Atrial Fibrillation In Obese Patients Research Articles

Abstract 4138604: Impact of GLP-1 Agonist on the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation in Obese Patients Following Heart Failure Hospitalization

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure (HF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with obesity and diabetes, respectively. Meta-analysis of prospective trials looking at GLP-1 agonist use on the incidence of AF suggest benefit in patients with diabetes but is of unclear benefit in this regard for patients with obesity. Hypothesis: GLP-1 agonists reduce atrial fibrillation incidence in patients with diabetes and obesity. Aims: The goal of the study is to assess the effects of GLP-1 agonist on incidence of new AF in patients with obesity and diabetes following heart failure hospitalization. Methods: The study included consecutive patients who were admitted to an academic tertiary care center over three years with a primary diagnosis of heart failure exacerbation and no prior diagnosis of AF. The primary outcome was incidence of AF within 12 months after hospitalization. Demographic, comorbidity, echocardiography, and medications were obtained. Cox-regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of new-onset AF following HF hospitalization. Results: Of the patients included in our study, 1668 (42.9%) have a BMI greater than or equal to 30, 574 (14.5%) have BMI greater than or equal to 40, and 2300 (58.2%) have diabetes mellitus. GLP-1 use is associated with a significantly lower incidence of AF at one year in obese patients (p=0.042; RR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.54-.99) (Figure), while in non-obese individuals, GLP-1 receptor agonist was not associated with a decreased incidence of AF (p=0.674; RR 1.08; 95% CI: 0.76-1.53). In patients with diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonist use did not reach statistical significance for reduced AF incidence following heart failure hospitalization ( p=0.091; RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.62-1.04 ). Conclusion: GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with a statistically significant reduction of incidence of new atrial fibrillation at one year following hospitalization for heart failure in obese patients.

Cryoablation of atrial fibrillation in "very severe" obese patients (BMI ≥ 40): Indications, feasibility, procedural safety and efficacy, and clinical outcome (the ICE-Obese Extreme).

Management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in very severe obese patients is challenging. Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) represents an effective rhythm control strategy. However, data in this patient group were limited. Highly symptomatic AF patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 who had failed antiarrhythmic drug therapy and electrocardioversion and failure to achieve targeted body-weight-reduction underwent CBA. Data of 72 very severe obese AF patients (Group A) and 129 AF patients with normal BMI (Group B, BMI < 25 kg/m2) were consecutively collected. Group A had significantly younger age (60.6 ± 10.4 vs. 69.2 ± 11.2 years), higher BMI (44.3 ± 4.3 vs. 22.5 ± 1.6 kg/m2). Procedural pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was successful in all patients (2 touch-up ablation in Group A). Compared to Group B, Group A had similar procedural (61.3 ± 22.6 vs. 57.5 ± 19 min), similar fluoroscopy time (10.1 ± 5.5 vs. 9.2 ± 4.8 min) but significantly higher radiation dose (2852 ± 2095 vs. 884 ± 732 µGym2). We observed similar rates of real-time-isolation (78.6% vs. 78.5%), single-shot-isolation (86.5% vs. 88.8%), but significantly longer time-to-sustained-isolation (53.5 ± 33 vs. 43.2 ± 25 s). There was significantly higher rate of puncture-site-complication (6.9% vs. 1.6%) in Group A. One-year clinical success in paroxysmal AF was (Group A: 69.4% vs. Group B: 80.2%; p < .001), in persistent AF was (Group A: 58.1% vs. Group B: 62.8%; p = .889). In Re-Do procedures Group A had a numerically lower PVI durability (75.0% vs. 83.6%, p = .089). For very severe obese AF patients, CBA appears feasible, leads to relatively good clinical outcome.

Synergistic Effects of Weight Loss and Catheter Ablation: Can microRNAs Serve as Predictive Biomarkers for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence?

In atrial fibrillation (AF), multifactorial pathologic atrial alterations are manifested by structural and electrophysiological changes known as atrial remodeling. AF frequently develops in the context of underlying cardiac abnormalities. A critical mechanistic role played by atrial stretch is played by abnormal substrates in a number of conditions that predispose to AF, including obesity, heart failure, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The significant role of overweight and obesity in the development of AF is known; however, the differential effect of overweight, obesity, cardiovascular comorbidities, lifestyle, and other modifiable risk factors on the occurrence and recurrence of AF remains to be determined. Reverse remodeling of the atrial substrate and subsequent reduction in the AF burden by conversion into a typical sinus rhythm has been associated with weight loss through lifestyle changes or surgery. This makes it an essential pillar in the management of AF in obese patients. According to recently published research, microRNAs (miRs) may function as post-transcriptional regulators of genes involved in atrial remodeling, potentially contributing to the pathophysiology of AF. The focus of this review is on their modulation by both weight loss and catheter ablation interventions to counteract atrial remodeling in AF. Our analysis outlines the experimental and clinical evidence supporting the synergistic effects of weight loss and catheter ablation (CA) in reversing atrial electrical and structural remodeling in AF onset and in recurrent post-ablation AF by attenuating pro-thrombotic, pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic, arrhythmogenic, and male-sex-associated hypertrophic remodeling pathways. Furthermore, we discuss the promising role of miRs with prognostic potential as predictive biomarkers in guiding approaches to AF recurrence prevention.

An Exploration of the Relationship Between Atrial Fibrillation and Obesity.

In the past 40 years, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and obesity have skyrocketed. It has long been established that obesity can lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes due to its myriad of effects on cardiovascular architecture, cardiovascular hemodynamics, and electrical conduction interference. The goal of this article is to explore the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation in obese patients and examine the role of atrial enlargement, increased adipose deposits surrounding the pericardium, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammation in the development and worsening of atrial fibrillation in obese patients.

INTERSECTION OF SEPSIS, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION, AND SEVERE OBESITY: A POPULATION-BASED ANALYSIS IN THE UNITED STATES

INTERSECTION OF SEPSIS, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION, AND SEVERE OBESITY: A POPULATION-BASED ANALYSIS IN THE UNITED STATES

Association of body mass index with outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation: GARFIELD-AF

ObjectiveWhile greater body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), the impact of BMI on outcomes in newly diagnosed AF is unclear. We examine...

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants vs Warfarin Among Obese Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BackgroundObese patients are underrepresented in clinical trials assessing the comparative effectiveness and safety of use of direct oral anticoagulants vs use in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. MethodsUsing data from Quebec provincial administrative databases, for the years2010-2017, we created a retrospective cohort of patients with inpatient or outpatient coding for AF and obesity who were newly prescribed an oral anticoagulant. The primary safety outcome was a composite of intracranial, gastrointestinal, and major bleeding from other sites, and the primary effectiveness outcome was a composite of ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, acute myocardial infarction, and death in the first year after oral anticoagulant initiation. Treatment groups were compared using inverse-probability-of-treatment-weighting Cox proportional-hazards models. ResultsA total of 2263 patients were included, of whom 1253, 403, and 539 filled a warfarin, standard-dose rivaroxaban, and standard-dose apixaban prescription, respectively. Standard-dose rivaroxaban was associated with a similar composite safety (hazard ratio [HR] 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-1.91) and composite effectiveness risk (HR 1.42; 95% CI 0.99-2.04) compared to warfarin, whereas standard-dose apixaban was associated with a lower composite safety (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.16-0.98) and similar composite effectiveness risk (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.67-1.39). ConclusionUse of direct oral anticoagulants in obese AF patients was associated with a similar effectiveness and safety profile to that of warfarin use.

The importance of matrix metalloproteinases in the development of atrial fibrillation in obesity

One of the trends in modern cardiology is the study of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) system. Currently, an increase in plasma concentrations of some MMPs and their tissue inhibitors is considered as one of the earliest biochemical markers of myocardial fibrosis in various diseases of the cardiovascular system. Discusses the importance of MMP in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). To study the effect of the MMP system on the development of AF in obese patients. The study included 105 patients with a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m2. Depending on the presence of AF, the patients were divided into 2 groups. The criterion for inclusion of patients in group 1 was the presence of documented AF paroxysm in 55 obese patients. The comparison group (group 2) consisted of 50 obese patients without heart rhythm disorders. When patients were included in the study, in order to assess the severity of visceral obesity, all patients underwent a general clinical examination, echocardiography. To determine the activity of the MMP system, venous blood was taken from patients. Significantly higher values of MMP-9 were detected in patients with obesity and paroxysmal AF 315.753.4 ng/ml than in patients with obesity without heart rhythm disorders 220.954.7 ng/ml (p=0.002); the values of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 were 185.342.2 and 119.242.6 ng/ml, respectively (p=0.007). In patients with obesity and paroxysmal AF, a correlation of moderate strength between the level of MMP-9 and the volume of left atrium and a direct dependence of moderate strength between the ratio of waist volume to height and the plasma values of MMP-9 was revealed. The MMP-9 index (AUC 0.92) had a high diagnostic value for determining the probability of having a paroxysmal form of AF in obese patients. With an increase in the level of MMP-9 more than 295 ng/ml, it is possible to predict the presence of paroxysmal AF in obese patients with a sensitivity of 74.5% and a specificity of 94%. In patients with obesity and paroxysmal AF, a significant increase in the parameters of the MMP system (MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1) was revealed when compared with obese patients without heart rhythm disorders (p0.05). With an increase in MMP-9 of more than 285 ng/ml in obese patients, the appearance of AF with a sensitivity of 74.5% and a specificity of 94% can be predicted.

Abstract 10420: Protective Role of Bariatric Surgery in Prevalence and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Obese Patients on Long-Term, with Gradually Waning Effect Over a Decade: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Bariatric surgery (BS) has been shown to be beneficial in improving co-morbid conditions in morbidly obese patients. Long-term cardiovascular complications remain undefined and warrant further investigation. We examined the prevalence and risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in obese patients who underwent BS. Methods: PUBMED/Medline, SCOPUS, EMBASE databases were systematically reviewed using relevant keywords to search prospective and retrospective studies reporting AF with long-term (at least &gt;1-year follow-up) follow-up in patients who had undergone BS. Random effects models were used for meta-analysis and subgroup analysis. I 2 statistics was used to identify substantial (&gt;75%) heterogeneity. Results: Nine studies (3 USA, 2 UK, 4 Sweden) including 24,164 patients who had undergone BS (mean BMI cut off: 35, mean age 42 years) with 29,330 controls were included in the analysis with a median follow-up of 8 years. Pooled prevalence of AF was lower in BS arm (3.0%, 95%CI: 1.4%-5%) as compared to non-BS arm (3.8%, 95% CI: 1.8%-5.0%). The Forest Plot (Fig. 1) depicts significantly reduced odds of having AF in patients who have undergone BS vs controls (OR: 0.74, 95%CI: 0.60-0.91, I 2 =70.2%, p&lt;0.01). Sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method did confirm equivalent results. On subgroup analysis, AF prevalence in the BS group was slightly higher in studies with a mean age of ≥50 years (4.8%, 0-12%) as compared to cohorts with mean age &lt;50 (2.0%, 1.4-5.0%). The pooled rate of AF was low on short-term follow-up compared to long-term follow-up after BS: 1.5% (0.9-2.5%) in 1-5 years, 1.9% (0.2-4.5%) in 6-10 years, 5.4% (0-13.9%) ≥10 years of BS. Conclusions: Obese patients undergoing BS had nearly 25% lower risk and lower pooled rate of AF when compared to controls over 8 years of follow-up. The protective effect of BS on reduced risk of AF was seen to gradually wane over longer follow-up which warrants continued efforts to effectively control CVD risk factors.

B-PO04-087 EFFECT OF OBESITY ON LEFT ATRIAL WALL SUBSTRATE IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: INSIGHT INTO EPICARDIAL ADIPOSE TISSUE AND FATTY INFILTRATION

Obesity and epicardial adipose tissue fat (EAT) contributes to the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). But, its effect on the left atrial (LA) wall substate is clinically unknown. This study aimed to assess the effect of obesity on the LA substrate. Of 23 AF patients who underwent an initial pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) were enrolled. The 320-row multidetector CT was performed within 2 weeks before PVI. The acquired CT images were transferred to a workstation. EAT was defined as -50 to -200 Hounsfield units (HU). We measured LA EAT volume, EAT thickness adjacent to the LA roof, CT values on the LA roof wall, and LA roof wall thickness using workstation (figure). We compared these parameters between AF patients with and without obesity (≥BMI 25 kg/m2). Both LA EAT volume and EAT thickness were significantly greater in obese group than in non-obese group (LA EAT volume, 50±13 vs. 24±9 ml, P<0.01; EAT thickness, 8.8±2.7 vs. 5.5±1.7 mm, P<0.01). There was a strong positive correlation with LA EAT volume and EAT thickness (r=0.89, P<0.01). The CT value on the LA roof wall was significantly lower in obese group than in non-obese group (21±7 vs. 36±12 HU, P<0.01). The CT value on the LA roof wall correlated negatively with both LA EAT volume (r=-0.80, P<0.01) and EAT thickness (r=-0.72, P<0.01). The LA roof wall thickness did not differ between two groups (2.5±0.5 vs. 2.5±0.3 mm, P=0.88). Our data disclosed different LA wall substrates in obese AF patients. Lower CT values adjacent to thickened EAT may reflect fatty infiltration from EAT, which may explain the pathogenesis of AF in obesity.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in (morbidly) obese or low body weight patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO) Background Oral anticoagulants are crucial for preventing systemic thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF), with guidelines preferring non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in the general AF population. However, as NOACs are administered in fixed doses, concerns of unintentional underdosing in morbidly obese patients and unintentional overdosing in underweight patients have emerged. Moreover, VKAs are still recommended in morbidly obese patients (body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m², body weight &amp;gt;120 kg) due to lack of data for NOACs in these patients. Purpose A critical appraisal of the benefit-risk profile of NOACs in AF patients across the body weight spectrum. Methods After searching the Medline database, phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal observational cohort studies on the effectiveness and safety of NOACs versus VKAs in obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), and class III obese (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) non-valvular AF patients, and in low body weight (≤60 kg) AF patients during a mean/median follow-up of ≥6 months were included. The meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model with the Mantel-Haenszel method. Results A meta-analysis based on 4 phase III RCTS and 3 longitudinal observational cohort studies demonstrated that NOAC use in obese and class III obese AF patients was associated with significantly lower stroke/systemic embolism (stroke/SE) risks (RR 0.82, 95%CI [0.71-0.96]; and RR 0.75, 95%CI [0.64-0.87], respectively), similar to lower major bleeding risks (RR 0.83, 95%CI [0.69-1.00]; and RR 0.74, 95%CI [0.57-0.95], respectively), and similar mortality risks (RR 0.92, 95%CI [0.73-1.15]; and RR 1.17, 95%CI [0.83-1.64], respectively) as compared to VKAs. In AF patients ≤60 kg, significantly lower stroke/SE (RR 0.63, 95%CI [0.56-0.71]) and major bleeding risks (RR 0.71, 95%CI [0.62-0.80]), and similar mortality risks (RR 0.68, 95%CI [0.42-1.10]) were observed for NOAC- versus VKA-treated patients in a meta-analysis based on 4 phase III RCTs and 2 longitudinal observational cohort studies. Conclusions The benefit-risk profile of NOACs seems preserved in (morbidly) obese AF patients and patients with low body weight of ≤60 kg. However, more data are needed in underweight AF patients (BMI &amp;lt;18.5 kg/m²) and on differences between NOACs to further optimize management in these patient subgroups.

Direct Oral Anticoagulant Use in Special Populations: Elderly, Obesity, and Renal Failure.

The purpose of this review is to examine the safety and effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants and provide recommendations for the treatment of venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation in obese patients, elderly patients, and patients with chronic kidney disease. Multiple retrospective cohort studies have shown no difference in bleeding, stroke, or venous thromboembolism outcomes between DOACs and warfarin in patients who are obese, elderly, or those with chronic kidney disease or on dialysis. Some studies have shown that DOACs have a lower bleeding risk than warfarin in these populations. DOACs may be a safe and effective alternative to warfarin for the prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients who are obese, elderly, or those with chronic kidney disease or on dialysis. Apixaban may improve clinical outcomes by lowering the risk of bleeding versus warfarin. DOACs may also be an effective and safe alternative to warfarin for the treatment of venous thromboembolism in obese patients; however, additional studies are needed to assess their use in elderly patients and those with CKD.

Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) Versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and (Morbid) Obesity or Low Body Weight: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Oral anticoagulants are crucial for preventing systemic thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF), with guidelines preferring non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in the general AF population. However, as NOACs are administered in fixed doses, concerns of unintentional underdosing in morbidly obese patients and unintentional overdosing in underweight patients have emerged. Therefore, a critical appraisal of the benefit-risk profile of NOACs in AF patients across the body weight spectrum is needed. After searching Medline, this systematic review discusses the impact of body weight on the risk-benefit profile of NOACs versus VKAs. The meta-analysis demonstrated that NOAC use in obese and class III obese AF patients (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 and ≥ 40kg/m2, respectively) was associated with significantly lower stroke/systemic embolism (stroke/SE) risks (RR 0.82, 95%CI [0.71-0.96] and RR 0.75, 95%CI [0.64-0.87], respectively), similar to lower major bleeding risks (RR 0.83, 95%CI [0.69-1.00] and RR 0.74, 95%CI [0.57-0.95], respectively) and similar mortality risks (RR 0.92, 95%CI [0.73-1.15] and RR 1.17, 95%CI [0.83-1.64], respectively) compared to VKAs. In AF patients ≤ 60kg, significantly lower stroke/SE (RR 0.63, 95%CI [0.56-0.71]) and major bleeding risks (RR 0.71, 95%CI [0.62-0.80]), but similar mortality risks (RR 0.68, 95%CI [0.42-1.10]), were observed for NOAC- versus VKA-treated patients. The benefit-risk profile of NOACs seems preserved in (morbidly) obese AF patients and patients with low body weight. However, more data are needed on underweight AF patients (BMI < 18.5kg/m2) and on differences between NOACs in these patients.

Extra-pulmonary vein driver mapping and ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation in obese patients.

The aim of this study was to determine whether driver ablation effectively treats persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in obese patients. We randomly assigned 124 persistent AF obese patients to two groups, one undergoing conventional ablation (n = 62) and the other undergoing driver ablation (n = 62). Sixty-two non-obese patients with persistent AF undergoing driver ablation served as matched controls. Bipolar electrogram dispersion was analysed for driver mapping. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume was measured using cardiac computed tomography. Obese patients had a higher proportion of driver regions in the posterior wall (56.5% vs. 32.3%, P = 0.007). Driver complexity, measured as the average number and area of driver regions, was higher in the obese group than in the non-obese group (3.5 ± 1.0 vs. 2.9 ± 0.9, P < 0.001; 15.5% ± 4.2% vs. 9.8 ± 2.6%, P < 0.001, respectively). Left atrial EAT volume correlated better with the proportion of area of driver regions than did body mass index (BMI) and total EAT (BMI: r2 = 0.250, P < 0.001; total EAT: r2 = 0.379, P < 0.001; and left atrial EAT: r2 = 0.439, P < 0.001). The rate of AF termination was significantly higher in the driver ablation group than in the conventional ablation group (82.9% vs. 22.8%, P < 0.001). During the follow-up period of 16.9 ± 6.5 months, patients in the driver ablation group had significantly better AF-free survival (91.91% vs. 79.0%, log rank test, P = 0.026) and AF/atrial tachycardia-free survival (83.9% vs. 64.5%, log rank test, P = 0.011) than did patients in the conventional ablation group. Obesity is associated with increased driver complexity. Driver ablation improves long-term outcomes in obese patients with persistent AF.

Abstract 15459: Impact of Progression From Paroxysmal to Sustained Atrial Fibrillation on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Obesity: The Fushimi Af Registry

Background: Obesity, which leads to left arterial remodeling, increases the risk for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). We previously demonstrated the progression from paroxysmal to sustained AF was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke or hospitalization for heart failure (HF). However, the risk of progression from paroxysmal to sustained AF in obese patients has not been fully evaluated. Methods: Based on the initial type of AF and whether paroxysmal AF progressed to sustained AF during follow-up (FU), patients enrolled in the Fushimi AF registry were categorized into 3 groups; i) paroxysmal AF without progression, ii) paroxysmal AF with progression, iii) sustained AF. Obesity was defined as BMI at baseline &gt;30. Results: Obese patients (172/3834) had a higher prevalence of sustained AF at baseline as compared with those without obesity (58.7% vs 51.0%, p=0.047), and they had a higher rate of progression from paroxysmal to sustained AF during a median FU of 4.3 years (2.4% vs 1.5% [per person-year], p&lt;0.01). Both obese and non-obese patients had the highest rate of ischemic stroke in the category of paroxysmal AF with progression as compared with other two categories (obese patients: 0.2% [paroxysmal AF without progression] vs 2.6% [paroxysmal AF with progression] vs 0.7% [sustained AF] [per person-year], non-obese patients: 1.2% vs 2.2% vs 1.8%). In contrast, obese patients had the lowest percentage of hospitalization for HF in the category of paroxysmal AF with progression (2.5% vs 1.8% vs 3.8%), but AF progression was associated with a higher incidence of hospitalization for HF in patients without obesity (2.2% vs 3.9% vs 4.2%). Conclusions: Obesity may be the risk of the progression of paroxysmal to sustained AF. The progression may be associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke in both obese and non-obese patients, but the risk of hospitalization for HF might be lower in patients with obesity as compared with those without obesity.

Clinical Performance of Nonvitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Real-World Obese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

The prevalence of both atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity has steadily increased. Nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been shown to be more effective and safer than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for long-term stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular AF. There are still limited data in the literature regarding performance of NOACs in obese patients with AF in the "real world." The aim of our study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of NOACs versus well-controlled VKA therapy in obese AF patients in a "real-world" setting. Here, we have considered patients with AF and obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m2) on NOAC or VKA therapy included in the multicenter Atrial Fibrillation Research Database (NCT03760874). The occurrence of major bleedings (MBs) and thromboembolic events (composite of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and systemic embolism) was respectively considered primary safety and effectiveness outcomes. We identified 1,047 AF patients with obesity who received NOAC (n = 272) or VKA (n = 775) treatment. After propensity score matching analysis, 248 NOAC and 496 VKA recipients with similar clinical characteristics, including BMI (34.8 ± 3.4 in NOAC vs. 35.1 ± 3.8 in the VKA group; p = 0.50), were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 39 ± 7 months. The incidence rate of thromboembolic events was 1.10 per 100 person-years (0.67 in NOAC vs. 1.28 in the VKA group; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-1.22; p = 0.19). The incidence rate of MB was 1.9 per 100 person-years (1.1 in NOAC vs. 2.28 in the VKA group; HR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24-0.88; p = 0.04). The incidence rate of intracranial hemorrhage was 0.4 per 100 person-years (0.27 in NOAC vs. 0.47 in the VKA group; HR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.12-2.73; p = 0.48). A positive net clinical benefit (NCB) of NOACs over VKAs was found (+0.91). Presence of anemia (HR: 1.75; p = 0.003) and concomitant use of antiplatelet drugs (HR: 2.41; p = 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of MB; moreover, age (HR: 1.65; p = 0.003) was an independent predictor of thromboembolic events. Our data support the hypothesis of safe and effective use of NOACs in patients with AF and obesity, justified by a statistically significant lower incidence of MB and a favorable NCB over VKAs.

Feasibility of weight loss in obese atrial fibrillation patients attending a specialist arrhythmia clinic and its impact on ablation outcomes.

BackgroundThe feasibility of significant weight reduction in a specialist arrhythmia service, and its impact on atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation outcomes are unclear. We aimed to assess these factors in a real‐world cohort in the United Kingdom.MethodsPatients from one specialized arrhythmia clinic were instructed to follow the “Intermittent Fasting 5:2 diet” (“diet group”, n = 50), and their outcomes were compared to a propensity matched cohort who received no specific dietary advice (“control group”, n = 42). The primary outcome was recurrence of AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) at 12 months postablation, with or without drugs.ResultsBody weight and body mass index (BMI) at baseline were 105.0 (±15.3) kgs and 36.0 (±4.0), respectively. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable. Patients in diet group experienced a mean weight loss of 8.2 (±7.1) kgs prior to AF ablation (P < .01 for comparison to baseline and control group). About 14 (28%) patients in the diet group lost >10% of their body weight. Overall, 11 (22%) patients in the diet group and five (12%) in the control group had AF recurrence at 1 year, P = .21. AF recurrence was similar in patients with BMI ≥ 35 (15%) as compared to BMI < 35 (19%), P = .60. There was one procedural complication (pulmonary edema) in the diet group.ConclusionIt is feasible to achieve significant weight reduction in obese AF patients in a specialist arrhythmia clinic setting with unsupervised dietary advice. Low rates of procedural complications and excellent medium‐term success rates were observed in this traditionally challenging population. Additional improvements in outcomes were not demonstrable in patients who exhibited significant weight loss.

Pulmonary vein isolation with the cryoballoon in obese atrial fibrillation patients – Does weight have an impact on procedural parameters and clinical outcome?

IntroductionObesity is a known risk factor for the incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an established therapeutic option for AF patients, however clinical benefit of AF ablation remains controversial in overweight and obese patients. We investigated the impact of overweight and obesity in AF patients undergoing cryoballoon PVI on procedural characteristics and clinical outcome. MethodsWe included consecutive patients undergoing cryoballoon PVI at Ulm University Medical center. Normal weight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, overweight as a BMI of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 and obesity as a BMI of ≥30.0 kg/m2. ResultsEvaluating 600 patients, mean age was 66.3±10.8 years and 43% patients were female. 41% of the patients were classified as overweight and 34% as obese. Regarding procedural characteristics, overweight and obese patients had longer fluoroscopy area dose product (p<0.001) and obese patients a higher fluoroscopy time (p<0.05). Analyses of ablation related procedural characteristics revealed no relevant differences regarding number and duration of ablation, time to isolation and nadir temperature. Importantly, recurrence of atrial arrhythmia was statistically not different comparing normal weight, overweight and obese patients. ConclusionBesides higher radiation exposure, cryoballoon PVI in overweight and obese patients is as safe and efficient as in normal weight patients. It is reasonable to proceed with cryoballoon PVI on overweight and obese patients as would be done in normal weight patients, since this might encourage overweight and obese patients to exercise.

Obesity and atrial fibrillation: making inroads through fat.

The global prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions, paralleled by a rise in cases of atrial fibrillation (AF). Data from epidemiological cohorts support the role of obesity as an independent risk factor for AF. Increasing evidence indicates that obesity may contribute to the AF substrate through a number of pathways including by altering epicardial adipose tissue biology, inflammatory pathways, structural cardiac remodelling, and inducing atrial fibrosis. Due to changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, specific therapeutic considerations are required to guide management of patients with AF including anticoagulation and rhythm control. Also, weight loss in patients with AF has been associated with reduced progression from paroxysmal to persistent AF and indeed regression from persistent to proximal AF. However, the role of dietary intervention in AF control remains to be fully elucidated and hard prospective outcome data to support weight loss are required in AF to determine its role as part of a comprehensive risk factor management strategy for AF in obese patients.

ASSOCIATION OF GHRELIN RECEPTOR AND INFLAMMATION IN PERI-ATRIAL ADIPOSE TISSUE FROM OBESE PATIENTS WITH POSTOPERATIVE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. The increasing evidence supports links between inflammation and AF. There is evidence showing that obesity is a major cause of adipose tissue (AT) inflammation. Ghrelin (GHRL), through its growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) present on adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), could modulate AT inflammation. Our study aimed to evaluate the role of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) and their GHS-R in adipose tissue samples of right atrial appendages (RAA) biopsies. We obtained RAA biopsies from 10 obese patients, undergoing cardiac surgery for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and developing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). The epicardial tissue samples were examined using immunohistochemistry to visualize and quantify CD68 and GSH-R expression of the ATMs. Histologically, the mean adipocyte diameter (MAD) of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) was larger in EAT samples with inflammation as compared to EAT without inflammation (84.2 µm vs. 79.6 µm). The expression of CD68 was lower in EAT without inflammation as compared to EAT with inflammation in adipose tissue samples. Similarly, the expression of GSH-R was lower in EAT samples without inflammation as compared to EAT samples with inflammation in adipose tissue. Increased epicardial fat area, macrophage infiltration, and GHS-R expression in epicardial ATMs appeared to be associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation in obese patients.