Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter Inhibitors and Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Impact of initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor treatment on the development of arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardiac devices

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been associated with improved prognosis in patients with heart failure, but their impact on atrial arrhythmic (AA) and ventricular arrhythmic (VA) events is not fully understood.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study included patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators who initiated treatment with SGLT2i. AA and VA events were compared in 2 time periods for each patient: 1 year before and 1 year after starting SGLT2i.

RESULTS

The study included 195 patients (66.8 [61.3-73.1] years, 18.5% women). In the post-SGLT2i period, there was a reduction in the percentage of patients with any VA (pre: 52.3% vs post: 30.3%; P<.001) and clinically relevant VA (excluding nonsustained ventricular tachycardia) (pre: 21.5% vs post: 8.7%; P<.001). There was also a decrease in the number of episodes per patient/y of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (pre: 2 (1-5) vs post: 1 (0-2); P<.001) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (pre: 1 (1-3) vs post: 0 (0-2); P=0.046). However, no differences were observed in the prevalence of AA (24.7% vs 18.8%; P=.117) or the burden of atrial fibrillation (pre: 0% (0-0.1) vs post: 0% (0-0); P=.097).

CONCLUSIONS

Initiation of SGLT2i treatment was associated with a decrease in the percentage of patients with relevant VA but this effect was not observed for AA.

Bidirectional Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and Myocardial Infarction, and Relation to Mortality in the Framingham Heart Study

BACKGROUND

Individuals with both atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial infarction (MI) have higher mortality compared with individuals with only 1 condition. Whether mortality differs according to the temporal order of AF and MI is unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included participants from the FHS (Framingham Heart Study) from 1960 and onwards. We assessed the hazard ratio (HR) of new-onset AF and MI, and mortality according to MI and AF status (prevalent and interim) using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Interim diseases were modeled as time-varying variables. For the analysis of new-onset AF, 10 923 participants (55% women; mean±SD age, 54±8 years) were included. For new-onset MI, 10 804 participants (55% women; mean±SD age, 54±8 years) were included. Compared with no MI, the hazard of new-onset AF was higher in participants with prevalent (HR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.32-1.94]) and interim MI (HR, 3.96 [95% CI, 3.18-4.91]). Both ST-segment-elevation MI and non-ST-segment-elevation MI were associated with new-onset AF. Interim AF, not prevalent AF, was associated with higher hazard rate of new-onset MI (HR, 2.21 [95% CI, 1.67-2.92]). Interim AF was associated with both ST-segment-elevation MI and non-ST-segment-elevation MI. Mortality was significantly greater among participants with AF and MI compared with participants with 1 of the 2, regardless of temporal order.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a bidirectional association between AF and MI, which was observed for both non-ST-segment-elevation MI and ST-segment-elevation MI. Participants with both AF and MI had considerably higher mortality compared with participants with only 1 of the 2 conditions, regardless of order.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors for the prevention of atrial fibrillation: a systemic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are reported to have cardiac benefits. The effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) remain inconclusive. We aimed to investigate whether SGLT2 inhibitors can prevent AF occurrence in patients with cardiometabolic diseases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane CENTRAL database up to 1 July 2023. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), or cardiometabolic risk factors were included. The primary outcome was AF occurrence. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in the overall population and selected subgroups. Forty-six trials comprising 101 100 patients were included. Overall, no significant risk reduction of AF occurrence was observed with SGLT2 inhibitors, although there was a favourable trend (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80-1.01). In trials with follow-up durations of over 1 year, a similar result was achieved (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80-1.01). The results were consistent across different SGLT2 inhibitors, with RRs (95% CIs) of 0.82 (0.60-1.12) for canagliflozin, 0.87 (0.73-1.03) for dapagliflozin, 0.97 (0.78-1.22) for empagliflozin, 0.99 (0.66-1.50) for sotagliflozin, and 0.87 (0.58-1.29) for ertugliflozin. Analyses in different doses of SGLT2 inhibitors yielded similar results. The associations between SGLT2 inhibitors and AF occurrence were also absent in patients with diabetes, heart failure, and CKDs.

CONCLUSION

For patients with cardiometabolic diseases or risk factors, SGLT2 inhibitors did not decrease the risk of AF occurrence, regardless of follow-up duration, type or dose of the drug, or the patient population.

SGLT2 inhibitors: from glucose-lowering to cardiovascular benefits

An increasing number of individuals are at high risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its cardiovascular complications, including heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and eventually premature death. The sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) protein sits in the proximal tubule of human nephrons to regulate glucose reabsorption and its inhibition by gliflozins represents the cornerstone of contemporary T2D and HF management. Herein, we aim to provide an updated overview of the pleiotropy of gliflozins, provide mechanistic insights and delineate related cardiovascular (CV) benefits. By discussing contemporary evidence obtained in preclinical models and landmark randomized controlled trials, we move from bench to bedside across the broad spectrum of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. With landmark randomized controlled trials confirming a reduction in major adverse CV events (MACE; composite endpoint of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke), SGLT2 inhibitors strongly mitigate the risk for heart failure hospitalization in diabetics and non-diabetics alike while conferring renoprotection in specific patient populations. Along four major pathophysiological axes (i.e. at systemic, vascular, cardiac, and renal levels), we provide insights into the key mechanisms that may underlie their beneficial effects, including gliflozins' role in the modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular energy metabolism, and housekeeping mechanisms. We also discuss how this drug class controls hyperglycaemia, ketogenesis, natriuresis, and hyperuricaemia, collectively contributing to their pleiotropic effects. Finally, evolving data in the setting of cerebrovascular diseases and arrhythmias are presented and potential implications for future research and clinical practice are comprehensively reviewed.

Epicardial Atrial Fat at Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and AF Recurrence after Transcatheter Ablation

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has gained interest in recent years. The previous literature on the topic presents great heterogeneity, focusing especially on computed tomography imaging. The aim of the present study is to determine whether an increased volume of left atrial (LA) EAT evaluated at routine pre-procedural cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relates to AF recurrences after catheter ablation. A total of 50 patients undergoing AF cryoballoon ablation and pre-procedural cardiac MRI allowing quantification of LA EAT were enrolled. In one patient, the segmentation of LA EAT could not be achieved. After a median follow-up of 16.0 months, AF recurrences occurred in 17 patients (34%). The absolute volume of EAT was not different in patients with and without AF recurrences (10.35 mL vs. 10.29 mL; p-value = 0.963), whereas the volume of EAT indexed on the LA volume (EATi) was lower, albeit non-statistically significant, in patients free from arrhythmias (12.77% vs. 14.06%; p-value = 0.467). The receiver operating characteristic curve testing the ability of LA EATi to predict AF recurrence after catheter ablation showed sub-optimal performance (AUC: 0.588). The finest identified cut-off of LA EATi was 10.65%, achieving a sensitivity of 0.5, a specificity of 0.82, a positive predictive value of 0.59 and a negative predictive value of 0.76. Patients with values of LA EATi lower than 10.65% showed greater survival, free from arrhythmias, than patients with values above this cut-off (84% vs. 48%; p-value = 0.04). In conclusion, EAT volume indexed on the LA volume evaluated at cardiac MRI emerges as a possible independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence after AF cryoballoon ablation. Nevertheless, prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding and eventually sustain routine EAT evaluation in the management of patients undergoing AF catheter ablation.

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific HRS, and the Latin American HRS.

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society .

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) improve cardiovascular outcomes in a variety of settings. This study aimed to assess whether cardioprotective effects of MRAs are modified by heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) status and to study their impact on AF events.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched to 24 March 2023 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of MRAs as compared with placebo or usual care in reducing cardiovascular outcomes and AF events in patients with or at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Random-effects models and interaction analyses were used to test for effect modification.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of seven trials (20 741 participants, mean age: 65.6 years, 32% women) showed that the efficacy of MRAs, as compared with placebo, in reducing a composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization remains consistent across patients with HF [risk ratio = 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-0.98] and without HF (risk ratio = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.75-0.93; interaction P = .77). Among patients with HF, MRAs reduced cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization in patients with AF (hazard ratio = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.54-1.66) to a similar extent as in those without AF (hazard ratio = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.63-1.07; interaction P = .65). Pooled data from 20 trials (21 791 participants, mean age: 65.2 years, 31.3% women) showed that MRAs reduce AF events (risk ratio = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.67-0.87) in both patients with and without prior AF.

CONCLUSIONS

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are similarly effective in preventing cardiovascular events in patients with and without HF and most likely retain their efficacy regardless of AF status. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists may also be moderately effective in preventing incident or recurrent AF events.

Association between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and arrhythmic outcomes in patients with diabetes and pre-existing atrial fibrillation

AIMS

Prior studies suggest that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) may decrease the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is unknown whether SGLT2i can attenuate the disease course of AF among patients with pre-existing AF and Type II diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, our objective was to examine the association between SGLT2i prescription and arrhythmic outcomes among patients with DM and pre-existing AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a population-based cohort study of adults with DM and AF between 2014 and 2019. Using a prevalent new-user design, individuals prescribed SGLT2i were matched 1:1 to those prescribed dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is) based on time-conditional propensity scores. The primary endpoint was a composite of AF-related healthcare utilization (i.e. hospitalization, emergency department visits, electrical cardioversion, or catheter ablation). Secondary outcome measures included all-cause mortality, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association of SGLT2i with the study endpoint. Among 2242 patients with DM and AF followed for an average of 3.0 years, the primary endpoint occurred in 8.7% (n = 97) of patients in the SGLT2i group vs. 10.0% (n = 112) of patients in the DPP4i group [adjusted hazard ratio 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.55-0.96; P = 0.03)]. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors were associated with significant reductions in all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization, but there was no difference in the risk of ischaemic stroke/TIA.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with DM and pre-existing AF, SGLT2is are associated with decreased AF-related health resource utilization and improved arrhythmic outcomes compared with DPP4is.

Association between baseline glycated hemoglobin level and atrial fibrillation recurrence following cryoballoon ablation among patients with and without diabetes

OBJECTIVES

The study aims to assess the effect of baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence following cryoballoon ablation in patients with and without diabetes.

METHODS

Consecutive AF patients receiving first cryoballoon ablation between April 2018 and April 2021 were included. AF recurrence and other clinical outcomes were recorded for a minimum of 12 months post-ablation, with regular assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months, followed by annual check-ups. The primary outcome was AF recurrence after ablation at longest follow-up. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI per standard deviation (SD) increase of baseline HbA1c level.

RESULTS

335 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 61.7 years, 61.8% were male. 12.8% had type 2 diabetes, and 81.7% of patients had paroxysmal AF. The median level of HbA1c was 5.3%, and the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.8. All cryoballoon ablation procedures, utilizing a 28-mm balloon, achieved successful pulmonary vein isolation. Over a median follow-up of 18 months, 105 patients (31.3%) experienced AF recurrence. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, a higher HbA1c level, persistent AF (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.39, P = 0.026), alcohol consumption (HR 2.67, 95% CI 1.33 to 5.37, P = 0.006), and Nadir RSPV (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.08, P = 0.005) were significant predictors of AF recurrence. Per-SD increase of HbA1c was associated with a 1.75-fold increase risk of AF recurrence (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.21, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that a higher HbA1c level was associated with a higher risk of AF recurrence in patients with and without diabetes, and in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF.

CONCLUSION

Baseline HbA1c level was an independent predictor of AF recurrence following cryoablation, both in patients with and without diabetes.

Differing Efficacy of Dapagliflozin Versus Empagliflozin on the Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Real-World Observation Using a Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort

BACKGROUND

Meta-analyses of large clinical trials investigating SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2) inhibitors have suggested their protective effects against atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the results were predominantly driven from trials involving dapagliflozin.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used a nationwide, population-based cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes who initiated either dapagliflozin or empagliflozin between May 2016 and December 2018. An active-comparator, new-user design was used, and the 2 groups of patients were matched using propensity scores. The primary outcome was incident nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, which was analyzed using both the main intention-to-treat and sensitivity analysis that censored patients who skipped their medications for ≥30 days. Men ≥55 years of age and women ≥60 years of age with ≥1 traditional risk factor or those with established cardiovascular disease were categorized as high cardiovascular risk group. Patients not included in the high-risk group were categorized as low risk. After 1:1 propensity-score matching, a total of 137 928 patients (mean age, 55 years; 58% men) were included and followed up for 2.2±0.6 years. The risk of incident atrial fibrillation was significantly lower in the dapagliflozin group in both the main (hazard ratio [HR], 0.885 [95% CI, 0.789-0.992]) and sensitivity analyses (HR, 0.835 [95% CI, 0.719-0.970]). Notably, this was consistent in both the low and high cardiovascular risk groups. There was no effect modification by age, sex, body mass index, duration of diabetes, or renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world, population-based study demonstrates that patients with type 2 diabetes using dapagliflozin may have a lower risk of developing nonvalvular atrial fibrillation than those using empagliflozin.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the prognosis of cancer. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been shown to have a negative effect on patients treated with ICIs. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are effective antidiabetic therapies associated with reduced all-cause mortality and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic value of SGLT2i on all-cause mortality and cardiotoxicity among patients treated with ICIs.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with cancer and type 2 DM (DM2) and treated with ICIs at our center. Patients were divided into two groups according to baseline treatment with or without SGLT2i. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was MACE, including myocarditis, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and arrhythmia.

RESULTS

The cohort included 119 patients, with 24 (20%) patients assigned to the SGLT2i group. Both groups exhibited a comparable prevalence of cardiac risk factors, although the SGLT2i group displayed a higher incidence of ischemic heart disease. Over a median follow-up of 28 months, 61 (51%) patients died, with a significantly lower all-cause mortality rate in the SGLT2i group (21% vs. 59%, p = 0.002). While there were no significant differences in MACE, we observed zero cases of myocarditis and atrial fibrillation in the SGLT2i, compared to 2 and 6 cases in the non-SGLT2i group.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2i therapy was associated with a lower all-cause mortality rate in patients diagnosed with cancer and DM2 and treated with ICIs. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism and evaluate its benefit on cardiotoxicity.

Body Fat Depletion: the Yin Paradigm for Treating Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight that body fat depletion (the Yin paradigm) with glucose-lowering treatments (the Yang paradigm) are associated with metabolic benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RECENT FINDINGS

The sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-mediated sodium/glucose deprivation can directly improve glycemic control and kidney outcome in patients with T2DM. The glucose deprivation might also promote systemic fatty acid β-oxidation to deplete ectopic/visceral fat and thereby contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. As with metabolic surgery, bioengineered incretin-based medications with potent anorexigenic and insulinotropic efficacy can significantly reduce blood glucose as well as body weight (especially in the ectopic/visceral fat depots). The latter effects could be a key contributor to their cardiovascular-renal protective effects. In addition to a healthy diet, the newer glucose-lowering medications, with body fat reduction effects, should be prioritized when treating patients with T2DM, especially for those with established cardiovascular/renal risks or diseases.

Effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) is reported to reduce incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with or without diabetes; however, its cardiovascular (CV) benefit for AF patients remains unclear.

SS AIMS

To investigate the effect of SGLT2i on the incidence of CV events in patients with AF.

METHODS

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of SGLT2i on CV outcomes in patients with or without AF were included (PROSPERO: CRD 42023431535). The primary endpoint was the composite outcome of heart failure (HF) hospitalization and CV death. Additionally, we assessed the effects of treatment in prespecified subgroups on HF hospitalization, CV death, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Among 38,529 participants from all trials, 5018 patients with AF were treated with SGLT2i. The follow-up period of these trials ranged from 2.3 to 3.3 years. SGLT2i treatment was significantly associated with the risk reduction of primary endpoint in patients with AF (risk ratio [RR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.88; p < 0.001), consistent with the finding in the general population (p for interaction = 0.76). SGLT2i was also associated with a consistent reduction in the risk of HF hospitalization in patients with AF (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.69-0.84; p < 0.001) or not (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64-0.80; p < 0.0001), with no statistical difference between them (p for interaction = 0.41). Meta-regression further revealed no significant association between the prevalence of HF with reduced ejection fraction or diabetes and the effect size of SGLT2i.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment effects of SGLT2i were associated with a lower incidence of CV events, especially HF hospitalization, in patients with AF.

Impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor on Recurrence After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Diabetes: A Propensity-Score Matching Study and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The association between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation among patients with diabetes and AF remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with AF undergoing initial catheter ablation with a history of diabetes from the China AF registry were included. Patients using SGLT2i were identified and matched by propensity score with non-SGLT2i patients in a 1:3 ratio. The main outcome was AF recurrence during the 18-month follow-up. A total of 138 patients with diabetes with SGLT2i therapy and 387 without SGLT2i were analyzed. AF recurrence occurred in 37 patients (26.8%) in the SGLT2i group and 152 patients (39.3%) in the non-SGLT2i group during a total of 593.3 person-years follow-up. The SGLT2i group was associated with lower AF recurrence compared with the non-SGLT2i group (hazard ratio, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.44-0.90], P=0.007). A total of 4 studies were analyzed in our meta-analysis demonstrating that SGLT2i was associated with lower AF recurrence after catheter ablation (odds ratio, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.54-0.69]; P<0.001, I2=0.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our prospective study coupled with a meta-analysis demonstrated a lower risk of AF recurrence with the use of SGLT2i among patients with diabetes after AF ablation.

SGLT inhibitors for improving Healthspan and lifespan

Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor/inhibition (SGLTi), initially approved as a glucose-lowering therapy for type 2 diabetes, is associated with decreased risks for many of the most common conditions of aging, including heart failure, chronic kidney disease, all-cause hospitalization, atrial fibrillation, cancer, gout, emphysema, neurodegenerative disease/dementia, emphysema, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerotic disease, and infections. Studies also show that SGLTi improves overall life expectancy and reduces risks of cardiovascular death and cancer death. These wide-ranging health benefits are largely unexplained by the SGLTi's modest improvements in standard risk factors. SGLTi produces upregulation of nutrient deprivation signaling and downregulation of nutrient surplus signaling. This in turn promotes autophagy, which helps to optimize cellular integrity and prevent apoptotic cell death. SGLTi decreases oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, restores of mitochondrial health, stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, and diminishes proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways. These actions help to revitalize senescent cells, tissues, and organs. In summary, SGLTi appears to slow aging, prevent disease, and improve life expectancy, and its mechanisms of action lend strong biological plausibility to this hypothesis. Further randomized trials are warranted to test whether SGLTi, a safe and well-tolerated, once-daily pill, might improve healthspan and lifespan.

Mechanisms of benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

For decades, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) proved an elusive entity to treat. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have recently been shown to reduce the composite of heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death in patients with HFpEF in the landmark DELIVER and EMPEROR-Preserved trials. While improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, and attenuation of kidney disease progression all may play some role, preclinical and translational research have identified additional mechanisms of these agents. The SGLT2 inhibitors have intriguingly been shown to induce a nutrient-deprivation and hypoxic-like transcriptional paradigm, with increased ketosis, erythropoietin, and autophagic flux in addition to altering iron homeostasis, which may contribute to improved cardiac energetics and function. These agents also reduce epicardial adipose tissue and alter adipokine signalling, which may play a role in the reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress observed with SGLT2 inhibition. Emerging evidence also indicates that these drugs impact cardiomyocyte ionic homeostasis although whether this is through indirect mechanisms or via direct, off-target effects on other ion channels has yet to be clearly characterized. Finally, SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce myofilament stiffness as well as extracellular matrix remodelling/fibrosis in the heart, improving diastolic function. The SGLT2 inhibitors have established themselves as robust, disease-modifying therapies and as recent trial results are incorporated into clinical guidelines, will likely become foundational in the therapy of HFpEF.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors and cardiac arrhythmias

The introduction of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors as a new and effective class of therapeutic agents for type 2 diabetes (T2D) preventing the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys and thus facilitating glucose excretion in the urine, but also as agents with cardiovascular benefits, particularly in patients with heart failure (HF), regardless of the diabetic status, has ushered in a new era in treating patients with T2D and/or HF. In addition, data have recently emerged indicating an antiarrhythmic effect of the SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with and without diabetes. Prospective studies, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have provided robust evidence for a protective and beneficial effect of these agents against atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The antiarrhythmic mechanisms involved include reverse atrial and ventricular remodeling, amelioration of mitochondrial function, reduction of hypoglycemic episodes with their attendant arrhythmogenic effects, attenuated sympathetic nervous system activity, regulation of sodium and calcium homeostasis, and suppression of prolonged ventricular repolarization. These new data on antiarrhythmic actions of SGLT2 inhibitors are herein reviewed, potential mechanisms involved are discussed and pictorially illustrated, and treatment results on specific arrhythmias are described and tabulated.

Recent Advances in Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy

Cardiac arrhythmias remain a common cause of death and disability. Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and antiarrhythmic agents remain a cornerstone of current cardiac arrhythmia management, despite moderate efficacy and the potential for significant adverse proarrhythmic effects. Due to conceptual, regulatory and financial considerations, the number of novel antiarrhythmic targets and agents in the development pipeline has decreased substantially during the last few decades. However, several promising candidates remain and there are exciting developments in repurposing and reformulating already existing drugs for indications related to cardiac arrhythmias. This review discusses the key conceptual considerations for the development of new antiarrhythmic agents, summarizes new compounds and formulations currently in clinical development for rhythm control of atrial fibrillation, and highlights the potential for drug repurposing. Finally, future directions in AAD development are discussed. Together with an ever-increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias, these components support a cautiously optimistic outlook towards improved pharmacological treatment opportunities for patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmias.

Association between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and incident atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We investigated the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on the incidence of AF and/or AFL in HFrEF patients. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched until March 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled patients with HFrEF. A total of six RCTs with 9467 patients were included (N = 4731 in the SGLT2i arms; N = 4736 in the placebo arms). Compared to placebo, SGLT2i treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AF [relative risk (RR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval CI 0.44-0.86; P = 0.005] and AF/AFL (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.87; P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis showed that empagliflozin use resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of AF (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.34-0.89; P = 0.01) and AF/AFL (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.32-0.77; P = 0.002). By contrast, dapagliflozin use was not associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AF (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.43-1.11; P = 0.12) or AF/AFL (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.53-1.27; P = 0.38). Additionally, a "shorter" duration (< 1.5 years) of treatment with SGLT2i remained associated with a reduction in the risk of AF (< 1.5 years; RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.91; P = 0.02) and AF/AFL (< 1.5 years; RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.80; P = 0.003). In conclusion, SGLT2i therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AF and AF/AFL in patients with HFrEF. These results reinforce the value of using SGLT2i in this setting.

SGLT2 inhibitors: an evidence-based update on cardiovascular implications

INTRODUCTION

Sodium Glucose co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (also known as 'gliflozins') represent a cornerstone to treat diabetes mellitus. Moreover, recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated important cardioprotective effects of gliflozins, independent of the presence of diabetes. Herein, we summarize the recent therapeutic progress in the cardiovascular field obtained with SGLT2 inhibitors.

AREA COVERED

We critically examine the rationale and results of recent clinical studies examining the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes, along with a brief overview of the main ongoing trials that have been designed in order to answer the many pending questions in the field of gliflozins and cardiovascular disease.

EXPERT OPINION

The favorable results of several clinical trials have broadened the therapeutic scenario for SGLT2 inhibitors, opening, at the same time, new challenges. Additionally, recent preclinical findings have evidenced off-target effects of SGLT2 inhibitors.

SGLT2i alleviates epicardial adipose tissue inflammation by modulating ketone body-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase malonylation pathway

AIMS

Inflammation in the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a contributor to atrial fibrillation. Studies have reported that sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) can alleviate EAT inflammation. However, the mechanism remains elusive. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism of SGLT2i in reducing EAT inflammation and to explore the effects of SGLT2i on atrial fibrosis in atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with angiotensin II to induce atrial fibrillation and randomly assigned to receive SGLT2i ( n  = 6) or vehicle ( n  = 6). Macrophages (RAW264.7) were treated with ketone bodies; ACC1 knockdown/overexpression and malonyl-CoA overexpression were performed in vitro . The levels of inflammatory cytokines, ACC1, and malonyl-CoA were examined by ELISA. GAPDH malonylation was measured by co-immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

In atrial fibrillation rats, SGLT2i increased the ketone body levels and decreased the expression of ACC1 and alleviated EAT inflammation and atrial fibrosis. In RAW264.7 cells, ketone bodies decreased the levels of ACC1, malonyl-CoA, and GAPDH malonylation, accompanied by reduced inflammatory cytokines. ACC1 knockdown decreased the expression of malonyl-CoA and GAPDH malonylation and alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage inflammation; these effects were inhibited by malonyl-CoA overexpression. Furthermore, the protective effects of ketone bodies on macrophage inflammation were abrogated by ACC1 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2i alleviates EAT inflammation by reducing GAPDH malonylation via downregulating the expression of ACC1 through increasing ketone bodies, thus attenuating atrial fibrosis.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Treatment and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: Scandinavian Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in routine clinical practice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used nationwide registers in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden from 2013 to 2018 in order to include patients without a history of AF who were newly prescribed an SGLT2 inhibitor or an active comparator (glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1] receptor agonist). We performed a cohort study to assess new-onset AF in intention-to-treat analyses using Cox regression, adjusted for baseline covariates with propensity score weighting.

RESULTS

We identified 79,343 new users of SGLT2 inhibitors (59.2% dapagliflozin, 40.0% empagliflozin, 0.8% canagliflozin, <0.1% ertugliflozin) and 57,613 new users of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Mean age of the study cohort was 61 years and 60% were men. The adjusted incidence rate of new-onset AF was 8.6 per 1,000 person-years for new users of SGLT2 inhibitors compared with 10.0 per 1,000 person-years for new users of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 0.89 (95% CI 0.81-0.96), and the rate difference was 1.4 fewer events per 1,000 person-years (95% CI 0.6-2.1). Using an as-treated exposure definition, the aHR for new-onset AF was 0.87 (95% CI 0.76-0.99). No statistically significant heterogeneity of the aHRs was observed between subgroups of patients with and without a history of heart failure or major cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort study using nationwide data from three countries, use of SGLT2 inhibitors, compared with GLP-1 receptor agonists, was associated with a modestly reduced risk of new-onset AF.

Atrial fibrillation: Epigenetic aspects and role of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Pathophysiological aspects consist in the activation of pro-fibrotic signaling and Ca²⁺ handling abnormalities at atrial level. Structural and electrical remodeling creates a substrate for AF by triggering conduction abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmias. The care of AF patients focuses predominantly on anticoagulation, symptoms control and the management of risk factors and comorbidities. The goal of AF therapy points to restore sinus rhythm, re-establish atrioventricular synchrony and improve atrial contribution to the stroke volume. New layer of information to better comprehend AF pathophysiology, and identify targets for novel pharmacological interventions consists of the epigenetic phenomena including, among others, DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs. Moreover, the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients at cardiovascular risk as well as emerging evidence on the ability of SGLT2i to modify epigenetic signature in cardiovascular diseases provide a solid background to investigate a possible role of this drug class in the onset and progression of AF. In this review, following a summary of pathophysiology and management, epigenetic mechanisms in AF and the potential of sodium-glucose SGLT2i in AF patients are discussed.

Obesity as a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias

Obesity is global health problem with an estimated three billion people worldwide being classified as overweight or obese. In addition to being associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, obesity is linked to higher risks of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, as well as sudden cardiac death. Obesity is a multifactorial disease that often co-exists with hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnoea, which are also independent risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias. Nevertheless, compelling evidence suggests that increasing adiposity is an independent proarrhythmic risk factor and that weight loss can be a mitigating and preventative intervention to reduce arrhythmia incidence. This review briefly outlines the economic and social burden of obesity and summarises evidence for the direct and indirect effects of increasing adiposity on risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. The paper also summarises the evidence for electrocardiographic changes indicative of obesity-related atrial and ventricular remodelling and how weight reduction and management of comorbidity might reduce arrhythmic burden.

Association of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors With Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

IMPORTANCE

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) have demonstrated many cardiovascular and kidney function benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the results of SGLT-2i use in primary prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) were inconsistent in clinical trials, and incident AF was not a prespecified end point.

OBJECTIVE

To examine incident AF with initiation of an SGLT-2i compared with initiation of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) or a glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) among older adults (aged ≥66 years) with T2D in routine clinical practice.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A population-based new-user cohort study included older adults with T2D who had no history of AF and were enrolled in Medicare fee-for-service from April 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018. Data analysis was performed from June 28 to December 1, 2021.

EXPOSURES

To control for potential confounding, new users of SGLT-2i were 1:1 propensity score (PS)-matched to new users of DPP-4is or GLP-1RAs in 2 pairwise comparisons based on 138 baseline covariates.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was incident AF, defined as an inpatient diagnosis code for AF. Hazard ratios (HRs) and rate differences (RDs) per 1000 person-years, with their 95% CIs, were estimated in the PS-matched groups.

RESULTS

New users of SGLT-2is were 1:1 PS-matched to new users of a DPP-4i (n = 74 868) or GLP-1RA (n = 80 475). Overall, the mean (SD) age of study participants was 72 (5) years, and 165 984 were women (53.4%). The risk of incident AF was lower in the SGLT-2i group than the matched DPP-4i group (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.89; RD, -3.7; 95% CI, -5.2 to -2.2 per 1000 person-years) or the matched GLP-1RA group (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.98; RD, -1.8; 95% CI, -3.2 to -0.3 per 1000 person-years). Results were consistent across several sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this study suggest that the initiation of an SGLT-2i was associated with a reduced risk of incident AF compared with a DPP-4i or GLP-1RA. The results may be helpful when weighing the potential risks and benefits of various glucose level-lowering agents in older adults with T2D.

In-hospital arrhythmic burden reduction in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with SGLT2-inhibitors: Insights from the SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT study

Background

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) have shown significant cardiovascular benefits in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They have also gained interest for their potential anti-arrhythmic role and their ability to reduce the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in T2DM and heart failure patients.

Objectives

To investigate in-hospital new-onset cardiac arrhythmias in a cohort of T2DM patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with SGLT2-i vs. other oral anti-diabetic agents (non-SGLT2-i users).

Methods

Patients from the SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT registry (NCT05261867) were stratified according to the use of SGLT2-i before admission for AMI, divided into SGLT2-i users vs. non-SGLT2-i users. In-hospital outcomes included the occurrence of in-hospital new-onset cardiac arrhythmias (NOCAs), defined as a composite of new-onset AF and sustained new-onset ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or ventricular fibrillation (VF) during hospitalization.

Results

The study population comprised 646 AMI patients categorized into SGLT2-i users (111 patients) and non-SGLT2-i users (535 patients). SGLT2-i users had a lower rate of NOCAs compared with non-SGLT2-i users (6.3 vs. 15.7%, p = 0.010). Moreover, SGLT2-i was associated with a lower rate of AF and VT/VF considered individually (p = 0.032). In the multivariate logistic regression model, after adjusting for all confounding factors, the use of SGLT2-i was identified as an independent predictor of the lower occurrence of NOCAs (OR = 0.35; 95%CI 0.14-0.86; p = 0.022). At multinomial logistic regression, after adjusting for potential confounders, SGLT2-i therapy remained an independent predictor of VT/VF occurrence (OR = 0.20; 95%CI 0.04-0.97; p = 0.046) but not of AF occurrence.

Conclusions

In T2DM patients, the use of SGLT2-i was associated with a lower risk of new-onset arrhythmic events during hospitalization for AMI. In particular, the primary effect was expressed in the reduction of VAs. These findings emphasize the cardioprotective effects of SGLT2-i in the setting of AMI beyond glycemic control.

Trial registration

Data are part of the observational international registry: SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05261867.

Association of Eligibility for a Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce heart failure (HF) in a broad range of populations, but they have not been studied specifically in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to examine the association between SGLT2i eligibility and cardiovascular events in patients with AF to evaluate the potential utility of SGLT2is for AF management.

METHODS

We pooled data from 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with AF (RE-LY and ACTIVE-W). Among patients assigned to anticoagulation arms, those meeting the enrollment criteria from at least 1 of the phase 3 SGLT2i RCTs were classified as "SGLT2i eligible" and the remainder as "SGLT2i ineligible." The primary outcome was the composite of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

A total of 21,484 patients with AF (mean age: 71.2 ± 8.8, 36.1% women, median CHA2DS2-VASc Score = 3) were included. The proportion of patients with AF eligible for SGLT2i was 41.2%. SGLT2i-eligible patients had higher rates of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF (5.8 vs 3.2 per 100 person-years, Plog-rank < 0.001), cardiovascular death (3.9 vs 1.5 per 100 person-years, Plog-rank < 0.001), and hospitalization for HF (2.5 vs 1.9 per 100 person-years, Plog-rank < 0.001). The age- and sex-adjusted model showed that SGLT2i-eligible patients were at a higher risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for HF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79-2.17; P < 0.001), cardiovascular death (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.41-3.13; P < 0.001), and hospitalization for HF (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.23-1.62; P < 0.001) than ineligible patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with AF do not currently have indications for SGLT2is but still have substantial risk of cardiovascular events. Future randomized trials should evaluate the efficacy of SGLT2is in patients with AF.

Using real-world data for supporting regulatory decision making: Comparison of cardiovascular and safety outcomes of an empagliflozin randomized clinical trial versus real-world data

Aims: In countries where a randomized clinical trial (RCT) is difficult to perform, a real-world evidence (RWE) study with a design similar to an RCT may be an option for drug regulatory decision-making. In this study, the objective was to find out to what extent the safety of empagliflozin from the RWE study in Korea is different from the one in RCT by emulating the design of foreign RCT. The outcome covers various safety outcomes including cardiovascular safety.

Methods: The EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial (NCT01131676) was selected for comparison. The inclusion/exclusion criteria and follow-up method for the RWE were matched to the comparison RCT. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were used as a primary outcome and 15 other outcomes were also included for analysis.

Result: We followed 23,126 matched patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (11,563 empagliflozin users and 11,563 sitagliptin users) for 2.7 years (median). Empagliflozin use was associated with a significantly decreased risk of MACEs [EMPA-REG DUPLICATE RWE: adjusted HR 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–0.96]. The predefined estimate agreement, regulatory agreement, and standardized difference for RCT duplication were achieved [EMPA-REG OUTCOME RCT: adjusted HR 0.86, 95% (CI) 0.74–0.99]. According to the predefined criteria for 15 outcomes, 10 outcomes were evaluated as good, and three as moderate.

Conclusion: Our study results suggest that RWE in one country in comparison with an RCT has the potential for providing evidence for future regulatory decision-making in an environment where RCT could not be performed.

Management of Atrial Fibrillation Across the Spectrum of Heart Failure With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia among patients with heart failure (HF), and HF is the most common cause of death for patients presenting with clinical AF. AF is frequently associated with pathological atrial myocardial dysfunction and remodeling, a triad that has been called atrial myopathy. AF can be the cause or consequence of clinical HF, and the directionality varies between individual patients and across the spectrum of HF. Although initial trials suggested no advantage for a systematic rhythm control strategy in HF with reduced ejection fraction, recent data suggest that select patients may benefit from attempts to maintain sinus rhythm with catheter ablation. Preliminary data also show a close relationship among AF, left atrial myopathy, mitral regurgitation, and HF with preserved ejection, with potential clinical benefits to catheter ablation therapy. The modern management of AF in HF also requires consideration of the degree of atrial myopathy and chronicity of AF, in addition to the pathogenesis and phenotype of the underlying left ventricular HF. In this review, we summarize the contemporary management of AF and provide practical guidance and areas in need of future investigation.

Prognostic impact of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in atrial fibrillation and the effect of severe hypoglycaemia: A nationwide cohort study

AIMS

To compare prognosis between individuals without diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes in a nationwide atrial fibrillation cohort in Sweden and study the significance of severe hypoglycaemia.

METHODS

Using data from all-inclusive national registers, 309,611 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation were enrolled during 2013-2014. Of these, 2,221 had type 1 and 58,073 had type 2 diabetes. Patients were followed for all-cause mortality until March 27, 2017, and for myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and first-ever diagnosis of heart failure or dementia until December 31, 2015. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox and competing risk regression.

RESULTS

Using individuals without diabetes as reference (HR = 1), the adjusted HRs in type 1 versus type 2 diabetes were for mortality 1.87 (CI 1.73-2.02) vs. 1.51 (CI 1.47-1.55), heart failure 1.59 (CI 1.42-1.78) vs. 1.41 (CI 1.34-1.48), myocardial infarction 2.49 (CI 2.17-2.85) vs. 1.70 (CI 1.59-1.81), ischaemic stroke 1.59 (CI 1.35-1.87) vs. 1.31 (CI 1.22-1.40) and dementia 1.46 (CI 1.15-1.85) vs. 1.28 (CI 1.18-1.40). Among individuals with type 2 diabetes, those with previous severe hypoglycaemia had increased risk of mortality (HR 1.26; CI 1.17-1.36) and dementia (HR 1.37; CI 1.08-1.73) compared with those without previous severe hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSION

Presence of diabetes-regardless of type- in atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of premature death, cardiovascular events and dementia. This increase is more pronounced in type 1 than in type 2 diabetes. A history of severe hypoglycaemia is associated with a worsened prognosis in type 2 diabetes.

Elevated Premature Ventricular Complex counts on 24-hour ECG predict incident atrial fibrillation and heart failure - A prospective population-based cohort study

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Glycemic control and atrial fibrillation: an intricate relationship, yet under investigation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) constitute two major closely inter-related chronic cardiovascular disorders whose concurrent prevalence rates are steadily increasing. Although, the pathogenic mechanisms behind the AF and DM comorbidity are still vague, it is now clear that DM precipitates AF occurrence. DM also affects the clinical course of established AF; it is associated with significant increase in the incidence of stroke, AF recurrence, and cardiovascular mortality. The impact of DM on AF management and prognosis has been adequately investigated. However, evidence on the relative impact of glycemic control using glycated hemoglobin levels is scarce. This review assesses up-to-date literature on the association between DM and AF. It also highlights the usefulness of glycated hemoglobin measurement for the prediction of AF and AF-related adverse events. Additionally, this review evaluates current anti-hyperglycemic treatment in the context of AF, and discusses AF-related decision-making in comorbid DM. Finally, it quotes significant remaining questions and sets some future strategies with the potential to effectively deal with this prevalent comorbidity.

SGLT2 Inhibitors and Their Antiarrhythmic Properties

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are gaining ground as standard therapy for heart failure with a class-I recommendation in the recently updated heart failure guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology. Different gliflozins have shown impressive beneficial effects in patients with and without diabetes mellitus type 2, especially in reducing the rates for hospitalization for heart failure, yet little is known on their antiarrhythmic properties. Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias were reported by clinical outcome trials with SGLT2 inhibitors as adverse events, and SGLT2 inhibitors seemed to reduce the rate of arrhythmias compared to placebo treatment in those trials. Mechanistical links are mainly unrevealed, since hardly any experiments investigated their impact on arrhythmias. Prospective trials are currently ongoing, but no results have been published so far. Arrhythmias are common in the heart failure population, therefore the understanding of possible interactions with SGLT2 inhibitors is crucial. This review summarizes evidence from clinical data as well as the sparse experimental data of SGLT2 inhibitors and their effects on arrhythmias.