Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proposed as a means of improving outcomes among patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who are otherwise receiving appropriate treatment. Unlike HFrEF, treatment options are more limited in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and the data pertaining to the management of AF in these patients are controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of CA on outcomes of patients with AF and HFpEF, such as functional status, post-procedural complications, hospitalization, morbidity and mortality, based on data from observational studies. Methods: We systematically searched the electronic databases MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for Central Register of Clinical Trials until May 2020. Results: Overall, the pooling of our data showed that sinus rhythm was achieved long-term in 58.0% (95% CI 0.44–0.71). Long-term AF recurrence was noticed in 22.3% of patients. Admission for HF occurred in 6.2% (95% CI 0.04–0.09) whilst all-cause mortality was identified in 6.3% (95% CI 0.02–0.13). Conclusion: This meta-analysis is the first to focus on determining the benefits of a rhythm control strategy for patients with AF and HFpEF using CA, suggesting it may be worthwhile to investigate the effects of a CA rhythm control strategy as the default treatment of AF in HFpEF patients in randomized trials.

Comparative Effectiveness of Early Rhythm Control Versus Rate Control for Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Background Rhythm control is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes than usual care among patients with recently diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF). This study investigated the effects of rhythm control compared with rate control on the incidence of stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death stratified by timing of treatment initiation. Methods and Results We conducted a retrospective population‐based cohort study including 22 635 patients with AF newly treated with rhythm control (antiarrhythmic drugs or ablation) or rate control in 2011 to 2015 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Propensity overlap weighting was used. Compared with rate control, rhythm control initiated within 1 year of AF diagnosis decreased the risk of stroke. The point estimates for rhythm control initiated at selected time points after AF diagnosis are as follows: 6 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66–0.87), 1 year (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66–0.93), and 5 years (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.45–2.24). The initiation of rhythm control within 6 months of AF diagnosis reduced the risk of hospitalization for heart failure: 6 months (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74–0.95), 1 year (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.82–1.13), and 5 years (HR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.34–6.17). The risks of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death did not differ between rhythm and rate control regardless of treatment timing. Conclusions Early initiation of rhythm control was associated with a lower risk of stroke and heart failure–related admission than rate control in patients with recently diagnosed AF. The effects were attenuated as initiating the rhythm control treatment later.

35 Electrophysiology and electrostimulation: experience

In the last 50 years, cardiac electrophysiology has undergone rapid technological development which has led to a numerical increase in both patients who have been able to benefit from the therapies of rediscovery and rhythm control, and of the devices. The activity of an electrophysiology and electrostimulation room is based on the intensive use of ionizing radiation even if electrophysiology studies, ablation, and cryoablation techniques have benefited from the support of computerized electroanatomical mapping systems with consequent dose reduction. Over the years, the instruments to be managed inside the room have increased both in complexity and numerically. Starting from the biventricular PM, we go through the implantation of subcutaneous defibrillators up to the transseptal ablations. Patient management requires additional skills that each member of the team must possess. Continuous training and updates are of fundamental importance. The purpose of this work is our experience based on the activity now more 10 years.

Identifying Atrial Fibrillation Mechanisms for Personalized Medicine

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

Sex differences in treatment strategy and adverse outcomes among patients 75 and older with atrial fibrillation in the MarketScan database

Background Women with atrial fibrillation (AF) experience greater symptomatology, worse quality of life, and have a higher risk of stroke as compared to men, but are less likely to receive rhythm control treatment. Whether these differences exist in elderly patients with AF, and whether sex modifies the effectiveness of rhythm versus rate control therapy has not been assessed. Methods We studied 135,850 men and 139,767 women aged ≥ 75 years diagnosed with AF in the MarketScan Medicare database between 2007 and 2015. Anticoagulant use was defined as use of warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant. Rate control was defined as use of rate control medication or atrioventricular node ablation. Rhythm control was defined by use of anti-arrhythmic medication, catheter ablation or cardioversion. We used multivariable Poisson and Cox regression models to estimate the association of sex with treatment strategy and to determine whether the association of treatment strategy with adverse outcomes (bleeding, heart failure and stroke) differed by sex. Results At the time of AF, women were on average (SD) 83.8 (5.6) years old and men 82.5 (5.2) years, respectively. Compared to men, women were less likely to receive an anticoagulant or rhythm control treatment. Rhythm control (vs. rate) was associated with a greater risk for heart failure with a significantly stronger association in women (HR women = 1.41, 95% CI 1.34–1.49; HR men = 1.21, 95% CI 1.15–1.28, p < 0.0001 for interaction). No sex differences were observed for the association of treatment strategy with the risk of bleeding or stroke. Conclusion Sex differences exist in the treatment of AF among patients aged 75 years and older. Women are less likely to receive an anticoagulant and rhythm control treatment. Women were also at a greater risk of experiencing heart failure as compared to men, when treated with rhythm control strategies for AF. Efforts are needed to enhance use AF therapies among women. Future studies will need to delve into the mechanisms underlying these differences.

A Higher Polygenic Risk Score Is Associated with a Higher Recurrence Rate of Atrial Fibrillation in Direct Current Cardioversion-Treated Patients

Background and Objectives: Recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) within six months after sinus rhythm restoration with direct current cardioversion (DCC) is a significant treatment challenge. Currently, the factors influencing outcome are mostly unknown. Studies have found a link between genetics and the risk of AF and efficacy of rhythm control. The aim of this study was to examine the association between eight single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and the risk of AF development and recurrence after DCC. Materials and Methods: Regarding the occurrence of AF, 259 AF cases and 108 controls were studied. Genotypes for the eight SNVs located in the genes CAV1, MYH7, SOX5, KCNN3, ZFHX3, KCNJ5 and PITX2 were determined using high-resolution melting analysis and confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Six months after DCC, a telephone interview was conducted to determine whether AF had recurred. A polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated as the unweighted sum of risk alleles. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess SNV and PRS association with AF occurrence and recurrence after DCC. Results: The risk allele of rs2200733 (PITX2) was significantly associated with the development of AF (p = 0.012, OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.206–4.423). AF recurred in 60% of patients and the allele generally associated with a decreased risk of AF of rs11047543 (SOX5) was associated with a greater risk of AF recurrence (p = 0.014, OR = 0.223, 95% CI = 0.067–0.738). A PRS of greater than 7 was significantly associated (p = 0.008) with a higher likelihood of developing AF after DCC (OR = 4.174, 95% CI = 1.454–11.980). Conclusions: A higher PRS is associated with increased odds of AF recurrence after treatment with DCC. PITX2 (rs2200733) is significantly associated with an increased risk of AF. The protective allele of rs11047543 (SOX5) is associated with a greater risk of AF recurrence. Further studies are needed to predict the success of rhythm control and guide patient selection towards the most efficacious treatment.