Risk Of Arrhythmias In Patients Research Articles

Estimation of arrhythmia risk in patients with Fabry disease using a machine learning model

Estimation of arrhythmia risk in patients with Fabry disease using a machine learning model

PS-C02-9: ASSOCIATIONS OF SHORT-TERM BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY WITH ELECTROCARDIOGRAM PARAMETERS IN OBESITY-RELATED HYPERTENSION

Background: Both blood pressure variability (BPV) and mean blood pressure levels can induce target organ damage and affect the prognosis in patients with hypertension. The fluctuation of BPV is more obvious among patients with obesity-related hypertension, yet few researches have shown the correlation between BPV and electrocardiographic parameters. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association of short-term BPV with electrocardiographic parameters, so as to identify the risk of arrhythmia in patients with obesity-related hypertension. Methods: All enrolled 330 subjects from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University were diagnosed with obesity-related hypertension. The short-term BPV, including standard deviation(SD), coefficient of variation(CoV), and weighted standard deviation(wSD), were analyzed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM). The atrial parameters(PR interval, maximum duration of P wave(Pmax), and P wave dispersion(Pwd)) and ventricular parameters(QT interval, Tpe interval, and Tpe/QT ratio) were measured on standard 12-lead electrocardiogram. Multivariate ordinary and binary logistic regression were conducted to evaluate the independent association between short-term BPV and electrocardiographic parameters. The study also analyzed the association of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) with short-term BPV in 129 patients with obesity-related hypertension. Results: Although short-term BPV of 24 hours showed little association with electrocardiographic parameters, the association of daytime and nighttime BPV with electrocardiographic parameters was remarkably significant. And reverse dippers also showed longer Pmax than nondippers (P = 0.041). In this study, we found that the incidence of prolonged PR interval increased to 6% in patients with obesity-related hypertension, yet the prevalence was only 1% in healthy population younger than 60 years old. And those with a larger SD of nighttime systolic blood pressure had a longer PR interval(P = 0.025). Furthermore, ordinary logistic regression analysis showed that the nighttime CoV of diastolic blood pressure was independently correlated with PR interval. Meanwhile, logistic regression analysis also showed that the nocturnal blood pressure decline rate was independently associated with Tpe/QT ratio. However, the association of RAAS and short-term BPV was not significant. Conclusions:

Timing of cardioverter-defibrillator implantation in patients with cardiac laminopathies—External validation of the LMNA-risk ventricular tachyarrhythmia calculator

LMNA genotype-positive patients have high risk of experiencing life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs). The LMNA-risk VTA calculator published in 2019 has not been externally validated. The purpose of this study was to validate the LMNA-risk VTA calculator. We included LMNA genotype-positive patients without previous VTAs from 2 large Scandinavian centers. Patients underwent electrocardiography, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and echocardiographic examinations at baseline and repeatedly during follow-up. Validation of the LMNA-risk VTA calculator was performed using Harrell's C-statistic derived from multivariable Cox regression analysis. We included 118 patients (age 37 years [IQR 27-49 years]; 39 [33%] probands; 65 [55%] women; 100 [85%] with non-missense LMNA variants). Twenty-three patients (19%) experienced VTA during 6.1 years (interquartile range 3.0-9.1 years) follow-up, resulting in 3.0% (95% confidence interval 2.0%-4.5%) yearly incidence rate. Atrioventricular block and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of VTAs, while nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, male sex, and non-missense LMNA variants were not. The LMNA-risk VTA calculator showed 83% sensitivity and 26% specificity for identifying patients with VTAs during the coming 5 years, and a Harrell's C-statistic of 0.85, when applying ≥7% predicted 5-year VTA risk as threshold. The sensitivity increased to 100% when reevaluating risk at the time of last consultation before VTA. The calculator overestimated arrhythmic risk in patients with mild and moderate phenotype, particularly in men. Validation of the LMNA-risk VTA calculator showed high sensitivity for subsequent VTAs, but overestimated arrhythmic risk when using ≥7% predicted 5-year risk as threshold. Frequent reevaluation of risk was necessary to maintain the sensitivity of the model.

Late gadolinium enhancement is a strong predictor of life threatening arrhythmias in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing ICD implantation for primary prevention of sudden card

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The usefulness of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for primary prevention of arrhythmic sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been questioned. Efforts to improve risk stratification have included scores such as the ‘MADIT-ICD benefit score’, and the use of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential usefulness of these two tools to assess the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with non-ischemic DCM undergoing ICD implantation for primary prevention of SCD. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CMR before ICD implantation for primary prevention of SCD. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy were used as reference. Patients with non-dilated cardiomyopathies were excluded. The arrhythmic component of the MADIT-ICD benefit score (VT/VF score) was calculated for each patient, and considered high if ≥ 7, as recommended. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of SCD or life-threatening arrhythmias (VF or VT >200 bpm). Follow-up was performed by device interrogation in all patients except those who suffered SCD. Results A total of 151 patients (93 ischemic, mean age 62±13 years, 75% male) with mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 27±8% were included. Overall, 72% (n=67) ischemic and 45% (n=26) non-ischemic patients had scores ≥ 7 and were considered high-risk. LGE was present in all patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, and in 76% (n=44) of patients with non-ischemic DCM. During a median follow-up of 21 (8-38) months, 21 patients (13.9%, 11 ischemic and 10 non-ischemic) met the primary endpoint. Overall, the event-free survival of non-ischemic patients was similar to that of ischemic patients (log rank p=0.269) – Fig 1A. In patients with non-ischemic DCM, there were 7 arrhythmic events (26.9%) in those with MADIT-ICD VT/VF scores ≥7, and 3 events (9.4%) in those with scores <7 (log rank p= 0.104) – Fig 1B. In the same population, there were 10 arrhythmic events (23%) in patients with LGE, but no events in patients without LGE (log rank p=0.036) – Fig 1C. LVEF was similar in patients with and without arrhythmic events (26±8% vs. 27±7%, p=0.717), and in those with and without LGE (26±7% vs. 28±9%, p=0.342). Conclusion The presence of LGE is a strong predictor of life threatening arrhythmias in patients in non-ischemic DCM undergoing ICD implantation for primary prevention, seemingly outperforming the clinical MADIT-ICD benefit score.

CE-541-04 CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS IN POST-ACUTE SEQUELAE OF SARS-COV-2 INFECTION ASSESSED BY AMBULATORY RHYTHM MONITORING

Many COVID-19 survivors report ongoing cardiopulmonary symptoms and organ dysfunction in a poorly understood syndrome known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Risk of arrhythmias is elevated in acute COVID-19 infection, especially in hospitalized patients with severe infection. In the post-acute period, palpitations are commonly reported, but little is known about the risk of arrhythmias in patients with PASC. To characterize the burden of arrhythmias in individuals with PASC at least 1 year after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the correlation between symptoms and clinically significant arrhythmias. As part of the LIINC COVID-19 recovery cohort (NCT04362150), we conducted ambulatory rhythm monitoring using the Bardy Diagnostics Carnation Ambulatory Monitor (CAM) for up to 14 days on participants at least 1 year after PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection without prior CVD. Cardiopulmonary symptoms were assessed through interviews at the time of enrollment, at the time of initiation of rhythm monitoring, and through a journal used during the rhythm monitoring period. Among 27 participants, 13 reported cardiopulmonary symptoms. Median age was 56 and 48% were female (Table 1); monitoring was performed at a median of 16.5 months after infection. Those with PASC pushed the symptom button 4.2 more times on average (95% CI -1.4 to 10.3; p=0.13). After adjustment for age and sex, cardiopulmonary symptoms were not associated with an increased burden of PACs (β = -0.04, 95%CI -0.15 to 0.07, p = 0.47), PVCs (β = 0.21, 95%CI -0.22 to 0.65, p = 0.31), or supraventricular tachycardia episodes (β = 3.0 per week, 95%CI -3.1 to 9.2, p = 0.31). Average HR (β = -1.66, 95%CI -12.8 to 9.5, p = 0.076) and HR variability (β = 2.5, 95%CI -10.3 to 15.3, p = 0.69) were not significantly different between those with and without symptoms. Similar results were found after adjusting for LVEF, LV strain, and LA volume index. Button pushes correlated with SVT in only one participant who had PASC and none without PASC. In the first study to assess cardiac arrhythmia burden in patients with PASC through ambulatory rhythm monitoring, we did not find significant associations between the presence of cardiopulmonary symptoms after COVID-19 and PAC burden, PVC burden, SVT episodes, average HR, or HR variability.

Application of Vagus Nerve Branch Preservation in Thoracoscopic Surgery for Early-Stage Lung Cancer.

Background In this study, we introduced a novel surgical strategy to protect vagal nerve branches during radical thoracoscopic surgery in right lung cancer and explored the effects of vagal nerve branch preservation. Methods We retrospectively studied 53 patients with right-sided lung cancer with clinically staged T1N0M0 between 2019 and 2020. All 53 patients were treated with total thoracoscopic lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection in the same number of lymph node stations. Of these, 22 patients adopted a vagus nerve branch protection strategy during lymph node dissection. Another 31 patients were treated with traditional lymph node dissection as the control group. Results The characteristics of the patients were similar between the two groups. The operation time and intraoperative bleeding in the protection group were longer than those in the control group. However, the protection group had a lower average postoperative pain score and average postoperative hospital stay. The above difference was not statistically significant. Three cases of arrhythmia occurred in the protection group, including 1 case of tachycardia and 2 cases of atrial fibrillation. In the control group, 13 cases of arrhythmia occurred after the operation, including 8 cases of tachycardia and 5 cases of atrial fibrillation. We also tracked changes in the patients' heart rates throughout the treatment process (excluding patients with arrhythmias). An increased heart rate was observed postoperatively in both groups, but the increase of heart rate of the protection group was smaller than that of the control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions A vagus nerve branch preservation-based approach to radical surgery is a safe and feasible strategy for right lung cancer treatment, which could significantly reduce the risk of postoperative arrhythmia in patients and may also have a potential role in reducing the length of hospital stay and maintaining heart rate stability in the postoperative period.

Longitudinal Arrhythmic Risk Assessment Based on Ejection Fraction in Patients with Recent-Onset Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Practice guidelines suggest the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in patients with left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF)≤35% despite 3 to 6months of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). It remains unclear whether this strategy is appropriate for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), who can experience reverse ventricular remodeling for up to 24months after the initiation of GDMT. The aim of this study was to assess the longitudinal dynamic relationship between LVEF ≤ 35% and arrhythmic risk in patients with recent-onset nonischemic DCM on GDMT. A retrospective analysis was conducted among patients with recent-onset DCM (≤6months) and recent initiation of GDMT (≤3months) consecutively enrolled in a longitudinal registry. Risk for major ventricular arrhythmic events or sudden cardiac death was assessed in relationship to LVEF ≤ 35% at enrollment and 6 and 24months after initiation of GDMT. Five hundred forty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. LVEF ≤ 35% identified patients with increased risk for major ventricular arrhythmic events or sudden cardiac death starting from 24months after initiation of GDMT (hazard ratio, 2.126; 95% CI, 1.065-4.245; P=.03). However, LVEF ≤ 35% at presentation or 6months after enrollment did not have prognostic significance. Sixty-seven percent of 131 patients with LVEF ≤ 35% at 6months after initiation of GDMT had improved LVEFs (to >35%) by 24months. This late LVEF improvement correlated with lower arrhythmic risk (P=.012) and was preceded by a reduction of LV dimensions in the first 6months of GDMT. In patients with DCM, the present findings suggest that risk stratification for major ventricular arrhythmic events or sudden cardiac death on the basis of LVEF ≤ 35% is effective after 2years of GDMT, but not after 6months. In selected patients with DCM, it would be appropriate to wait 24months before primary prevention ICD implantation.

Association between social phobia and the risk of arrhythmia using the Korean National Sample Cohort: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundSocial phobia shares symptoms with arrhythmias, such as palpitations and chest discomfort. However, it is unclear how social phobia is associated with the actual risk of arrhythmia. This study aimed to investigate whether social phobia is associated with the risk of arrhythmia using a nationally representative sample cohort.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study assessed data from the 2002–2013 Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort. Using 1:3 propensity score matching for sex, age, income, and insurance status, 1514 patients with social phobia and 4542 control group patients were included in the study. Social phobia and arrhythmia were defined per the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. Using cox proportional hazard regression, hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated to estimate the risk of arrhythmia in patients with social phobia.ResultsThere were statistically significant associations between social phobia history and elevated risks of arrhythmia. Patients with social phobia had a higher risk of arrhythmia after adjusting with covariates (HR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.25–2.55). Among different types of arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and flutter presented the highest risk (HR = 2.20, CI = 1.06–4.57) compared to paroxysmal tachycardia (HR = 1.07, CI = 0.39–2.91) and other cardiac arrhythmias (HR = 1.83, CI = 1.16–2.89).ConclusionThis study identified the association between social phobia and the risk of arrhythmia in a South Korean representative cohort. These results suggest that social phobia should be treated properly to reduce arrhythmia risks.

The Relationship between Hypoglycaemic Episodes and Arrhythmias in Type 2 Diabetes Subjects after Acute Myocardial Infarction with ST-Segment Elevation—A Case Series

Background and Aims: Several studies have shown that hypoglycaemia, especially a severe episode is associated with an increased mortality rate in diabetes mellitus subjects with previous cardiovascular disease or acute coronary syndrome. One of the presumed mechanisms is the proarrhythmic effect of hypoglycaemia related to the prolongation of the action potential, or the catecholamine surge that follows an episode. The aim of this case series analysis was to investigate the relationship between hypoglycaemia and glucose variability with arrhythmic events in type 2 diabetes patients who suffered an acute myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods: We selected patients admitted consecutively to the cardiology department of Clinical Emergency Hospital in Bucharest for a period of three months with acute myocardial infarction and previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes. For each patient, a retrospective continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) or glucose sensor (Medtronic&#174 Enlite, USA) and a dual electrocardiograph and blood pressure monitor for 24 hours were available. Also, patients had an oscillometric device (Arteriograph&#174 TensioMed Ltd) for 24 hours or non-invasive monitoring of central blood pressure, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. The data were analysed using Medtech&#174, TensioWin&#174 and Carelink iPro&#174 softwares. We used SPSS&#174 version 20.0 (IBM) for the statistical analysis. The results are presented as median and interquartile range (IQR). Results and Discussion: Ten type 2 diabetes patients (4 males, 6 females) with anterior (4/10) and inferior acute myocardial infarction (6/10) were included. They were treated with insulin (3/10), sulphonylurea (Gliclazide) plus Metformin (4/10), Metformin monotherapy (2/10), or all three (1/10). The patients had a median age of 67.5 (3.25) years with a median disease duration of 8 (7.75) years. The median body mass index was 29.54 (5.65) kg/m2. The median HbA1c was 7.9% (3.15) % and C-peptide 3.3 (2.66) ng/ml. There were no significant differences regarding the number of atrial or ventricular premature beats, ventricular or atrial tachycardia or fibrillation, the duration of QT interval, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, aortic pressure, augmentation index, pulse wave velocity between subjects with hypoglycaemia and those without. There was a negative correlation between QTc and glucose values in patients with hypoglycaemia (Spearman coefficient correlation r = -0.232; p Conclusion: Mild hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes patients with systolic dysfunction after ST-elevated myocardial infarction did not increase the number of supraventricular premature beats and QTc duration. We suggest that non-severe hypoglycaemia does not increase the risk of arrhythmias in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Predictive value of electrophysiological study for risk stratification of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and chronic systolic heart failure

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies providing information on the use of intracardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) to stratify the risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT) in patients with non-ischemic chronic heart failure with low left ventricle ejection fraction (HFrEF). Relevant publications were searched until 20.01.2021 by two independent researchers in major search engines, electronic archives of clinical research, and open access preservatives repository. The end point considered was an episode of sudden cardiac death or sustained paroxysm of VT, or an appropriate electrotherapy of an implanted cardiac defibrillator. Ten clinical trials with 608 relevant patients (mean age: 51.5 ± 12 years; mean left ventricle EF: 26.8±8.5%, NYHA class: I - 17.7%; II - 33.7%; III - 35.9%, IV - 12.7%) were selected. The end point was registered in 92 patients (15.1%): in 47 patients (43.9%) with previously induced VT during EPS and in 45 patients (8.9%) without VT. The diagnostic odds ratio was 5.57 (2.27-13.63). The combined sensitivity and specificity of the EPS were 42% (26-61%) and 88% (83-92%) respectively. The results indicate the potential of EPS to stratify the arrhythmic risk in patients with non-ischemic HFrEF.

773 Correlation between high troponin levels and left atrial strain as biomarker of incremented atrial fibrillation rate in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Aims Heart rhythm disorders, both bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias, are the most frequently observed complication in the acute phase and after primary angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). New onset atrial fibrillation (Afib) represents the most frequent arrhythmia found between 6% and 21% in patients with AMI and its onset increases the thromboembolic and mortality risk of all causes of those patients. Troponin levels measured with modern assays represent today the most specific cardiac biomarker of myocardial injury and its measurement represents the cornerstone for the diagnosis of AMI in accordance with the ESC Guidelines 2018; however, also Afib itself causes an increase in troponin values (troponinopathy). Therefore, the single biohumoral value cannot assume prognostic value in helping the clinician to recognize patients with AMI who are more predisposed to encounter Afib. So, the object of our evaluation was to support the elevated troponin values with echocardiographic biomarkers, such as the evaluation of the left atrial strain (LAS), to perform a more accurate stratification of the arrhythmic risk in patients with AMI. Methods and results A prospective multiparametric study was carried out at our Interventional Cardiology Hub Center. 240 patients with ACS-STEMI diagnosed were recruited over one year from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients included were all ≥18 (55 ± 23 y), predominantly male (88% male, 12% female). Exclusion criteria were: permanent atrial fibrillation; valvular heart disease (moderate or severe heart valve stenosis or valve replacement); implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator; (4) poor image quality. Emergency coronary angiography (CAG) was carried out to execute primary percutaneous intervention (primary PCI with DES) on the culprit vessel. All patients underwent echocardiography by GE Vivid 80 (GE Ultrasound, Horten, Norway) in order to evaluate changes in segmental kinetics, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The ratio of peak early filling velocity of mitral inflow to early diastolic annulus velocity (E′) of the medial annulus (E/E′) was calculated. Left atrial volumes (LAVi, ml/m2) and diameter were obtained through standard apical 4 and 2 chamber views with a frame-rate range of 40–71 frames/s; then, offline analysis of images was performed using EchoPAC version 201 (GE Vingmed Ultrasound) (VSSLV) software in order to calculate LAS for each one. Patients were subjected to serial sampling to evaluate temporally troponin values and the possible Afib appearance was recognized by telemetry monitoring. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 (IBM, Armonk, New York), continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between strain value, baseline characteristics and troponin levels. All statistical tests are two-sided, and a P-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Two groups were recognized: high troponin levels with pathological LAS and new Afib (N = 47); medium-high troponin levels with normal LAS and no Afib (N = 143). Respectively, LAS were 8.4 ± 4.0% vs. 16 ± 4.5%, P < 0.001, LAVi 44 ± 5 ml/m2 vs. 30 ± 3.2, P = 0.001, and peak of troponin levels (3.45 ± 0.46 ng/ml vs. 2.34 ± 0.22 ng/ml, P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis identified that peak troponin levels alone wasn’t a prognostic index of increased arrhythmic burden, while the correlation between high peak levels and altered LAS were independent predictors of new AFib in AMI. Conclusions The evaluation of atrial dysfunction by new echo-derived parameters and its correlation with troponin values allows a more accurate stratification of arrhythmic risk in patients with ACS. The applicability of the obtained data would allow a more careful evaluation of the clinical trend and the prognostic outcome in the subcategory analysed. Therefore, the association between biohumoral and instrumental parameters could become new biomarkers capable of predicting an increase in thromboembolic risk in AMI patients. The creation of an app that takes into account the parameters listed could be a possible future support that can help the clinician calculate the increased risk rate of new Afib in patients with ACS.

303 Longitudinal arrhythmic risk assessment based on ejection fraction in patients with recent-onset non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Aims Practice guidelines suggest implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% despite 3–6 months of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). It remains unclear whether this strategy is appropriate for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), who can experience reverse ventricular remodelling for up to 24 months after initiation of GDMT. We sought to assess the longitudinal dynamic relationship between LVEF ≤35% and arrhythmic risk in patients with recent onset non-ischaemic DCM under GDMT. Methods and results We performed a competitive risk analysis on patients with recent onset DCM (≤6 months) and recent initiation of GDMT (≤3 months), consecutively enrolled in a longitudinal registry. We assessed risk of major ventricular arrhythmic events or sudden cardiac death (MVAs/SCD) in relationship to LVEF ≤35% at enrollment, 6-months and 24-months post initiation of GDMT. 544 patients met inclusion criteria. LVEF ≤35% identified patients with increased risk of MVAs/SCD starting from 24-months after initiation of GDMT (hazards ratio: 2.126, 95% confidence interval: 1.065–4.245, P = 0.03). However, LVEF ≤35% at presentation or at 6 months post enrollment did not have prognostic significance. 67% of patients with LVEF ≤35% at 6 months after initiation of GDMT improved their LVEF to > 35% by 24 months. This late LVEF improvement correlated with a lower arrhythmic risk (P = 0.012) and was preceded by a reduction of LV dimensions in the first 6 months of GDMT. Conclusions In patients with DCM, risk stratification based on LVEF ≤35% is effective after 2 years of GDMT, but not after 6 months.

Abstract 11633: Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiographic Assessment of Ventricular Dyssynchrony and Arrhythmic Risk in Mitral Valve Prolapse

Introduction: Dyssynchrony indices based on two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography have demonstrated added value in identifying patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) with a higher prevalence of arrhythmic complications and the potential for sudden cardiac death, but measurements are restricted to a single plane, and complex left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony patterns may be overlooked. Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography helps in detecting MVP at higher arrhythmic risk. Methods: We studied 21 arrhythmic MVP patients (group 1) with a history of complex ventricular ectopy on holter and/or event monitor (n=17) or defibrillator implant (n=2), 21 MVPs with no arrhythmic complications (group 2) and 21 healthy controls (group 3). 3D LV longitudinal strain (3DE-LVLS) and area strain (3DE-LVAS) were determined (17 segments). 3D LV dyssynchrony index (3DE-LVDI) was obtained as the standard deviation of the times to peak area strain in 17 segments, normalized to RR interval. Results: MVP patients had significantly higher LV dyssynchrony index compared to controls (9.4±3.9% vs 4.3±2.5%, p=0.002) although they had similar LV ejection fraction (64% vs 61%, p=0.51). Group 1 and group 2 had similar LV ejection fraction and clinical data (p>0.05). Bileaflet prolapse was more frequent in group 1 pts (52% vs 24%, p=0.03). Moderate mitral regurgitation was present in 9/21 group 1 pts and 3/21 group 2 pts (p=0.04). Group 1 pts had greater LV dyssynchrony index when compared with group 2 (10.7±4.1% vs 5.1±2.9%, p=0.0001). By ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curves, 3DE-LVDI and 3DE-LVAS cutoff values of 10.2% and -23.8%, respectively, had 89% and 85% sensitivity and 79% and 76% specificity in identifying the presence of significant arrhythmias with areas under the curve 0.87 and 0.84. Conclusions: Impairment of LV deformation parameters determined by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography may help detect increased arrhythmic risk in patients with MVP.

Switching to nebulised short acting bronchodilators does not increase the risk of arrhythmia in patients hospitalized with a COPD exacerbation

If short acting β2-agonists and muscarinic antagonists (SABA/SAMA) may have proarrhythmic effects during acute COPD exacerbations (AECOPD) is still unknown. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the incidence of new onset arrhythmias in hospitalized patients shifted to SABA/SAMA during an AECOPD compared with continuing chronic inhaled therapy. Secondary objectives were to assess the clinical characteristics of patients shifted to SABA/SAMA and risk factors for arrhythmia. This was a retrospective, observational, study enrolling consecutive patients hospitalized with an AECOPD. Incidence of arrhythmias was obtained reviewing digital records. Patients with chronic arrhythmias or home-treated with SABA/SAMA were excluded. 235 patients (63.8% males) were included, and 10/182 patients shifted to SABA/SAMA experienced arrhythmias, while no events were observed in patients on chronic inhaled therapy (p = 0.122). Shifted patients had a more severe AECOPD and history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was an independent risk factor for arrhythmia (OR 14.010, IC95%: 2.983–65.800; p = 0.001). In conclusion, shifting patients to SABA/SAMA appears not to increase the risk for arrhythmia during severe AECOPD. However, the pharmacological approach in patients with a history of paroxysmal arrhythmia should be carefully evaluated and monitored.

Frequency of Atrial Arrhythmias in the Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been linked with various kind of cardiac arrhythmias. The risk of arrhythmias in patients with COPD has been driven by the stage and disease state, with a higher frequency of supraventricular tachycardia during exacerbations. Aim: To evaluate the frequency of atrial arrhythmias (which include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and multifocal atrial tachycardia) in the patients who were suffering from COPD. Methods: It was a cross sectional analysis or prevalence study. This research was piloted in the Medicine Department, Medical Division IV, Services Hospital, Lahore. This research was ended in 365 days after endorsement of synopsis from 1st June, 2017 to 30th May 2018. Results: In our study, 111(46.25%) were in range 40-55 years of age while 129(53.75%) were in range 56-70 years of age, the calculated mean standard deviation was 56.23±8.19 years, 134(55.83%) were male and 106(44.17%) were females, 142(59.17%) between 1-2 years and 98(40.83%) had >2 years of duration. Frequency of atrial arrhythmias in the patients who were suffering from COPD was recorded as 22(9.17%) having Atrial Fibrillation, 53(22.08%) had Atrial flutter and 31(12.92%) had Multifocal atrial tachycardia. Conclusion: Atrial arrhythmias are common findings in patients with COPD. So, it is very important for treating physicians that every patient having COPD, should undergo Electrocardiogram (ECG) for picking up the atrial arrhythmias. Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial arrhythmias, frequency

New safety warning for lamotrigine highlights risk of arrhythmias

The potential cardiac effects of lamotrigine were added to its label late last year, and in March 2021, FDA released a drug safety communication highlighting the increased risk of arrhythmias in patients with heart disease who use lamotrigine. Data from in vitro testing showed that lamotrigine exhibits Class IB antiarrhythmic activity at therapeutically relevant concentrations. In people with structural heart disease or myocardial ischemia, the medication could slow ventricular conduction and increase the risk of arrythmia, the agency warned.

Sex differences in disease progression and arrhythmic risk in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

AimsWe aimed to assess sex-specific phenotypes and disease progression, and their relation to exercise, in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) patients.Methods and resultsIn this longitudinal cohort study, we included consecutive patients with AC from a referral centre. We performed echocardiography at baseline and repeatedly during follow-up. Patients’ exercise dose at inclusion was expressed as metabolic equivalents of task (MET)-h/week. Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) was defined as aborted cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or appropriate therapy by implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. We included 190 AC patients (45% female, 51% probands, age 41 ± 17 years). Ventricular arrhythmia had occurred at inclusion or occurred during follow-up in 85 patients (33% of females vs. 55% of males, P = 0.002). Exercise doses were higher in males compared with females [25 (interquartile range, IQR 14–51) vs. 12 (IQR 7–22) MET-h/week, P < 0.001]. Male sex was a marker of proband status [odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–5.0, P = 0.003] and a marker of VA (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4–5.0, P = 0.003), but not when adjusted for exercise dose and age (adjusted OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.9–3.6, P = 0.12 and 1.5, 95% CI 0.7–3.1, P = 0.30, by 5 MET-h/week increments). In all, 167 (88%) patients had ≥2 echocardiographic examinations during 6.9 (IQR 4.7–9.8) years of follow-up. We observed no sex differences in deterioration of right or left ventricular dimensions and functions. ConclusionMale AC patients were more often probands and had higher prevalence of VA than female patients, but not when adjusting for exercise dose. Importantly, disease progression was similar between male and female patients.

Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of atrial arrhythmias in adult patients with atrioventricular septal defect

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): French Federation of Cardiology Background The number of adults with atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) is growing, with however, very few data regarding the natural history of atrial arrhythmias in this specific population. We aimed to assess the incidence, associated factors and outcomes of atrial arrhythmias among adult patients with AVSD. Methods Multicentric retrospective cohort of patients with AVSD from 3 referral centers specialized in adult congenital heart disease. Unbalanced AVSD, univentricular hearts, and Eisenmenger syndromes were excluded. Lifetime cumulative incidences of different types of atrial arrhythmia (&amp;gt;30 seconds) were analyzed (atrial fibrillation [AF] and intra atrial reentrant tachycardia/focal atrial tachycardia [IART/FAT]). Multiple logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for atrial arrhythmias. Results The cohort comprised of 391 patients (61.6% of women) with a mean age of 36.3 ± 16.3 years and 17.3 ± 14.2 years of follow-up after surgical repair in operated patients, including 333 (85.1%) partial/intermediate and 58 (1.0%) complete AVSD. Overall, atrial arrhythmias were documented in 98 patients (25.1%). The lifetime risks for developing atrial arrhythmia to ages 20, 40, and 60 were 3.7%, 17.6%, and 54.8%. IART/FAT was the leading arrhythmia until the age of 45 then AF surpassed IART/FAT. Age (OR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.2-1.6 by 5 years increment), the number of cardiac surgeries (OR = 4.1, 95%CI = 2.5-6.9), left atrial dilatation (OR = 3.1, 95%CI = 1.4-6.8), right atrial dilatation (OR = 4.1, 95%CI = 1.7-10.3), and moderate or severe left AV valve regurgitation (OR = 3.7, 95%CI = 1.2-11.7) were independently associated with a higher risk of atrial arrhythmias. Patients with atrial arrhythmias more frequently had pacemaker implantation (41.8% vs. 8.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), heart failure (24.5% vs 1.0%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and cerebrovascular accidents (11.2% vs 3.4%, p = 0.007). Conclusions The lifetime risk of atrial arrhythmias in patients with AVSD is considerable with more than half of patients who will develop an atrial arrhythmia by the age of 60. Atrial arrhythmias are associated with a significant morbidity in this population. Abstract Figure. Central Illustration AVSD

Med Check: Qelbree and ADHD; Lacmital and Heart Disease; FDA and Atogepant; Azstarys and ADHD; FDA and CBD; Daridorexant and Insonnia

Med Check: Qelbree and ADHD; Lacmital and Heart Disease; FDA and Atogepant; Azstarys and ADHD; FDA and CBD; Daridorexant and Insonnia

Arrhythmic risk during pregnancy in patients with congenital heart disease.

Arrhythmias play asignificant role in the morbidity and mortality of patients with adult congenital heart disease (CHD). Pregnancy-associated physiological changes in hormonal status, hemodynamics, and myocardial structure further enhance arrhythmic risk in CHD patients, leading to increased adverse maternal and foetal events and making arrhythmias one of the most common complications during pregnancy. Nearly all CHD patients are affected by asymptomatic rhythm disturbances during the ante-, peri-, or post-partum periods, and almost one tenth of patients develop sustained, symptomatic arrhythmias requiring treatment. The majority of arrhythmias originate from the atrium, mostly in the form of supraventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Patients with CHD often tolerate these even more poorly during pregnancy than before pregnancy. Sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation are rare, but potentially life-threatening for mother and foetus. Risk stratification models developed specifically for arrhythmias during pregnancy in CHD patients are lacking, but direct or indirect signs of heart failure, previous history of arrhythmia, and complex CHD may be associated with higher arrhythmic risk in these patients. Rigorous individual assessment before, and careful monitoring during pregnancy in amultidisciplinary team is crucial to ensure the best possible pregnancy outcome for patients with CHD.