New Cases Of Atrial Fibrillation Research Articles

Risk calculator for incident atrial fibrillation across a range of prediction horizons

The increasing burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) emphasizes the need to identify high-risk individuals for enrolment in clinical trials of AF screening and primary prevention. We aimed to develop prediction models to identify individuals at high-risk of AF across prediction horizons from 6-months to 10-years. We used secondary-care linked primary care electronic health record data from individuals aged ≥30 years without known AF in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink-GOLD dataset between January 2, 1998 and November 30, 2018; randomly divided into derivation (80%) and validation (20%) datasets. Models were derived using logistic regression from known AF risk factors for incident AF in prediction periods of 6 months, 1-year, 2-years, 5-years, and 10-years. Performance was evaluated using in the validation dataset with bootstrap validation with 200 samples, and compared against the CHA2DS2-VASc and C2HEST scores. Of 2,081,139 individuals in the cohort (1,664,911 in the development dataset, 416,228 in the validation dataset), the mean age was 49.9 (SD 15.4), 50.7% were women, and 86.7% were white. New cases of AF were 7,386 (0.4%) within 6 months, 15,349 (0.7%) in 1 year, 38,487 (1.8%) in 5 years, and 79,997 (3.8%) by 10 years. Valvular heart disease and heart failure were the strongest predictors, and association of hypertension with AF increased at longer prediction horizons. The optimal risk models incorporated age, sex, ethnicity, and 8 comorbidities. The models demonstrated good-to-excellent discrimination and strong calibration across prediction horizons (AUROC, 95%CI, calibration slope: 6-months, 0.803, 0.789-0.821, 0.952; 1-year, 0.807, 0.794-0.819, 0.962; 2-years, 0.815, 0.807-0.823, 0.973; 5-years, 0.807, 0.803-0.812, 1.000; 10-years 0.780, 0.777-0.784, 1.010), and superior to the CHA2DS2-VASc and C2HEST scores. The models are available as a web-based FIND-AF calculator. The FIND-AF models demonstrate high discrimination and calibration across short- and long-term prediction horizons in 2 million individuals. Their utility to inform trial enrolment and clinical decisions for AF screening and primary prevention requires further study.

Increased susceptibility to new-onset atrial fibrillation in diabetic women with poor sleep behaviour traits: findings from the prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank

BackgroundDiabetic individuals often encounter various sleep-related challenges. Although the association between sleep duration and atrial fibrillation (AF) have been explored, the association of other sleep traits with the incidence of AF remains unclear. A comprehensive understanding of these traits is essential for a more accurate assessment of sleep conditions in patients with diabetes and the development of novel AF prevention strategies.MethodsThis study involved 23,785 patients with diabetes without any pre-existing cardiovascular disease, drawn from the UK Biobank. Sleep behaviour traits examined encompassed sleep duration, chronotype, insomnia, snoring and daytime sleepiness. Sleep duration was categorised into three groups: low (≤ 5 h), proper (6–8 h) and long (≥ 9 h). We assessed associations using multivariate Cox proportional risk regression models. Furthermore, four poor sleep behaviours were constructed to evaluate their impact on the risk of new-onset AF.ResultsOver a mean follow-up period of 166 months, 2221 (9.3%) new cases of AF were identified. Short (hazard ratio (HR), 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.50) and long sleep durations (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03–1.32) consistently exhibited an elevated risk of AF compared to optimal sleep duration. Early chronotype, infrequent insomnia and daytime sleepiness were associated with 11% (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.82–0.97), 15% (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.77–0.95) and 12% (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.81–0.96) reduced risk of new-onset AF, respectively. However, no significant association was found between snoring and the incidence of AF (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.91–1.07).ConclusionsIn diabetic populations, sleep duration, chronotype, insomnia and daytime sleepiness are strongly associated with AF incidence. An optimal sleep duration of 6–8 h presents the lowest AF risk compared to short or long sleep duration. Additionally, poor sleep patterns present a greater risk of new-onset AF in women than in men.

Relationship between corrected QT prolongation and new-onset atrial fibrillation in the general Japanese population

Abstract Background The QT interval, an electrocardiogram (ECG) parameter, can be corrected for heart rate, giving the QTc. The QTc is an indicator of ventricular repolarisation and is widely used as a predictor of ventricular arrhythmia. Recent studies have reported a relationship between prolonged QTc and atrial fibrillation (AF) development. Purpose We investigated whether a relationship between QTc prolongation and new-onset AF could be identified in the general Japanese population. Methods This retrospective study evaluated the annual health check-up data of 103,304 adults (50,438 males; age, 54±15 years) that did not have AF at baseline, from April 2005 to October 2018. Most participants underwent annual health examinations as recommended by the Japanese health welfare policy. The QTc times were calculated with the Bazett formula (QTc=QT/√RR), using the mean QT and RR intervals. Participants were grouped according to QTc time: long-QTc group (males, >440 ms; females, >460 ms) and normal-QTc group. AF was diagnosed using a 12-lead surface ECG. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the strength of the association between prolonged QTc and new-onset AF. Multivariate analyses were adjusted for clinical variables (age, sex, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and habitual drinking). Results The median follow-up time for the total study population was 6 years. During follow-up, 341 (0.3%) new cases of AF were recorded. Univariate analysis revealed a significant increase in new-onset AF in the long-QTc group (odds ratio [OR], 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85–4.25; p<0.001). After adjusting for clinical variables, multivariate analysis revealed that a long QTc was significantly associated with new-onset AF (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.12–2.61; p=0.013). In the multivariate analysis, age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05–1.07; p<0.001), sex (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.95–3.33; p<0.001), obesity (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.16–1.84; p=0.001), and habitual drinking (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.50–2.41; p<0.001) were also significant predictors of new-onset AF. Conclusions Prolonged QTc is associated with an increased risk of new-onset AF in the general Japanese population. The mechanism of this causal relationship requires further investigation.

Validity of MENARI plus (self-pulse assessment and clinical scoring) mobile apps for detecting atrial fibrillation in high-risk population.

Even before it is clinically diagnosed, atrial fibrillation (AF) can cause a stroke. This study validates self-pulse assessment and clinical scoring (MENARI Plus) based on android apps. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of AF screening using MENARI Plus compared with an ECG recording. We collected a total of 1385 subjects from high-risk population according to CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2, attending 8 primary care centers (PCCs) in Malang between July 2021 and December 2021. Every participant underwent self-pulse assessment, and then was evaluated for MENARI Plus Score on android Apps. These cases had been classified as low or high probability for AF (cut-off score 7). After that, electrocardiography examinations were performed and classified with AF and Sinus Rhythm group. In this study, the mean age of these patients was 61.5 ± 6.9 years old. We found that 156/1385 (11%) patients had AF. There were 68/156 (43.5%) new cases of AF. The sensitivity for self-pulse palpation was 73.1% (95% CI: 68%-76%) and specificity was 68.3% (95% CI: 65%-72%). MENARI Plus had an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82-0.89) with sensitivity per measurement occasion was (84%, 95% CI: 82%-88%) and specificity was (87.9%, 95% CI: 82%-90%). In this study, we found that MENARI Plus has high sensitivity and specificity for AF. It is therefore useful for ruling out AF. It may also be a useful screen that can be applied opportunistically for previously undetected AFs.

Long term follow up of direct oral anticoagulants and warfarin therapy on stroke, with all-cause mortality as a competing risk, in people with atrial fibrillation: Sentinel network database study.

We investigated differences in risk of stroke, with all-cause mortality as a competing risk, in people newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were commenced on either direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or warfarin treatment. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the Oxford Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) database (a network of 500 English general practices). We compared long term exposure to DOAC (n = 5,168) and warfarin (n = 7,451) in new cases of AF not previously treated with oral anticoagulants. Analyses included: survival analysis, estimating cause specific hazard ratios (CSHR), Fine-Gray analysis for factors affecting cumulative incidence of events occurring over time and a cumulative risk regression with time varying effects.We found no difference in CSHR between stroke 1.08 (0.72-1.63, p = 0.69) and all-cause mortality 0.93 (0.81-1.08, p = 0.37), or between the anticoagulant groups. Fine-Gray analysis produced similar results 1.07 (0.71-1.6 p = 0.75) for stroke and 0.93 (0.8-1.07, p = 0.3) mortality. The cumulative risk of mortality with DOAC was significantly elevated in early follow-up (67 days), with cumulative risk decreasing until 1,537 days and all-cause mortality risk significantly decreased coefficient estimate:: -0.23 (-0.38-0.01, p = 0.001); which persisted over seven years of follow-up. In this large, contemporary, real world primary care study with longer follow-up, we found no overall difference in the hazard of stroke between warfarin and DOAC treatment for AF. However, there was a significant time-varying effect between anti-coagulant regimen on all-cause mortality, with DOACs showing better survival. This is a key methodological observation for future follow-up studies, and reassuring for patients and health care professionals for longer duration of therapy.

Detection of hidden atrial fibrillation in primary care using a long-term band-based ECG registration system: The DESCUUBRE-FA study

ObjectiveTo assess whether the use of a band-based electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring system improves the diagnostic accuracy of traditional diagnostic methods for the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsMulticenter and observational study of primary care patients at risk of AF. To be included, patients had to be aged ≥70 years, with no known AF, and have at least 1 major criterion (obesity, hyperthyroidism, heart failure) or 2 minor criteria (hypertension, diabetes, female sex, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack or systemic embolism, COPD, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease). All patients were monitored using the Nuubo™ system for a single 2-week period. ResultsA total of 600 patients were included (median age 77 years; 70% women; 84.3% hypertension, 27.2% diabetes, 9.2% prior stroke). The global rate of diagnosis of new AF in the overall population was 2.83%. All patients with AF were anticoagulated. In numerical terms, patients with AF (vs no AF) had a higher number of supraventricular extrasystoles and episodes of supraventricular tachycardia, as well as longer P wave duration; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Overall, participants were very satisfied with the device, and no relevant limitations in daily activities were observed during the 2-week study period. ConclusionsIn an elderly population at risk of AF, a band-based ECG monitoring approach applied for only 2 weeks detected approximately 3% of new cases of AF, leading to a change in antithrombotic therapy. Most participants considered the device easy to use and comfortable.

Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation in the All of Us Research Program.

The prevalence, incidence and risk factors of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a large, geographically and ethnically diverse cohort in the United States have not been fully described. We analyzed data from 173,099 participants of the All of Us Research Program recruited in the period 2017-2019, with 92,318 of them having electronic health records (EHR) data available, and 35,483 having completed a medical history survey. Presence of AF at baseline was identified from self-report and EHR records. Incident AF was obtained from EHR. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical risk factors were obtained from questionnaires, baseline physical measurements and EHR. At enrollment, mean age was 52 years old (range 18-89). Females and males accounted for 61% and 39% respectively. Non-Hispanic Whites accounted for 67% of participants, with non-Hispanic Blacks, non-Hispanic Asians and Hispanics accounting for 26%, 4% and 3% of participants, respectively. Among 92,318 participants with available EHR data, 3,885 (4.2%) had AF at the time of study enrollment, while the corresponding figure among 35,483 with medical history data was 2,084 (5.9%). During a median follow-up of 16 months, 354 new cases of AF were identified among 88,433 eligible participants. Individuals who were older, male, non-Hispanic white, had higher body mass index, or a prior history of heart failure or coronary heart disease had higher prevalence and incidence of AF. The epidemiology of AF in the All of Us Research Program is similar to that reported in smaller studies with careful phenotyping, highlighting the value of this new resource for the study of AF and, potentially, other cardiovascular diseases.

The incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications in patients with uncontrolled hypertension

To assess the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with controlled and uncontrolled hypertension, controlled resistant and uncontrolled resistant hypertension, refractory hypertension, and probably resistant and probably refractory hypertension. A telephone call was made to 256 patients with hypertension included in the database to assess the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. All responding patients were divided into 7 groups according to the classification of hypertension based on the achievement/non-achievement of target blood pressure values and the number of drugs taken (controlled and uncontrolled hypertension, controlled resistant and uncontrolled resistant hypertension, refractory hypertension, and probably resistant and probably refractory hypertension). The target blood pressure was considered to be less than 140/90 mm Hg. Patients not adhering to medication were not included in the analysis. The group of controlled hypertension included 146 (57%) patients out of 256, controlled resistant hypertension 36 (14%) patients, uncontrolled hypertension 6 (2.3%) patients, resistant uncontrolled hypertension 22 (8.6%) patients, refractory hypertension 31 (12.1%) patients. The group of probably resistant hypertension 6 (2.3%) patients, probably refractory hypertension 9 (3.5%) patients. Of the 28 events that occurred, 6 were attributed to coronary artery disease (including 3 acute myocardial infarction and 2 coronary artery stenting), 3 strokes, 6 episodes of transient ischemic attack and 10 new cases of atrial fibrillation, and 2 patients had sudden cardiac death. Significantly more often, patients with refractory hypertension developed any event compared with patients with controlled (38.7% versus 3.4%; p=0.005) and resistant hypertension (38.7% versus 13.6%; p=0.04). Also, patients from the group of probably refractory hypertension were more likely to develop events than patients with controlled hypertension (33.3% versus 3.4%; p=0.045). Patients with probably refractory hypertension significantly more often had a stroke than patients with controlled hypertension (22.2% versus 0%; p0.05), and patients with refractory hypertension significantly more often had a transient ischemic attack compared with patients from the group of controlled hypertension (12.9% versus 0.7%; p=0.03). Patients with refractory and probably refractory hypertension are significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications than patients with controlled hypertension.

Management of cardiovascular complications of bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Management of cardiovascular complications of bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Sex-specific relationship between abdominal obesity and new-onset atrial fibrillation in the general Japanese population.

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is expected to increase with increasing obesity and number of geriatric patients in Japan. Although higher body mass index and abdominal obesity are associated with an increased risk of AF, the sex-specific relationship between abdominal obesity and new-onset AF is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the sex-specific relationship between abdominal obesity and new-onset AF. This retrospective study evaluated the annual health checkup data of 67,379 adults (33,562 males; age, 54 ± 10years) without baseline AF from April 2008 to March 2016. Participants were grouped according to waist circumference (WC): large-WC group (males, ≥ 85cm; females, ≥ 90cm) and normal-WC group. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the strength of the association between abdominal obesity and new-onset AF, overall and separately for males and females. During a median follow-up of 5years, 280 (0.4%) new cases of AF were recorded. Univariate analysis revealed a significant increase in new-onset AF in males (odds ratio [OR], 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-2.60; p < 0.001) but not in females (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.96-2.97; p = 0.068) in the large-WC group. After adjusting for clinical variables, multivariate analysis revealed that a large WC was significantly associated with new-onset AF in males (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.31-2.36; p < 0.001) but not in females (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.68-2.18; p = 0.514). Abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of new-onset AF in men.

Gender-specific relationship between abdominal obesity and prevalence of new-onset atrial fibrillation in the general Japanese population

Abstract Background The number of incidences of atrial fibrillation (AF) is expected to rise rapidly in the near future because of the increased number of geriatric patients in Japanese society. In addition, obesity is increasing in the general Japanese population. Although a higher body mass index is associated with a higher risk of AF, the relationship between abdominal obesity (large waist circumference) and new-onset AF is unclear. Methods and results We performed a longitudinal retrospective observational study from January 2007 to October 2018 using the annual health checkup data. Data from 58,844 adults (29,572 males, age 54±13 years) without baseline AF, who underwent routine health checkups, were analyzed. We performed logistic regression analyses to determine the strength of the association between abdominal obesity and new-onset AF. We also examined the effect of abdominal obesity on the incidences of AF stratified by gender. During a median follow-up of 4 years, we recorded new cases of AF in 322 (0.5%) individuals. In univariate analysis, a large waist circumference was significantly associated with new-onset AF, both in males [hazard ratio (HR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 1.05, p&amp;lt;0.001] and in females (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.06, p=0.002), respectively. In multivariate analysis adjusted for clinical variables (age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate, habitual drinking and diabetes), a large waist circumference was significantly and independently associated with new-onset AF in males (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.06, p&amp;lt;0.001), but not in females (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.04, p=0.269). Conclusion Abdominal obesity is independently associated with an increased risk of new-onset AF in males. This association in males might imply some sex-specific mechanisms. There might be a gender difference in the effectiveness of interventions to decrease abdominal obesity to prevent AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Chronic kidney disease and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation in individuals with diabetes

BackgroundDiabetes is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), which is associated with increases in mortality and morbidity, as well as a diminished quality of life. Renal involvement in diabetes is common, and since chronic kidney disease (CKD) shares several of the same putative mechanisms as AF, it may contribute to its increased risk in individuals with diabetes. The objective of this study is to identify the relationship between CKD and the rates of newly-diagnosed AF in individuals with diabetes taking part in a screening program using a self-applied wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) patch.Materials and methodsThe study included 608 individuals with a diagnosis of diabetes among 1738 total actively monitored participants in the prospective mHealth Screening to Prevent Strokes (mSToPS) trial. Participants, without a prior diagnosis of AF, wore an ECG patch for 2 weeks, twice, over a 4-months period and followed clinically through claims data for 1 year. Definitions of CKD included ICD-9 or ICD-10 chronic renal failure diagnostic codes, and the Health Profile Database algorithm. Individuals requiring dialysis were excluded from trial enrollment.ResultsNinety-six (15.8%) of study participants with diabetes also had a diagnosis of CKD. Over 12 months of follow-up, 19 new cases of AF were detected among the 608 participants. AF was newly diagnosed in 7.3% of participants with CKD and 2.3% in those without (P < 0.05) over 12 months of follow-up. In a univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the risk of incident AF was 3 times higher in individuals with CKD relative to those without CKD: hazard ratios (HR) 3.106 (95% CI 1.2–7.9). After adjusting for the effect of age, sex, and hypertension, the risk of incident AF was still significantly higher in those with CKD: HR 2.886 (95% CI 1.1–7.5).ConclusionAmong individuals with diabetes, CKD significantly increases the risk of incident AF. Identification of AF prior to clinical symptoms through active ECG screening could help to improve the clinical outcomes in individuals with CKD and diabetes.

The Value of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Prevention of Heart Rhythm Disorders

One of the trends in modern cardiology is the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ( ω -3 PUFA) in the prevention of heart rhythm disorders and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. In experimental studies, it was found that ω -3 PUFAs have a variety of pleiotropic effects: they reduce the formation of oxygen radicals, reduce reperfusion complications, reduce the level of thromboxane and platelet aggregation, and improve endothelial function. The ability of ω -3 PUFA to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which includes the inhibition of leukocyte chemotaxis, the expression of adhesion molecules, the formation of eicosanoids and biologically active substances with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most significant effects of ω -3 PUFA can be considered their anti-atherogenic effect. Antiarrhythmic properties of го -3 PUFA are associated with the effect on the ion channels of cardiomyocytes, they are able to activate slow calcium channels, increase the activity of Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ -ATPase and reduce the work of sodium channels. In animal experiments, it has been shown that in conditions of ischemia or adrenergic stimulation, ω -3 PUFA stabilizes the cardiomyocyte membrane, can increase the duration of the effective refractory period, and prevent the development of various heart rhythm disorders. Clinical studies have shown that the administration of ω -3 PUFA in addition to standard treatment reduces the risk of new cases of atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Japanese Population: the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and incident atrial fibrillation risk in the general Japanese population, who have lower hs-CRP levels than the Western population, and assess whether the association is modified by sex, overweight, hypertension, and smoking status.Methods: We conducted a prospective study in 6517 Japanese men and women aged 40–79 years without atrial fibrillation at baseline and enrolled in the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (2002–2008). The hs-CRP levels were measured using the latex particle-enhanced immunonephelometric assay. Atrial fibrillation was identified using standard 12-lead electrocardiograms and information on physician-diagnosed atrial fibrillation history from the follow-up surveys. We used a Cox proportional hazard regression stratified by community.Results: During a median follow-up of 11 years, 127 new cases of atrial fibrillation (74 and 53 cases among men and women, respectively) were found. Compared to the lowest quintile of hs-CRP levels, the multivariable hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 2.54 (1.17–5.50), 2.28 (1.06–4.93), 2.92 (1.37–6.23), and 2.77 (1.30–5.91) for the second, third, fourth, and fifth (highest) quintiles, respectively. There was no significant effect modification by sex, overweight, hypertension, and smoking status (P for interaction > 0.05).Conclusions: Elevated hs-CRP levels were significantly associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation in the Japanese population. The association of hs-CRP levels with incident atrial fibrillation did not vary according to sex, overweight, hypertension status, or smoking status.

223Atrial fibrillation screen, management and guideline recommended therapy (AF SMART II) in the rural primary care setting: eHealth tools to support all stages of screening

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements National Heart Foundation of Australia: CVRN Grant and Vanguard Grant; investigator-initiated grant from Pfizer-BMS; AliveCor provided free devices BACKGROUND Internationally, most atrial fibrillation (AF) management guidelines recommend screening for AF in people aged ≥65 years, as well as treatment with oral anticoagulants (OAC) for those at high stroke risk ( CHA2DS2-VA ≥2). However, in practice, gaps remain in both screening and treatment. In Australian general practice in 2017, the estimated rate of AF screening was 11%, and only about 60% of diagnosed AF patients received guideline-based OAC. Our 2018 screening study using eHealth tools in metropolitan general practices increased screening to 16% of eligible patients, leading to further refinement of the eHealth tools. PURPOSE To investigate the impact of an AF screening program in rural general practices, using a suite of custom-designed eHealth tools designed to increase the proportion screened and treated for AF in accordance with guidelines. METHODS General practices (n = 8) in rural New South Wales, Australia participated in the study between September 2018 – June 2019. General practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses conducted opportunistic screening of eligible patients (i.e. aged ≥65 years without existing AF diagnosis) using a smartphone electrocardiogram during practice visits. Practices were also provided with 1) an electronic screening prompt (which appeared when an eligible patient’s file was opened); 2) electronic decision support based on ESC/Australian treatment guidelines; and 3) regular customised data reports aimed at quality improvement (Figure 1). A clinical audit tool was used to extract deidentified data from practices. RESULTS A total of 3,103 eligible patients (mean age 75.1 ± 6.8 years, 47% male) who attended the 8 practices during the study period were screened (median screening period 4.6 months). Practices screened a median of 35% of eligible patients (range 9-51% per practice), with 4/8 practices screening &amp;gt;40% of eligible patients. 36 (1.2%) new cases of AF were confirmed (mean age 77.0 years, 64% male, mean CHA2DS2-VA = 2.9). GPs (n = 22) screened 30% (range 1-182 per GP) of patients and nurses (n = 40) screened 70% (range 1-192 per nurse). OAC treatment rates of patients with AF with CHA2DS2-VA≥2 were 82% (screen-detected), 78% (clinically-detected during study period) and 75% (pre-existing AF), with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS In the rural general practice setting, an AF screening program supported by eHealth tools resulted in 35% of eligible people screened, which is substantially higher than the 16% achieved in our previous study. Half the practices screened 40-50% of eligible patients, suggesting this may represent a ‘ceiling’ of patients captured by opportunistic AF screening programs. OAC treatment rates were higher than previous studies at baseline and were trending upwards during the study. eHealth tools, particularly including customised data reports as part of an audit and feedback system, may be a valuable addition to future screening programs. Abstract Figure 1 - screening process

Intermittent vs continuous electrocardiogram event recording for detection of atrial fibrillation—Compliance and ease of use in an ambulatory elderly population

BackgroundThere are many atrial fibrillation (AF) screening devices available. Validation studies have mainly been performed in optimal settings in the young population.HypothesisWe aim to compare the yield of AF detection, compliance, and patient‐based experience in an ambulatory elderly population by using intermittent electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and continuous event recording simultaneously.MethodsThe study participants were part of the STROKESTOP II study, a Swedish screening study for AF. All participants were 75/76 years of age, were clinically free of AF, and had N‐terminal pro b‐type natriuretic peptides levels ≥125 ng/L. AF screening was performed in parallel during a 2‐week period, using a continuous event recording device (R‐test 4; Novacor) and 30‐second intermittent recordings using a handheld ECG device (Zenicor II) four times daily. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire with regard to compliance and ease of use of the devices.ResultsDuring continuous event recording, 6% (n = 15/269) were diagnosed with AF and intermittent ECG detected AF in 2% (n = 5/269) of the participants (P = .002). No new cases of AF were detected using intermittent ECG monitoring only, but some episodes were detected in parallel for patients. On a graded ordinal scale of 1 to 5, with 1 reflecting “very easy to use”, continuous monitoring was graded 2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1‐3) compared to intermittent 1 (IQR: 1‐1) (P < .001).ConclusionContinuous event recording detected three times more AF compared to intermittent ECG in an elderly ambulatory population. Compliance and user‐friendliness were rated higher for the intermittent ECG device.

Outpatient Register of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Assessment of the Hypertension Impact on Long-term Prognosis

Aim. To assess the impact of arterial hypertension (AH) on the long-term outcomes in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Material and methods. 160 patients were included: 106 (66.2%) men and 54 (33.8%) women, average age 74.2±11.2 years, discharged from Moscow hospitals with a diagnosis of AMI (from March 01, 2014 till June 30, 2015) and applied to the city polyclinic №9 in Moscow or its branches for outpatient observation. The information was obtained on the basis of medical documentation of the polyclinic and data of patients’ examination/questioning by phone, conducted every 2 months. The follow-up duration was 1 year, the incidence of cardiovascular complications (CVC) was estimated: death, nonfatal AMI, nonfatal cerebral stroke, new cases of atrial fibrillation (AF), hospitalization for unstable angina, hypertensive crisis, heart failure, unplanned surgical interventions on the heart and blood vessels.Results. AH before the development of reference AMI was observed in 118 (73.4%) patients: 48 women and 70 men; in women, AH was recorded more often than in men: 88.9% and 66.0%, respectively, p&lt;0.05. Patients with AH were older than patients without AH: 63.0 (54.0; 74.0) and 55.5 (49.0; 61.0) years, respectively, p&lt;0.001, among them there were more retirees 76 (64.4%) and patients with disabilities 45 (38.1%), p&lt;0.05. Patients with AH compared with patients without AH were less likely to smoke (18.6% and 38.1%, respectively) and drank alcohol (30.5% and 52.4%, respectively), p&lt;0.05 for both; more likely to visit the outpatient clinic (89.0% and 66.7%, respectively), p&lt;0.05. There were no significant differences between the groups of patients with and without AH in the history of cerebral stroke, AMI, arrhythmia by AF type, diabetes mellitus and obesity, except for angina of tension (18.6% and 2.4%, respectively) and hypercholesterolemia (37.3% and 11.9%, respectively), p&lt;0.05 for both. Despite the fact that patients with AH were significantly more often prescribed antihypertensive, lipid-lowering and antithrombotic drugs before reference AMI, the frequency of their use was low: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers were prescribed in 70 (59.3%) patients, beta-blockers – in 35 (29.7%), calcium antagonists – in 20 (16.9%), diuretics – in 13(11.0%), antiplatelet agents – in 39 (33.1%), statins – in 9 (7.6%) patients. After one year of follow-up, CVC was registered in 33 (28.0%) patients with AH and 9 (21.4%) patients without AH (p=0.41). There was no statistically significant effect of AH on long-term outcomes of AMI, adjusted risk ratio =1.30 [95% confidence interval 0.68- 2.49], p&gt;0.05. The effect of AH on the development of CVC, estimated using the Kaplan-Mayer curve, was not statistically significant (p=0.120).Conclusion. During 1 year of follow-up after AMI in patients with AH the frequency of CVC – death, nonfatal AMI, nonfatal cerebral stroke, new cases of AF, hospitalization for unstable angina, hypertensive crisis, heart failure – did not exceed the overall frequency of CVC in patients without AH.

P6538Validity of two weeks daily self pulse-palpation for opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation among patients 65 years and older

Abstract Background Pulse-palpation is recommended (ESC IA) for single time-point screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). AF may, however, be paroxysmal which can make AF detection difficult to detect on single time-point measurement. Intermittent ECG recording is a sensitive method to detect AF. However, the role of pulse-palpation for AF detection has not been validated against simultaneous ECG recordings. Purpose To study the validity of AF detection using self pulse-palpation simultaneously with hand-hold ECG recording 3 times daily for two weeks for AF. Method Patients 65 years and older visiting four primary health care centers, four any reason, were invited to AF screening from July 2017 to December 2018. Hand-held intermittent ECG recordings, 30 seconds three times a day, was offered to participants without AF for a period of 2 weeks. Patients were instructed how to take their own pulse, simultaneously with intermittent ECG measurement and in written to note whether it was irregular or not. Results A total of 1010 patients (mean age 73 years, 61% women) participated in the study, 27 new cases of AF (mostly paroxysmal) were detected. Totally 53 782 simultaneous ECG-recordings and pulse-measurements were registered. AF was verified in 311 ECG-recordings but the pulse was palpated as irregular only in 77 of these recordings (25% sensitivity per measurement-occasion). Of those 27 detected AF cases, 15 cases felt their pulse as irregular at least at once occasion (56% sensitivity per individuals). 187 individuals without AF felt their pulse as irregular in at least one occasion. The specificity per measurement-occasion and per individuals were 98% and 81% respectively. Diagnostic odds ratio was 5.3. AF 27 patients No AF 983 patients Irregular pulse 202 individuals 15 187 Regular pulse 808 individuals 12 796 Sensitivity 56% Specificity 81% Positive Predictive Value 7% Negative Predictive Value 99% AF 311 measurements No AF 53471 measurements Irregular pulse 1046 measurements 77 969 Regular pulse 52,736 measurements 234 52,502 Sensitivity 25% Specificity 98% Positive Predictive Value 7% Negative Predictive Value 99% Conclusion AF screening using own pulse-palpation 3 times daily for two weeks is feasible but has a low sensitivity for AF detection. Acknowledgement/Funding This study was supported by the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, Pfizer, Boehringer-Ingelheim and Bayer

P1461Assessment of remote heart rhythm and arterial blood pressure sampling in professional drivers of public transport

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and arterial hypertension are two main causes of stroke. Therefore, screening for these diseases is essential in population and especially in people which professions is related to public safety. Purpose The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of newly cases of AF and hypertension in professional drivers of public transport working in Moscow. Methods From August to September 2018 480 professional drivers of public transport were enrolled in the study. All of them were screened with CardioQVARK monitor attached to iPhone to obtain 1-channel ECGs and photoplethysmograms. Blood pressure was calculated by using waveform and spectral analysis of photoplethysmograms. All ECGs were analyzed automatically and checked by experienced cardiologist. Outpatient counseling was provided to drivers with detected atrial fibrillation or hypertension. During this visit ECG and blood pressure were measured to confirm the remote monitoring results. Results Among 480 professional drivers 97,9% (n=470) were male and 2,1% (n=10) female, mean age was 47 years (min – 20, max – 67). 44,6% (n=214) were active smokers and 29,8% (n=143) were obese. We diagnosed 5 new cases of atrial fibrillation (1%) and 187 (39%) new cases of hypertension. Patients with newly diagnosed AF were male, three of them had newly diagnosed hypertension and CHA2DS2-VASc score – 1. So, in three cases oral anticoagulants therapy was started. The prevalence of hypertension in patients with newly AF was higher (p&lt;0,0001). In patients with newly diagnosed hypertension 29,2% (n=140) were in grade 1, 8,3% (n=40) – in grade 2 and 1,5% (n=7) – in grade 3 respectively. These patients were significantly older (p&lt;0,0001) and obese (p&lt;0,0001). Antihypertensive therapy was started in all cases. Conclusion Although the professional drivers of public transport in Moscow had annually and every day medical check-up, it had been possible to evaluate new cases of AF and hypertension by using remote heart rate and photoplethysmogram monitoring. Remote monitoring of ECG and blood pressure (BP) is useful tool for screening AF and hypertension especially in people which work activities is concerned with public safety. The remote monitoring of ECG and BP in this category had great social and economic outcomes.

Raising awareness and early detection of atrial fibrillation, an experience resorting to mobile technology centred on informed individuals

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac arrhythmia responsible for one third of ischemic strokes. Early detection of AF plays an important role in preventing embolic stroke. This study aimed to test the feasibility of an awareness event including opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation; and to test the reliability of the innovative portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device used. An awareness campaign was held during two weeks, where individuals consenting to participate in a pharmacist-led detection event, received a manual pulse check, were clinically evaluated and subject to a single-lead electrocardiogram using AliveCor Kardia® mobile. ECGs highlighted as possible AF were confirmed by the cardiologist and those signalled with abnormalities in cardiac rhythm were referred to their physician. Data were collected in a password protected application and analyzed using SPSS, v.24. The Kardia® mobile's sensitivity and specificity was tested against the standard 12-lead ECG. The awareness event involved 223 individuals, among which 205 were screened. Mean age was 66 years (SD = 15) and hypertension was the most frequently reported (n = 107; 52.2%). Mean CHAD2DS2- VASc score was 3 (SD = 1.8). Cardiac irregularities were identified in 45 individuals, 14 confirmed to be new cases of AF (6.8%) by the cardiologist. The sensitivity and specificity were 90.9% and 97.4%. Data suggests this device to be potentially useful for opportunistic early detection of AF, provided interprofessional collaboration is guaranteed so that suspect cases are adequately managed and in a timely way. Fourteen new cases of AF were identified in the population studied, suggesting the pharmacist working in a multiprofessional context, may have had an important role in preventing potential ischemic-related strokes with this initiative. All healthcare professionals involved in the patient pathway should play a more active role in contributing to better health outcomes, particularly within primary care.