The Significance of Detective Arrhythmia by Using the Long- Term Ecg Monitoring in the Elderly “so Called” Healthy People: A Screening Study

Abstract BackgroundArrhythmias are potential harmful diseases to human beings, especially atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia, for causing serious consequences such as acute stroke or even sudden cardiac death. Recently the screening of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation by using the long-term ECG monitoring has been widely noticed. The study is to evaluate the significance of detective arrhythmia by using the long-term ECG monitoring in the elderly “so called” healthy people who never have the symptoms of palpitation, short breath or deny previous history of arrhythmia.MethodsWe enrolled a screening study of 1056 participants who were the elderly “so called” healthy people and ready to have a healthy examination from three different communities. They all underwent a long-term ECG monitoring（an adhesive patch）to evaluate cardiac arrhythmia. Inclusion criterias were 1) without any symptoms, 2) age ≥55, and 3) denying previous history of arrhythmia. We excluded patients with prior arrhythmias and who carried the patch for less than one day due to various factors. Then we compared the detected arrhythmia events in the first 24 hours and the total wearing time. ResultsOut of 1056 participants (69.8±12.0 years, 620 males), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) was present in 538 subjects (44% VS 54%, 24 hours VS after 24 hours, P>0.05), atrial fibrillation (AF) was detected in 69 subjects (75% VS 25%, 24 hours VS after 24 hours, P<0.001), second degree type II atrioventricular block/third degree atrioventricular block (AVB) and sinus arrest were detected in 9 subjects(22% VS 78%, 24 hours VS after 24 hours, P<0.001),ventricular tachycardia was detected in 29 subjects (31% VS 69%, 24 hours VS after 24 hours, P<0.001). The adhesive patch monitor detected 32.10%（339/1056）arrhythmia events over the first 24 hours compared with arrhythmia events over the total wearing time of the devices, 61.08%（645/1056）(P<0.001). ConclusionsThe long-term adhesive patch monitor (APM) can improve the diagnosis of conceal arrhythmias which have high risks for life quality and lifespan in the elderly “so called ” healthy people, and the diagnostic advantage in bradycardia and ventricular arrhythmias are more obvious.

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Abstract 4427: Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Predicts Long Term Fatal Outcomes in Elderly Hypertensives Despite Diuretic-Based Antihypertensive Treatment: 14-Year Follow-Up of the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP)

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.118.suppl_18.s_887-c ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽

Author(s):

Tudor Vagaonescu ◽

Alan C Wilson ◽

John B Kostis

Keyword(s):

Antihypertensive Treatment ◽

Ventricular Hypertrophy ◽

Previous History ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cardiovascular Death ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

History Of

Background: To assess if diuretic-based antihypertensive treatment improves long term fatal (cardiovascular) outcomes in the elderly with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and ECG documented left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: Retrospective analysis of the SHEP database of 4,736 patients age ≥60 years and ISH and subsequent vital status ascertainment by matching to the National Death Index. Results: 348 subjects (7.35%) of SHEP participants had ECG documented LVH at baseline. Subjects with LVH had at baseline: higher SBP and pulse pressure (p<0.0001), carotid bruits (13% vs. 7%, p<0.0001) and previous history of myocardial infarction (8% vs. 4%, p=.0008) when compared with participants without LVH. There were no significant differences with regard to age, sex, heart rate, body mass index, smoking and alcohol use, previous history of stroke, diabetes, angina, and assignment to treatment or placebo group. Over 14.3 years (mean) of follow up subjects with baseline LVH experienced significantly more all cause mortality (51% vs. 40%, p<0.0001) and cardiovascular death (24% vs. 19%, p=0.002) than participants without baseline LVH. In the group of participants with LVH at baseline active treatment of hypertension did not decrease all cause mortality (51% vs. 50%, NS) or cardiovascular death (26% vs. 24%, NS). There was no statistically significant interaction between LVH and the assignment to treatment (antihypertensive medication vs. placebo). In a multivariable analysis, the adjusted Cox hazard ratio of developing any fatal outcome in the LVH group was 1.181 (95% CI 1.005–1.387, p=0.043) after adjusting for age, sex, race, history of myocardial infarction, diabetes, alcohol smoking status, education, blood pressure, and assignment to treatment or to placebo group. Conclusion: In the elderly with ISH the presence of LVH documented by ECG increased the risk for long term fatal outcomes despite treatment with diuretic-based antihypertensive therapy. Although active treatment lowered risk in the SHEP study, treated participants with LVH had a higher risk for fatal outcomes than treated subjects without LVH.

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Subacute post-operative atrial fibrillation after valvular surgery in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation: predictive factors

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.3093 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

F Maranta ◽

A Bonaccorso ◽

V Rizza ◽

S Pellegrino ◽

C Meloni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Cardiac Surgery ◽

Mitral Valve ◽

Hospital Stay ◽

Acute Phase ◽

Previous History ◽

Mitral Valve Surgery ◽

Valve Surgery ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most frequent arrhythmic complication following cardiac surgery (occurring in up to one third of patients). It may develop between the second and fourth postoperative days (acute POAF) as well as later, within 30 days after surgery (subacute). Episodes of atrial fibrillation in the subacute phase (sPOAF) are associated with an increase in morbidity, length of hospital stay and several complications both in the mid- and long- term. Therefore, POAF is not just an acute event but it may impact on long term clinical outcomes. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to identify the clinical predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation in the subacute phase (sPOAF) in patients performing Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (CR) after cardiac surgery. Materials and methods A retrospective study was conducted on 737 post-surgical valvular patients (median age 62 years; 55,4% male) hospitalised in our Unit for in-patient CR program. During all the hospital stay patients received continuous monitoring with 12-lead ECG telemetry. We evaluated the predictive value of anamnestic data, the type of cardiac surgery intervention, the clinical course in the Cardiac Surgery Unit and in the CR Unit, the 6 minutes-walking tests (6MWT) parameters and main blood tests on sPOAF onset. Results SPOAF was documented in 170 patients (23,1%). Those who developed sPOAF were older [median 66 (56–74) years vs median 61 (50–70) years; p<0,001), had a history of atrial fibrillation prior to surgery (29,4% vs 16,2%; p<0,001), had a worse functional result at the 6MWT at the admission in CR Unit [median 250 (180–320) vs median 275 (210–370); p=0,015], had higher values of neutrophil-lymphocite ratio at baseline [median 2,33 (1,84–3,27) vs median 2,17 (1,64 - 2,87); p=0,027] when compared to those who did not develop POAF. At the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the occurrence of POAF in the acute phase (OR 2,916; 95% CI 2,011–4,228; p<0,001), advanced age (OR 1,027; 95% CI 1,01–1,044; p=0,002), previous history of atrial fibrillation (OR 1,652; 95% CI 1,068–2,555; p=0,024), higher values of NLR at baseline (OR 1,144; 95% CI 1,028–1,272; p=0,013) and mitral valve surgery (OR 1,632, 95% CI 1,075–2,480; p=0,022) were found to be independent predictors of sPOAF after cardiac surgery. Conclusions Atrial fibrillation is a common complication after cardiac surgery with great clinical relevance. Advanced age, previous history of AF, higher values of NLR at baseline, mitral valve surgery and the occurrence of POAF in the acute phase were shown to be predictors of sPOAF in a cardiac surgery population during the rehabilitation period. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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The importance of adherence and persistence in the elderly atrial fibrillation patient

European Heart Journal Supplements ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/suaa103 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_I) ◽

pp. I38-I42

Author(s):

Elaine M Hylek

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Older Adults ◽

Medication Adherence ◽

Natural History ◽

Atrial Fibrillation Patient ◽

The Elderly ◽

Medical System ◽

Age Group ◽

History Of

Abstract Older adults with atrial fibrillation are at the highest risk of ischaemic stroke yet are the least likely to be prescribed anticoagulant therapy, adhere to this therapy, and maintain long-term persistence with this therapy. The reasons for this under treatment are multifactorial and include patient-driven factors, physician-driven factors, medical system complexities, and current unknowns regarding the biology and natural history of AF. Understanding these challenges to stroke prevention and addressing identified barriers to medication adherence and persistence in this vulnerable age group will improve outcomes related to AF.

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Impact of atrial fibrillation pattern on outcomes after left atrial appendage closure: lessons from the prospective LAARGE registry

Clinical Research in Cardiology ◽

10.1007/s00392-021-01874-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shinwan Kany ◽

Johannes Brachmann ◽

Thorsten Lewalter ◽

Ibrahim Akin ◽

Horst Sievert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Atrial Appendage ◽

Systemic Embolism ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

One Year ◽

The One

Abstract Background Non-paroxysmal (NPAF) forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported to be associated with an increased risk for systemic embolism or death. Methods Comparison of procedural details and long-term outcomes in patients (pts) with paroxysmal AF (PAF) against controls with NPAF in the prospective, multicentre observational registry of patients undergoing LAAC (LAARGE). Results A total of 638 pts (PAF 274 pts, NPAF 364 pts) were enrolled. In both groups, a history of PVI was rare (4.0% vs 1.6%, p = 0.066). The total CHA2DS2-VASc score was lower in the PAF group (4.4 ± 1.5 vs 4.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.033), while HAS-BLED score (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.40) was comparable. The rate of successful implantation was equally high (97.4% vs 97.8%, p = 0.77). In the three-month echo follow-up, LA thrombi (2.1% vs 7.3%, p = 0.12) and peridevice leak > 5 mm (0.0% vs 7.1%, p = 0.53) were numerically higher in the NPAF group. Overall, in-hospital complications occurred in 15.0% of the PAF cohort and 10.7% of the NPAF cohort (p = 0.12). In the one-year follow-up, unadjusted mortality (8.4% vs 14.0%, p = 0.039) and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism (8.8% vs 15.1%, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the NPAF cohort. After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc and previous bleeding, NPAF was associated with increased death/stroke/systemic embolism (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.02–2.72, p = 0.041). Conclusion Atrial fibrillation type did not impair periprocedural safety or in-hospital MACE patients undergoing LAAC. However, after one year, NPAF was associated with higher mortality. Graphic abstract

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684 Cardiac troponins and adverse outcomes in European patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the ESC-EHRA EORP atrial fibrillation general long-term registry

European Heart Journal Supplements ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/suab127.052 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽

Author(s):

Marrco Vitolo ◽

Vincenzo Livio Malavasi ◽

Marco Proietti ◽

Igor Diemberger ◽

Laurent Fauchier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Cardiac Troponins

Abstract Aims Cardiac troponins (cTn) have been reported to be predictors for adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF), patients, but their actual use is still unclear. To assess the factors associated with cTn testing in routine clinical practice and to evaluate the association of elevated levels of cTn with adverse outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients. Methods and results Patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry were stratified into three groups according to cTn levels as (i) cTn not tested, (ii) cTn in range (≤99th percentile), and (iii) cTn elevated (>99th percentile). The composite outcome of any thromboembolism/any acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/cardiovascular (CV) death, defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause death were the main endpoints. 10 445 (94.1%) AF patients were included in this analysis [median age 71 years, interquartile range (IQR): 63–77; males 59.7%]. cTn were tested in 2834 (27.1%). Overall, cTn was elevated in 904 (8.7%) and in-range in 1930 (18.5%) patients. Patients in whom cTn was tested tended to be younger (P < 0.001) and more frequently presenting with first detected AF and atypical AF-related symptoms (i.e. chest pain, dyspnoea, or syncope) (P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, female sex, in-hospital enrollment, first-detected AF, CV risk factors, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and atypical AF symptoms were independently associated with cTn testing. After a median follow-up of 730 days (IQR: 692–749), 957 (9.7%) composite endpoints occurred while all-cause death was 9.5%. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher cumulative risk for both outcomes in patients with elevated cTn levels (Figure) (Log Rank tests, P < 0.001). On adjusted Cox regression analysis, elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher risk for MACE [hazard ratio (HR): 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–2.16] and all-cause death (HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.21–1.74). Elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher occurrence of MACE, all-cause death, any ACS, CV death and hospital readmission even after the exclusion of patients with history of CAD, diagnosis of ACS at discharge, those who underwent coronary revascularization during the admission and/or who were treated with oral anticoagulants plus antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions Elevated cTn levels were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and adverse CV events, even after exclusion of CAD patients. Clinical factors that might enhance the need to rule out CAD were associated with cTn testing.

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Cardiac Arrhythmia Caused by a Kirschner Wire inside the Heart

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1016/s0266-7681(97)80412-3 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 402-404 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

T. A. T. HAAPANIEMI ◽

U. S. HERMANSSON

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Thoracic Surgery ◽

Cardiac Disease ◽

Kirschner Wire ◽

Previous History ◽

Kirschner Wires ◽

Left Hand ◽

Plain Chest ◽

History Of ◽

The Right

A 45-year-old woman with no previous history of cardiac disease woke up one morning with an irregular heartbeat and fatigue. An electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation and plain chest radiographs revealed the presence of a metallic pin at the position of the heart. A 24 mm-long metallic pin was removed by open thoracic surgery from within the right ventricle of the heart. Postoperative examination of the pin showed it to be one of the 0.8 mm Kirschner wires that had been used for finger osteosynthesis in her left hand 31 months previously.

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Relevance of supraventricular runs detected after cerebral ischemia

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000004487 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 89 (15) ◽

pp. 1545-1552 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mark Weber-Krüger ◽

Constanze Lutz ◽

Antonia Zapf ◽

Raoul Stahrenberg ◽

Joachim Seegers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Cerebral Ischemia ◽

Ecg Monitoring ◽

Holter Ecg ◽

Acute Cerebral Ischemia ◽

Temporal Phenomenon ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Recurrent Strokes

Objective:Prolonged ECG monitoring after stroke frequently reveals short paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) and supraventricular (SV) runs. The minimal duration of atrial fibrillation (AF) required to induce cardioembolism, the relevance of SV runs, and whether short pAF results from cerebral damage itself are currently being debated. We aimed to study the relevance of SV runs and short pAF detected by prolonged Holter ECG after cerebral ischemia during long-term follow-up.Methods:Analysis is from the prospective Find-AF trial (ISRCTN46104198). We included patients with acute cerebral ischemia. Those without AF on admission received 7-day Holter ECG monitoring. We differentiated patients with AF on admission (AF-adm), with pAF (>30 seconds), with SV runs (>5 beats but <30 seconds in a 24-hour ECG interval), and without SV runs (controls). During follow-up, those with baseline pAF received another 7-day Holter ECG to examine AF persistence.Results:A total of 254 of 281 initially included patients were analyzed (mean age 70.0 years, 45.3% female). Forty-three (16.9%) had AF-adm. A total of 211 received 7-day Holter ECG monitoring: 27 (12.8%) had pAF, 67 (31.8%) had SV runs, and 117 (55.5%) were controls. During a mean 3.7 years of follow-up, the SV runs group had more recurrent strokes (p = 0.04) and showed numerically more novel AF (12% vs 5%, p = 0.09) than the controls. Seventy-five percent of the patients with manifest pAF detected after cerebral ischemia still had AF during follow-up (50% paroxysmal, 50% persisting/permanent).Conclusions:Patients with cerebral ischemia and SV runs had more recurrent strokes and numerically more novel AF during follow-up and could benefit from further prolonged ECG monitoring. pAF detected after stroke is not a temporal phenomenon.

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Impact of atrial fibrillation pattern on left atrial appendage closure: insights from the prospective LAARGE registry

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.123 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

S Kany ◽

J Brachmann ◽

T Lewalter ◽

I Akin ◽

H Sievert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Atrial ◽

Left Atrial Appendage ◽

Systemic Embolism ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Left Atrial Appendage Closure ◽

History Of ◽

One Year

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Stiftung für Herzinfarkforschung Background Non-paroxysmal (NPAF) forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported to be associated with an increased risk for systemic embolism or death compared with paroxysmal AF (PAF). This study investigates the procedural safety and long-term outcomes of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with different forms of AF. Methods Comparison of procedural details and long-term outcomes in patients (pts) with PAF against controls with NPAF in the prospective, multicentre observational registry of patients undergoing LAAC in Germany (LAARGE). Results A total of 638 pts (PAF 274 pts, NPAF 364 pts) were enrolled. NPAF consisted of 31.6% patients with persistent AF and 68.4% with longstanding persistent AF or permanent AF. In both groups, a history of PVI was rare (4.0% vs 1.6%, p = 0.066). The PAF group had significantly less history of heart failure (19.0% vs 33.0%, p < 0.001) while the current median LVEF was similar (60% vs 60%, p = 0.26). The total CHA2DS2-VASc score was lower in the PAF group (4.4 ± 1.5 vs 4.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.033), but no difference in the HAS-BLED score (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.40) was observed. The rate of successful implantation was equally high (97.4% vs 97.8%, p = 0.77) in both groups. In the three-month echo follow-up, device-related thrombi (2.1% vs 7.3%, p = 0.12) and peridevice leak >5 mm (0.0% vs 7.1%, p= 0.53) were numerically higher in the NPAF group. Overall, in-hospital complications occurred in 15.0% of the PAF cohort and 10.7% of the NPAF cohort (p = 0.12). In the one-year follow-up, unadjusted mortality (8.4% vs 14.0%, p = 0.039) and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism (8.8% vs 15.1%, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the NPAF cohort. After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc and previous bleeding, NPAF was associated with increased death/stroke/systemic embolism (HR 1.67, 95%-CI: 1.02-2.72). Conclusion Atrial fibrillation type did not impair periprocedural safety or in-hospital MACE of patients undergoing LAAC. However, after one year, NPAF was associated with higher mortality and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism.

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Incidence of atrial fibrillation in different major cancer subtypes: a Nationwide population-based 12 year follow up study

BMC Cancer ◽

10.1186/s12885-019-6314-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Christina Boegh Jakobsen ◽

Morten Lamberts ◽

Nicholas Carlson ◽

Morten Lock-Hansen ◽

Christian Torp-Pedersen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

General Population ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Incidence Rates ◽

Cancer Subtypes ◽

History Of ◽

The Difference ◽

Rate Ratios ◽

New Onset

Abstract Background The prevalence of both atrial fibrillation (AF) and malignancies are increasing in the elderly, but incidences of new onset AF in different cancer subtypes are not well described.The objectives of this study were therefore to determine the incidence of AF in different cancer subtypes and to examine the association of cancer and future AF. Methods Using national databases, the Danish general population was followed from 2000 until 2012. Every individual aged > 18 years and with no history of cancer or AF prior to study start was included. Incidence rates of new onset AF were identified and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of AF in cancer patients were calculated in an adjusted Poisson regression model. Results A total of 4,324,545 individuals were included in the study. Cancer was diagnosed in 316,040 patients. The median age of the cancer population was 67.0 year and 51.5% were females. Incidences of AF were increased in all subtypes of cancer. For overall cancer, the incidence was 17.4 per 1000 person years (PY) vs 3.7 per 1000 PY in the general population and the difference increased with age. The covariate adjusted IRR for AF in overall cancer was 1.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44–1.48). The strength of the association declined with time from cancer diagnosis (IRR0-90days = 3.41 (3.29–3.54), (IRR-180 days-1 year = 1.57 (CI 1.50–1.64) and (IRR2–5 years = 1.12 (CI 1.09–1.15). Conclusions In this nationwide cohort study we observed that all major cancer subtypes were associated with an increased incidence of AF. Further, cancer and AF might be independently associated.

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