could not be determined by the wristband of dynamic ECG recorder was two, one and one respectively. Case results that were not clinically objective were defined as false-negative or false-positive. Results for diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity tested by wearable dynamic ECG recorders in a supine position were 94.74% (95% CI% 88.76-97.80%), 88.68% (95% CI 77.06-95.07%), and 100% (95% CI 92.91-100%), respectively. Meanwhile, the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in an upright position were 97.37% (95% CI 92.21-99.44%), 94.34% (95% CI 84.03-98.65%), and 100% (95% CI 92.91-100%), respectively. Similar results as those of the upright position were obtained after exercise.

CONCLUSION

The widely accessible wearable dynamic ECG recorder integrated with an AI algorithm can efficiently detect AF in different postures and after exercises. As such, this tool holds great promise as a useful and user-friendly screening method for timely AF diagnosis in at-risk individuals.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Usability of the ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor Compared to Conventional Holter Technology

Background

Heart rhythm disorders, especially atrial fibrillation (AF), are increasing global health challenges. Conventional diagnostic tools for assessment of rhythm disorders suffer from limited availability, limited test duration time, and usability challenges. There is also a need for out-of-hospital investigation of arrhythmias. Therefore, the Norwegian ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor has been developed to simplify the assessment of heart rhythm disorders. The current study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and usability of the ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor compared to conventional Holter monitors.

Methods

Parallel tests with ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor and a Holter monitor were performed in 151 consecutive patients referred for out-of-hospital long-term ECG recording at Sorlandet Hospital Arendal, Norway. All ECG data were automatically analysed by both systems and evaluated by hospital physicians. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire scoring usability parameters after the test.

Results

A total of 150 patients (62% men, age 54 (±17) years) completed the study. The ECG quality from both monitors was considered satisfactory for rhythm analysis in all patients. AF was identified in 9 (6%) patients during the period with parallel tests. The diagnostic accuracy for automatic AF detection was 95% (95% CI 91–98) for the ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor and 81% (95% CI 74–87) for the Holter system. The proportion of false-positive AF was 4% in tests analysed by the ECG247 algorithm and 16% in tests analysed by the Holter algorithm. Other arrhythmias were absent/rare. The system usability score was significantly better for ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor compared to traditional Holter technology (score 87.4 vs. 67.5, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor showed at least comparable diagnostic accuracy for AF and improved usability compared to conventional Holter technology. ECG247 allows for prolonged monitoring and may improve detection of AF. This trial is registered with https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04700865.

Curricular-driven screening for atrial fibrillation at community pharmacies

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke. It can be asymptomatic and patients may be unaware they have AF. Therefore, there is a need to develop a sustainable community model to screen for unrecognized AF.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to assess a curriculum driven model developed by the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy (UNM-CoP) to evaluate AF screening at three community pharmacy sites.

METHODS

Screenings and education for AF were performed by fourth year pharmacy students during their advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) community rotation at pre-selected independent pharmacies. Patients were screened using the KardiaMobile device (AliveCor®, Mountain View, California), an FDA-cleared device that interprets a medical-grade ECG in 30 seconds. All screening materials and devices were provided by UNM-CoP. Semi-structured interviews with each targeted pharmacy were conducted to assess the logistics, value, and sustainability of the program (N=5 pharmacists).

RESULTS

AF assessment was performed over a 7-month period by 8 students at three pharmacies. Students screened a total of 63 patients (62% female, 56 ± 14 years of age) with 92% of the encounters taking less than 10 minutes to complete. Three patients (4.7%) were found to have possible AF. Positive scores were noted when assessing value to the pharmacy (8.8 ± 0.8, scale 1-10 with 10 being high value) and professionally (9.7 ± 0.6).

DISCUSSION

Student-pharmacists provides a likely pathway for sustainability for this clinical initiative and provides for a novel and measurable APPE patient interaction.

CONCLUSION

Curricular driven AF assessment in community pharmacies was shown to be a feasible model. Additional studies are needed to assess whether population-based real-time assessment and detection of AF can reduce the risk of stroke in previously undetected AF. If stroke reduction is realized, reimbursement for service is likely and can contribute to further sustainability.

Prophylactic effect of Amiodarone and in combination with vitamin C in reducing atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia following cardiac surgery, leading to hemodynamic impairment and increased mortality and morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and increases hospitalization. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin C as well as the antiarrhythmic effect of amiodarone in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting, we decided to compare and evaluate the prophylactic effect of amiodarone alone and in combination with vitamin C in controlling this complication. In this double-blind clinical trial, patients were divided into two equal groups of amiodarone (300 mg amiodarone bolus during 20-30 minutes) and amiodarone + vitamin C (150 mg amiodarone and 2g vitamin C combination). Each group included 42 patients. All data were analyzed by SPSS 19 software and statistical tests of ANOVA, Chi-square and Repeated Measure. There was a significant difference between the two groups of amiodarone and amiodarone+vitamin C (p-value = 0.01) and the mean incidence of AF in the amiodarone +vitamin C group was significantly lower than that of amiodarone alone. Other arrhythmias were also lower in the amiodarone +vitamin C group than in the amiodarone group alone. The use offibrillation after CABG compared with prophylactic amiodarone alone, but did not have a significant effect on decreasing ICU stay(discharge) and duration of hospitalization.

Prognostic relevance of normocytic anemia in elderly patients affected by cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

Anemia associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a common condition in older persons. Prevalence and prognostic role of anemia were extensively studied in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) or congestive heart failure (CHF) whereas limited data were available on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was conducted to assess the clinical prevalence and prognostic relevance of anemia in elderly patients affected by AF and other CVDs.

METHODS

A total of 866 elderly patients (430 men and 436 women, age: 65-98 years, mean age: 85 ± 10 years) were enrolled. Among these patients, 267 patients had acute non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI), 176 patients had acute CHF, 194 patients had acute AF and 229 patients were aged-matched healthy persons (CTR). All parameters were measured at the hospital admission and cardiovascular mortality was assessed during twenty-four months of follow-up.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia was higher in NSTEMI, CHF and AF patients compared to CTR subjects (50% vs. 15%, P < 0.05), with normocytic anemia being the most prevalent type (90%). Adjusted mortality risk was higher in anemic patient versus non-anemic patient in all the groups of patients [NSTEMI: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.06-2.13; CHF: HR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.31-4.75; AF: HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.01-3.88]. Decreased hemoglobin levels ( P = 0.001) and high reticulocyte index (P = 0.023) were associated with higher mortality in CVD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant associations between CVD and anemia and the prognostic relevance of anemia for elderly patients with CVD were confirmed in this study. The presence of anemia in AF patients is associated with a two-fold increased mortality risk compared with non-anemic AF patients. Low hemoglobin and high reticulocyte count independently predict mortality in elderly patients with CVD.

Role of digital health in detection and management of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity, mortality and decreased quality of life. Mobile health devices marketed directly to consumers capable of detecting atrial fibrillation through methods including photoplethysmography, single-lead ECG as well as contactless methods are becoming ubiquitous. Large-scale screening for atrial fibrillation is feasible and has been shown to detect more cases than usual care-however, controversy still exists surrounding screening even in older higher risk populations. Given widespread use of mobile health devices, consumer-driven screening is happening on a large scale in both low-risk and high-risk populations. Given that young people make up a large portion of early adopters of mobile health devices, there is the potential that many more patients with early onset atrial fibrillation will come to clinical attention requiring possible referral to genetic arrythmia clinic. Physicians need to be familiar with these technologies, and understand their risks, and limitations. In the current review, we discuss current mobile health devices used to detect atrial fibrillation, recent and upcoming trials using them for diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, practical recommendations for patients with atrial fibrillation diagnosed by a mobile health device and special consideration in young patients.

Endothelial dysfunction in patients with lone atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and may have significant complications such as stroke. The present study aims to evaluate endothelial dysfunction in patients with lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) through flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery, as a non-invasive method for evaluating functional and structural markers of endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 43 patients with LAF were selected. 51 age and sex-matched healthy individuals were selected as the control group. The brachial artery diameter of the subjects in both groups was measured through FMD. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software.

RESULTS

Patients with LAF and healthy subjects did not have any difference in terms of gender, heart rate (HR), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P > 0.05 for all). FMD of the patients with AF was significantly lower (P = 0.04) than FMD of the healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that LAF was associated with systemic endothelial dysfunction. AF plays an important and independent role in reducing FMD.

World Heart Federation Roadmap on Atrial Fibrillation - A 2020 Update

The World Heart Federation (WHF) commenced a Roadmap initiative in 2015 to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease and resultant burgeoning of healthcare costs. Roadmaps provide a blueprint for implementation of priority solutions for the principal cardiovascular diseases leading to death and disability. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of these conditions and is an increasing problem due to ageing of the world’s population and an increase in cardiovascular risk factors that predispose to AF. The goal of the AF roadmap was to provide guidance on priority interventions that are feasible in multiple countries, and to identify roadblocks and potential strategies to overcome them.

Since publication of the AF Roadmap in 2017, there have been many technological advances including devices and artificial intelligence for identification and prediction of unknown AF, better methods to achieve rhythm control, and widespread uptake of smartphones and apps that could facilitate new approaches to healthcare delivery and increasing community AF awareness. In addition, the World Health Organisation added the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) to the Essential Medicines List, making it possible to increase advocacy for their widespread adoption as therapy to prevent stroke. These advances motivated the WHF to commission a 2020 AF Roadmap update. Three years after the original Roadmap publication, the identified barriers and solutions were judged still relevant, and progress has been slow.

This 2020 Roadmap update reviews the significant changes since 2017 and identifies priority areas for achieving the goals of reducing death and disability related to AF, particularly targeted at low-middle income countries. These include advocacy to increase appreciation of the scope of the problem; plugging gaps in guideline management and prevention through physician education, increasing patient health literacy, and novel ways to increase access to integrated healthcare including mHealth and digital transformations; and greater emphasis on achieving practical solutions to national and regional entrenched barriers. Despite the advances reviewed in this update, the task will not be easy, but the health rewards of implementing solutions that are both innovative and practical will be great.

Real-world effects of medications for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: protocol for a UK population-based non-interventional cohort study with validation against randomised trial results

INTRODUCTION

Patients with atrial fibrillation experience an irregular heart rate and have an increased risk of stroke; prophylactic treatment with anticoagulation medication reduces this risk. Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been approved providing an alternative to vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin. There is interest from regulatory bodies on the effectiveness of medications in routine clinical practice; however, uncertainty remains regarding the suitability of non-interventional data for answering questions on drug effectiveness and on the most suitable methods to be used. In this study, we will use data from Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE)-the pivotal trial for the DOAC apixaban-to validate non-interventional methods for assessing treatment effectiveness of anticoagulants. These methods could then be applied to analyse treatment effectiveness in people excluded from or under-represented in ARISTOTLE.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Patient characteristics from ARISTOTLE will be used to select a cohort of patients with similar baseline characteristics from two UK electronic health record (EHR) databases, Clinical Practice Research Datalink Gold and Aurum (between 1 January 2013 and 31 July 2019). Methods such as propensity score matching and coarsened exact matching will be explored in matching between EHR treatment groups to determine the optimal method of obtaining a balanced cohort.Absolute and relative risk of outcomes in the EHR trial-analogous cohort will be calculated and compared with the ARISTOTLE results; if results are deemed compatible the methods used for matching EHR treatment groups can then be used to examine drug effectiveness over a longer duration of exposure and in special patient groups of interest not studied in the trial.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the Independent Scientific Advisory Committee of the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Results will be disseminated in scientific publications and at relevant conferences.

C2HEST score predicts clinical outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a secondary analysis of the TOPCAT trial

BACKGROUND

The C₂HEST score has been validated for predicting AF in the general population or post-stroke patients. We aimed to assess whether this risk score could predict incident AF and other clinical outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients.

METHODS

A total of 2202 HFpEF patients without baseline AF in the TOPCAT trial were stratified by baseline C₂HEST score. Cox proportional hazard model and competing risk regression model was used to explore the relationship between C₂HEST score and outcomes, including incident AF, stroke, all-cause death, cardiovascular death, any hospitalization, and HF hospitalization. The discriminative ability of the C₂HEST score for various outcomes was assessed by calculating the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The incidence rates of incident AF, stroke, all-cause death, cardiovascular death, any hospitalization, and HF hospitalization were 1.79, 0.70, 3.81, 2.42, 15.50, and 3.32 per 100 person-years, respectively. When the C₂HEST score was analyzed as a continuous variable, increased C₂HEST score was associated with increased risk of incident AF (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.29-1.75), as well as increased risks of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, any hospitalization, and HF hospitalization. The AUC for the C₂HEST score in predicting incident AF (0.694, 95% CI 0.640-0.748) was higher than all-cause death, cardiovascular death, any hospitalization, or HF hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The C₂HEST score could predict the risk of incident AF as well as death and hospitalization with moderately good predictive abilities in patients with HFpEF. Its simplicity may allow the possibility of quick risk assessments in busy clinical settings.

Representation of women, older patients, ethnic, and racial minorities in trials of atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Representation trends of women, older adults, and ethnic/racial minorities in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of atrial fibrillation (AF) are uncertain.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed 134 AF related RCTs (phase II and III) encompassing 149,162 participants using Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov through April 2019 to determine representation trends of women, older patients (≥75 years), and ethnic/racial minorities. Weighted data on the prevalence of AF from epidemiological studies were used to compare the representation of the studied groups of interest in AF RCTs to their expected burden of the disease.

RESULTS

Only 18.7% of the RCTs reported proportion of older patients, and 12.7% RCTs reported ethnic/racial minorities. The proportions of women in RCTs versus general population were 35.2% and 35.1%, of Hispanics were 11.9% and 5.2%, of Blacks were 1.2% and 5.7%, of American Indian/Alaskans were 0.2% and 0.2%, of Asians were 14.2% and 2.4%, of native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders were 0.05% and 0.1% and of non-Whites were 19.5% and 22.5%, respectively. The weighted mean age (SD) across the trials was 65.3 (3.2) years which was less than the corresponding weighted mean age of 71.1 (4.5) years in the comparative epidemiological data.

CONCLUSION

The reporting of older patients and ethnic/racial minorities was poor in RCTs of AF. The representation of women and American Indian/Alaskan natives matched their expected population share of disease burden. Hispanics and Asians were over-represented and Blacks, native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and non-Whites were under-represented in RCTs of AF.

Country-based Comparison of Atrial Fibrillation Patients' Preferences for Oral Anticoagulation: An Evaluation of Discrete Choice Experiments in Five Different Countries

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine atrial fibrillation (AF) patients' preferences regarding oral anticoagulation (OAC) characteristics and to investigate differences across 5 different countries. A multicenter discrete choice experiment was conducted in Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, and Taiwan. Study sites enrolled patients with nonvalvular AF who received continuous OAC therapy. The discrete choice experiment design considered the following 4 attributes with 2 attribute levels each: need for bridging (yes/no), interactions with food/alcohol (yes/no), need for regular international normalized ratio (INR) assessments, and frequency of intake (once/twice daily). Generally, patients (n = 1391) preferred treatment alternatives that were characterized by "no need of bridging," "no need for regular INR controls," "no interactions with food/alcohol," and "once daily intake." For this desired treatment regimen, patients were willing to accept a substantially higher travel distance/time. German patients with AF were strongly impacted in their hypothetical treatment decision by the frequency of intake (37.5%). Swedish patients on the other hand gave little importance to intake frequency (12.6%). In Switzerland, patients were especially concerned with food/alcohol interactions of the medication (34.7%), whereas this was the least important attribute for Taiwanese patients (18.9%), who ascribed the most homogenous importance to the different treatment attributes overall. In Spain, the need for regular INR assessments especially impacted the patient's treatment decision (31.9%). Patients of all countries attributed a moderate importance to the need for bridging (25.9%-34.2%). These findings may facilitate country-specific consideration of patients' preferences regarding OAC therapy, potentially increasing treatment acceptance on the patient's side with the ultimate goal of improving treatment adherence and persistence.

Predictors and Mechanisms of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is associated with significant symptomatic deterioration, heart failure, and thromboembolic disease. There is a need for better mechanistic insight and improved identification of at risk patients. We used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to assess predictors of AF in HC, in particular the role of myocardial fibrosis. Consecutive patients with HC referred for CMR 2003 to 2013 were prospectively enrolled. CMR parameters including left ventricular volumes, presence and percentage of late gadolinium enhancement in the left ventricle (%LGE) and left atrial volume index (LAVi) were measured. Overall, 377 patients were recruited (age 62 ± 14 years, 73% men). Sixty-two patients (16%) developed new-onset AF during a median follow up of 4.5 (interquartile range 2.9 to 6.0) years. Multivariable analysis revealed %LGE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.3 per 10% (confidence interval: 1.0 to 1.5; p = 0.02), LAVi (HR 1.4 per 10 mL/m²[1.2 to 1.5; p < 0.001]), age at HC diagnosis, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and diabetes to be independent predictors of AF. We constructed a simple risk prediction score for future AF based on the multivariable model with a Harrell's C-statistic of 0.73. In conclusion, the extent of ventricular fibrosis and LA volume independently predicted AF in patients with HC. This finding suggests a mechanistic relation between fibrosis and future AF in HC. CMR with quantification of fibrosis has incremental value over LV and LA measurements in risk stratification for AF. A risk prediction score may be used to identify patients at high risk of future AF who may benefit from more intensive rhythm monitoring and a lower threshold for oral anticoagulation.

Minimally invasive left atrial appendage (LAA) clip insertion after challenging LAA occluder implantation to minimize the risk of stroke

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, requiring lifelong anticoagulation or interventional, transseptal left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder implantation to minimize stroke risk. Incomplete LAA closure post implantation is a frequent observation. Incomplete LAA occlusion after transseptal occluder implantation necessitates anticoagulation in cases of persistent AF to minimze risk of embolism and/or apoplexy. Patients with contraindications to lifelong anticoagulation therapy are challenging to treat and alternative options are needed. We present a case of a patient with persistent AF who underwent frustraneous LAA occluder implantation. The patient's anatomy necessitated surgical closure of the LAA, which was accomplished with an LAA clip 4 weeks after implantation. The patient was discharged in excellent clinical status 5 days after the surgery. No further complications were observed within the following year.

Inclusion of Older People Reflective of Real-World Clinical Practice in Cardiovascular Drug Trials

Background

Underrepresentation of older people in clinical trials remains. This study aimed to examine the inclusion of older people and associated safety and efficacy reports from clinical trials of new molecular entities for cardiovascular disease indications since commencement of the US Food and Drug Administration Drug Trial Snapshot (DTS) Program. The DTS provides concise information on participants included in clinical trials supporting US Food and Drug Administration approval of new drugs.

Methods and Results

A cross‐sectional analysis between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2019 of DTS data including approval date, indication, number of trials and participants, age distribution, efficacy, and safety statements was conducted. Participation‐to‐prevalence ratio (PPR) was used to describe representation of older participants in trials relative to disease population. Efficacy and safety statements regarding age were compared with drug prescribing information. A total of 72 079 participants from 10 DTS reports were identified and 39 625 (55.0%) were aged ≥65 years old. Overall, 63.6% of cardiovascular disease DTS reports were representative of people aged ≥65 years old for specific cardiovascular disease conditions. Underrepresentation was observed in 4 DTS: 2 for heart failure (PPR 0.48 and 0.62), 1 for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PPR 0.72), and 1 for venous thromboembolism (PPR 0.38). Participants in clinical trials for new drugs for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (PPR 0.99 and 1.21) and hypercholesterolemia (PPR 0.84 and 0.97) were reflective of the older population for these diseases. An increased risk of adverse events in older participants was reported in 40% DTS safety statements but no differences were reported in the drug product information.

Conclusions

Despite the fact that >60% of cardiovascular disease trial participants for new molecular entities included in the DTS program were representative of the older population in real‐world clinical practice, concerns remain for conditions including heart failure or venous thromboembolism. Drug product information safety statements regarding age differences in adverse events were not reflective of trial findings. An increased directive is needed to facilitate the generation of real‐world evidence and appropriate reporting within drug product information for these potentially at‐risk patient populations.

The Relationship between Poor Pulmonary Function and Irregular Pulse in the Elderly: Findings from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in Korea

Arrhythmia may be caused by reduced pulmonary function, and pulse palpation is a useful screening method for the early detection of cardiac arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between reduced pulmonary function and abnormal findings on pulse palpation in 2347 subjects aged ≥65 years using data from a nationwide survey. Pulse palpation was initially performed for 15 s and, if felt to be abnormal, it was performed again for 60 s. The prevalence of irregular pulse (IP) determined by the 60-second palpation was 61 (2.6%). The mean age of subjects with an IP was 73.0 (95% CI 71.7–74.3) years, and 45.8% were male. After adjustment for covariates, forced vital capacity (FVC)/predicted FVC, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁)/predicted FEV₁, and the lowest FEV₁ remained significant risk factors for IP. A restrictive or obstructive spirometry pattern was also an independent risk factor for IP. In summary, an IP is more prevalent when pulmonary function is reduced in the elderly, in whom careful pulse palpation may be necessary for the early detection of arrhythmia.

Effectiveness of a single lead AliveCor electrocardiogram application for the screening of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation has a significant impact on health, society, and healthcare resource utilization, due to increased morbidity, mortality, risk of stroke, and reduction in quality of life. Early diagnosis allows for treatment initiation, a reduction in complications and associated costs, and so innovation to improve screening and enable easy access are needed Developments in digital technology have significantly contributed to the availability of screening tools. The single-lead electrocardiogram AliveCor (Mountainview, CA) device offers the opportunity to provide heart rhythm screening and has been used extensively in clinical practice and research studies.

METHODS

This review investigates the feasibility, validity, and utility of the AliveCor device as a tool for atrial fibrillation detection in clinical practice and in wider research. Databases searched included PUBMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and World of Science, plus grey literature search. Search terms related to atrial fibrillation, screening, and AliveCor with adults >18 years. Feasibility metrics were applied including process, resource, management, and scientific outcomes. Studies not written in the English language were excluded. Validity of AliveCor was explored by extracting sensitivity and specificity data from eligible studies and overall effectiveness analyzed by incorporating the above, with wider issues surrounding screening approaches, cost effectiveness and appropriateness of AliveCor as a screening tool.

RESULTS

The AliveCor device screening was reviewed in 11 studies matching inclusion criteria. Atrial fibrillation detection rates ranged from 0.8% to 36% and this largely correlated to the study population, where wider age inclusion and mass/population screening represented lower atrial fibrillation detection. Recruitment from higher-risk groups (older age, targeted localities, chronic disease) identified higher numbers with atrial fibrillation. Feasibility metrics demonstrated AliveCor as an effective tool of choice in terms of process, resources, and management. Duration of screening time had an impact on rates of atrial fibrillation detection. There was however significant heterogeneity between studies reviewed.

CONCLUSION

The AliveCor device offers a convenient, valid, and feasible means of monitoring for atrial fibrillation. Further analysis of electrocardiograms produced by AliveCor may be necessary in some circumstances. The AliveCor electrocardiogram device can be successfully implemented into both opportunistic and systematic screening strategies for atrial fibrillation.

Outcome of Cardiac Monitor During Sleep Study for Screening of Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation

Background

There is growing evidence of a strong association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular co-morbidities including atrial fibrillation (AF). We wanted to assess the usefulness of the overnight cardiac monitoring to screen for AF during the sleep study in patients newly diagnosed with OSA, in order to establish the usefulness of overnight active screening for subclinical AF during the sleep study in these patients.

Methods

A retrospective study in patients with new diagnosis of OSA carried out between January 2014 and December 2019 in the sleep clinic at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. All patients newly diagnosed with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index >5) were selected to undergo a clinical questionnaire regarding symptoms, co-morbidities and risk factors. Subjects with history of cardiac arrhythmias or having anti-arrhythmic treatment were excluded. Eligible patients underwent an overnight rhythm monitoring to screen for AF or any rhythm disturbance.

Results

We included 250 respective patients with OSA, 54% were males and 82% aged more than 35 years. The majority of patients were married (83%), of Saudi nationality (81%), and 90% were overweight or obese, apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was mild (5-14) in 30%, moderate (15-29) in 38% and severe (30 or more) in 32% of the patients. No cardiac arrhythmia was detected in all the study population, while only two patients complained of palpitations and was due to sinus tachycardia. Assessment of other risk factors showed 26% cases of diabetes mellitus, 39% of hypertension, 1% of renal failure, 9% of ischemic heart disease, 17% of thyroid dysfunction, 6% of stroke and 4% of dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

The findings of this study show null incidence of cardiac arrhythmia during the apnea-hypopnea episodes in a cohort of patients with confirmed OSA. However, in view of the frequently reported association, the screening for subclinical atrial fibrillation needs long-term rhythm surveillance and should be targeted to symptomatic patients.

Characteristics and 2-year outcomes of dabigatran treatment in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: GLORIA-AF

Aims

This study aimed to describe baseline characteristics of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at risk of stroke with and without history of heart failure (HF) and report 2‐year outcomes in the dabigatran‐treated subset of a prospective, global, observational study (GLORIA‐AF).

Methods and results

Newly diagnosed patients with AF and CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score ≥ 1 were consecutively enrolled. Baseline characteristics were assessed by the presence or absence of HF diagnosis at enrolment. Incidence rates for outcomes in dabigatran‐treated patients were estimated with and without standardization by stroke (excluding HF component) and bleeding risk scores. A total of 15 308 eligible patients were enrolled, including 15 154 with known HF status; of these, 3679 (24.0%) had been diagnosed with HF, 11 475 (75.0%) had not. Among 4873 dabigatran‐treated patients, 1169 (24.0%) had HF, and 3658 (75.1%) did not; the risk of stroke was high (CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score ≥ 2) for 94.3% of patients with HF and 85.8% without, while 6.0% and 7.0%, respectively, had a high bleeding risk (HAS‐BLED ≥ 3). Incidence rates of all‐cause death in dabigatran‐treated patients with and without HF, standardized for CHA₂DS₂‐VASc and HAS‐BLED scores, were 4.76 vs. 1.80 per 100 patient years (py), with roughly comparable rates of stroke (0.82 vs. 0.60 per 100 py) and major bleeding (1.20 vs. 0.92 per 100 py).

Conclusions

Patients with AF and history of HF may have greater disease burden at AF diagnosis and increased mortality rates vs. patients without HF. Stroke and major bleeding rates were roughly comparable between groups confirming the long‐term safety and effectiveness of dabigatran in patients with HF.

Identification of atrial fibrillation in secondary care diabetes and vascular clinics: a pilot study

Aim: To determine the feasibility and utility of the AliveCor® handheld ECG device in screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients attending secondary care clinics. Materials & methods: Patients were recruited from diabetes and vascular outpatient clinics, and the AliveCor device used to store a 30-second ECG recording. Clinical risk stratification systems (CHAD2S2-VASc and HAS-BLED) assessed individual suitability for oral anticoagulation. Results: Atrial fibrillation was detected in 2 of 149 patients (1.3%), with CHA2DS2-VASc-derived annual stroke risk of 4%. Given low bleeding susceptibility (HAS-BLED), oral anticoagulation was strongly indicated. Conclusion: AliveCor technology offers a simple approach to retrieve large volumes of ECG data. A follow-up study with a larger cohort would reinforce the clinical utility of screening this high-risk population.

Identification of patients with atrial fibrillation: a big data exploratory analysis of the UK Biobank

OBJECTIVE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence of around 1.6% in the adult population. The analysis of the electrocardiogram (ECG) data acquired in the UK Biobank represents an opportunity to screen for AF in a large sub-population in the UK. The main objective of this paper is to assess ten machine-learning methods for automated detection of subjects with AF in the UK Biobank dataset.

APPROACH

Six classical machine-learning methods based on support vector machines are proposed and compared with state-of-the-art techniques (including a deep-learning algorithm), and finally a combination of a classical machine-learning and deep learning approaches. Evaluation is carried out on a subset of the UK Biobank dataset, manually annotated by human experts.

MAIN RESULTS

The combined classical machine-learning and deep learning method achieved an F1 score of 84.8% on the test subset, and a Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.83, which is similar to the inter-observer agreement of two human experts.

SIGNIFICANCE

The level of performance indicates that the automated detection of AF in patients whose data have been stored in a large database, such as the UK Biobank, is possible. Such automated identification of AF patients would enable further investigations aimed at identifying the different phenotypes associated with AF.

Validation of Single Centre Pre-Mobile Atrial Fibrillation Apps for Continuous Monitoring of Atrial Fibrillation in a Real-World Setting: Pilot Cohort Study

Background

Atrial fibrillation is the most common recurrent arrhythmia in clinical practice, with most clinical events occurring outside the hospital. Low detection and nonadherence to guidelines are the primary obstacles to atrial fibrillation management. Photoplethysmography is a novel technology developed for atrial fibrillation screening. However, there has been limited validation of photoplethysmography-based smart devices for the detection of atrial fibrillation and its underlying clinical factors impacting detection.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of photoplethysmography-based smart devices for the detection of atrial fibrillation in real-world settings.

Methods

Subjects aged ≥18 years (n=361) were recruited from September 14 to October 16, 2018, for screening of atrial fibrillation with active measurement, initiated by the users, using photoplethysmography-based smart wearable devices (ie, a smart band or smart watches). Of these, 200 subjects were also automatically and periodically monitored for 14 days with a smart band. The baseline diagnosis of “suspected” atrial fibrillation was confirmed by electrocardiogram and physical examination. The sensitivity and accuracy of photoplethysmography-based smart devices for monitoring atrial fibrillation were evaluated.

Results

A total of 2353 active measurement signals and 23,864 periodic measurement signals were recorded. Eleven subjects were confirmed to have persistent atrial fibrillation, and 20 were confirmed to have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Smart devices demonstrated >91% predictive ability for atrial fibrillation. The sensitivity and specificity of devices in detecting atrial fibrillation among active recording of the 361 subjects were 100% and about 99%, respectively. For subjects with persistent atrial fibrillation, 127 (97.0%) active measurements and 2240 (99.2%) periodic measurements were identified as atrial fibrillation by the algorithm. For subjects with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, 36 (17%) active measurements and 717 (19.8%) periodic measurements were identified as atrial fibrillation by the algorithm. All persistent atrial fibrillation cases could be detected as “atrial fibrillation episodes” by the photoplethysmography algorithm on the first monitoring day, while 14 (70%) patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation demonstrated “atrial fibrillation episodes” within the first 6 days. The average time to detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was 2 days (interquartile range: 1.25-5.75) by active measurement and 1 day (interquartile range: 1.00-2.00) by periodic measurement (P=.10). The first detection time of atrial fibrillation burden of <50% per 24 hours was 4 days by active measurement and 2 days by periodic measurementThe first detection time of atrial fibrillation burden of >50% per 24 hours was 1 day for both active and periodic measurements (active measurement: P=.02, periodic measurement: P=.03).

Conclusions

Photoplethysmography-based smart devices demonstrated good atrial fibrillation predictive ability in both active and periodic measurements. However, atrial fibrillation type could impact detection, resulting in increased monitoring time.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry of the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform of the World Health Organization ChiCTR-OOC-17014138; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=24191.

Impact of care coordination on oral anticoagulant therapy among patients with atrial fibrillation in routine clinical practice in Japan: a prospective, observational study

Background

Care coordination between general practitioners (GPs) and cardiovascular specialists is expected to play a key role in establishing appropriate oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of care coordination on oral anticoagulant therapy in the management of AF in Japan.

Methods

This study was a multi-center, single-arm, prospective cohort study with retrospective chart and claims data review for historical controls. The study included three study periods: a 12-month pre-campaign period; a 12-month campaign period for AF screening and care coordination; and a 3-month post-campaign period for follow-up of care coordination. During the campaign period, patients aged ≥65 years who attended participating GP clinics underwent opportunistic AF screening by GPs under the campaign. At the discretion of the GP, newly diagnosed AF patients after the screening were referred to a cardiovascular specialist for care coordination. To assess the impact of care coordination and evaluate the effects of the campaign, implementation of care coordination, antithrombotic therapies, and patient-reported outcomes were compared between patients with and without care coordination, and between patients during the pre-campaign and campaign periods.

Results

There were 86 newly diagnosed AF patients during the pre-campaign period and 90 during the campaign period. The percentage of patients with care coordination increased from 3.5% (3/86) in the pre-campaign period to 14.4% (n = 13/90) during the campaign period. The percentage of patients who received OAC therapies, according to the definition from the Japanese AF medication guideline, increased from 55.8% (48/86) to 71.1% (64/90) during the campaign period regardless of care coordination. Younger patients were referred to cardiovascular specialists for care coordination. Implementation of OAC therapy did not differ between patients with and without care coordination. Adherence to OAC therapy was low regardless of care coordination.

Conclusions

This GP-targeted campaign was effective at raising awareness regarding the implementation of care coordination and appropriate OAC therapy at local clinical practices in Japan. Improvement of adherence to OAC therapy in elderly patients is a critical issue, and measures such as education programs targeted to patients and healthcare professionals should be undertaken.

Effect of Warfarin on Ischemic Stroke, Bleeding, and Mortality in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis

BACKGROUND

There is limited information on the risks and benefits of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to determine the risk of mortality, ischemic stroke, and bleeding associated with warfarin use in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving peritoneal dialysis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study of a multi-ethnic cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation receiving peritoneal dialysis in the United States. Using a dialysis registry, we identified 476 patients with atrial fibrillation receiving peritoneal dialysis. Among these patients, 115 (24%) were treated with warfarin. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare risks of mortality, ischemic stroke and bleeding between the groups.

RESULTS

Compared to untreated patients, patients receiving warfarin were older (67.3 ± 10.8 vs 62.9 ± 13.3 years) and more likely to be white (42% vs 31%). Prevalence of comorbidities including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, heart failure, and prior ischemic stroke were similar between the two groups. All cause mortality rates were 19.9 per 100 person-years in the warfarin group and 21.0 per 100 person-years in the untreated group. There was no difference between groups in the risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53-1.2, p = 0.28], ischemic stroke (HR 2.3, 95% CI 0.94-5.4, p = 0.07), hemorrhagic stroke (HR 2.0, 95% CI 0.32-12.8, p = 0.46), gastrointestinal bleeding (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.39-2.2, p = 0.86), or any bleeding (HR 1.2, 95% 0.60-2.3, p = 0.65). Even in the subgroup of patients with > 70% time in therapeutic range, no association was seen between warfarin treatment and mortality.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant association between warfarin treatment with risks of mortality, ischemic stroke or bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving peritoneal dialysis.

Economic impact of contact force sensing in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

AIMS

The TactiCath Contact Force Ablation Catheter Study for Atrial Fibrillation (TOCCASTAR) clinical trial compared clinical outcomes using a contact force (CF) sensing ablation catheter (TactiCath) with a catheter that lacked CF measurement. This analysis links recorded events in the TOCCASTAR study and a large claims database, IBM MarketScan®, to determine the economic impact of using CF sensing during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Clinical events including repeat ablation, use of antiarrhythmic drugs, hospitalization, perforation, pericarditis, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, pulmonary vein stenosis, tamponade, and vascular access complications were adjudicated in the year after ablation. CF was characterized as optimal if greater than or equal to 90% lesion was performed with greater than or equal to 10 g of CF. A probabilistic 1:1 linkage was created for subjects in MarketScan® with the same events in the year after ablation, and the cost was evaluated over 10 000 iterations. Of the 279 subjects in TOCCASTAR, 145 were ablated using CF (57% with optimal CF), and 134 were ablated without CF. In the MarketScan® cohort, 9811 subjects who underwent AF ablation were used to determine events and costs. For subjects ablated with optimal CF, total cost was $19 271 ± 3705 in the year after ablation. For ablation lacking CF measurement, cost was $22 673 ± 3079 (difference of $3402, P < .001). In 73% of simulations, optimal CF was associated with lower cost in the year after ablation.

CONCLUSION

Compared to ablation without CF, there was a decrease in healthcare cost of $3402 per subject in the first year after the procedure when optimal CF was used.

Systematic screening for atrial fibrillation in a 65-year-old population with risk factors for stroke: data from the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 study

Aims

To investigate the yield of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in a cohort of 65-year-old individuals from the general population with additional risk factors for stroke.

Methods and results

We invited participants with additional risk factors for stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 for men or ≥ 3 for women) without previously known AF from a population-based study in Norway to participate in a 2-week screening for AF. Screening was performed by one-lead 'thumb electrocardiography (ECG)' recordings of 30 s twice daily or when the participants experienced symptoms. In total, 1742 (47.0%) participants of the Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 1950 study had at least one additional risk factor for stroke. Of these, 123 cases reported a history of AF and 101 (5.8%) cases were ECG validated. Eight [0.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-0.9] new AF cases were diagnosed by 12-lead ECG at baseline, and 10 additional participants were diagnosed with AF before screening commenced. We invited all 1601 participants who met the inclusion criteria for screening, of which 1510 (94.3%) participants were included (44% women and 56% men). The screening revealed AF in 13 (0.9%, 95% CI 0.5-1.5) participants. The total prevalence of ECG-validated AF after screening among the 65-year-olds with risk factors for stroke was 7.6% (95% CI 6.4-8.9), in men 10.0% (95% CI 8.2-12.0), and in women 4.3% (95% CI 3.0-6.1) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In a group of 1510 well-characterized 65-year-olds with risk factors for stroke, 2-week intermittent ECG screening identified undiagnosed AF in 0.9%. The total prevalence of AF was 7.6%.

C2 HEST Score and Prediction of Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Poststroke Patients: A French Nationwide Study

Background

The C₂HEST score (coronary artery disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [1 point each]; hypertension [1 point]; elderly [age ≥75 years, 2 points]; systolic heart failure [2 points]; thyroid disease [hyperthyroidism, 1 point]) was initially proposed for predicting incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population. Its performance in poststroke patients remains to be established, especially because patients at high risk for incident AF should be targeted for more comprehensive screening. This study aimed to evaluate this newly established incident AF prediction risk score in a post–ischemic stroke population.

Methods and Results

Validation was based on a hospital‐based nationwide cohort with 240 459 French post–ischemic stroke patients. Kaplan–Meier curves for incident rate of AF depict differences between varying risk categories. Discrimination of the C₂HEST score was evaluated using the C index, the net reclassification index, integrated discriminatory improvement, and decision curve analysis. During 7.9±11.5 months of follow‐up, 14 095 patients developed incident AF. The incidence of AF increased from 23.5 per 1000 patient‐years in patients with a C₂HEST score of 0 to 196.8 per 1000 patient‐years in patients with a C₂HEST score ≥6. Kaplan–Meier curves showed a clear difference among different risk strata (log‐rank P<0.0001). The C₂HEST score had good discrimination with a C index of 0.734 (95% CI, 0.732–0.736), which was better than the Framingham risk score and the CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 [doubled], diabetes mellitus, stroke [doubled], vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, and female sex) (P<0.0001, respectively). The C₂HEST score was also superior to the Framingham risk score and the CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score as shown by the net reclassification index, integrated discriminatory improvement (P<0.0001, respectively) and decision curve analysis.

Conclusions

The C₂HEST score performed well in discriminating the individual risk of developing incident AF in a white European population hospitalized with previous ischemic stroke. This simple score may potentially be used as a risk stratification tool for decision making in relation to a screening strategy for AF in post–ischemic stroke patients.