New Diagnosis Of Atrial Fibrillation Research Articles

Clinical significance of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery or peripheral artery disease: results from the COMPASS trial

Abstract Background The COMPASS trial enrolled patients with coronary artery or peripheral artery disease, but excluded patients requiring oral anticoagulation. Compared to aspirin alone, rivaroxaban in addition to aspirin reduced a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke or myocardial infarction. Purpose This study aimed to explore the clinical significance of a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) during follow-up. Methods New AF was identified from unplanned hospitalization, study drug discontinuation and adverse event reports. The associations between new-onset AF, clinical characteristics and outcomes in COMPASS participants were studied using time-updated regression modeling. Event rates were reported as per 100 patient-years (following a new diagnosis of AF vs. from randomization until the end-follow-up or new AF, whichever came first). Results During a mean follow-up of 23 months, 655 of 27,395 participants (2.4%) were newly diagnosed with AF. Advanced age, male sex, white race, higher body mass index, higher systolic blood pressure, heart failure and prior myocardial infarction were independently associated with new-onset AF. The rates of permanent discontinuation of study drug were 83.8% following a new diagnosis of AF, compared to 17.5% in participants without/before new AF. Compared to participants without/before a new diagnosis of AF, participants with new-onset AF were at increased risk of a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke or myocardial infarction (8.9 vs. 2.5 per 100 patient-years, hazard ratio [HR] 4.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.37-6.00) (Figure 1). Risk increases with new-onset AF were also observed for hospitalization for heart failure (9.1 vs. 1.1 per 100 patient-years, HR 6.35, 95% CI 4.59-8.80) (Figure 2) and major bleeding (4.1 vs. 1.3 per 100 patient-years, HR 2.93, 95% CI 1.99-4.33). Conclusion In COMPASS, a new diagnosis of AF during trial follow-up was associated with a marked increase in risk of adverse outcomes.Composite outcome after new-onset AFHeart failure after new-onset AF

Effectiveness, utilisation and cost associated with implantable loop recorders versus external monitors after ischaemic or cryptogenic stroke

ObjectiveImplantable loop recorders (ILRs) are increasingly used for long-term rhythm monitoring after ischaemic and cryptogenic stroke, with the goal of detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) and subsequent initiation of oral anticoagulation...

Artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram in the detection of patients at risk of atrial functional mitral regurgitation

Abstract Background Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) is an increasingly recognized cause of functional MR thought to result from left atrial enlargement and myopathy in the setting of preserved left ventricular geometry and function. AFMR mostly occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Purpose We investigated whether the use of an artificial intelligence-based electrocardiogram (AI-ECG) can identify patients with new-onset AF and sinus rhythm (SR) who are at highest risk of developing AFMR. Methods Adults with a new diagnosis of AF between 2010 and 2021 who had a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) within 1 month after AF diagnosis were identified. Similarly, adults in SR who never had AF diagnosis and had a TTE during the same period were identified. Exclusion criteria from both groups included >mild MR at baseline, primary mitral valve disease, cardiomyopathy, ≥moderate aortic valve disease, current or previous low ejection fraction, enlarged left ventricle, cardiac devices, previous cardiac surgeries, and the absence of follow-up TTE ≥6 months from baseline. Only patients who had ECG within 10 days of the TTE were included. When multiple ECGs were available, the closest was considered. A previously trained AI-ECG algorithm to detect the probability of AF was utilized. Incident AFMR was defined as >mild functional MR in the absence of >mild left ventricle enlargement or dysfunction. Diastolic dysfunction was defined according to ASE/EACVI guidelines. Results Overall, 1,570 patients with new-onset AF (median age 67 years; 34% females) and 16,802 patients in SR (median age 59 years; 46% females) were included. The median AI ECG probability for AF was 43% (IQR 26%-59%) in the new-onset AF group and 2% (0.5%-7%) in the SR group, Figure 1. Incident AFMR occurred in 152 patients in the AF group over median 3.06 (IQR 1.5-5.2) years of follow-up and in 482 patients in the SR group over median 3.0 (1.5-5.6) years of follow-up. The probability of silent AF by the AI-ECG was associated with incident AFMR in the new-onset AF group [hazard ratio 1.19 (95% CI 1.11-1.28) per 10%, p <.001] and the SR group [hazard ratio 1.19 (95% CI 1.12-1.25) per 10%, p <.001]. The AI ECG-derived AF probability remained as an independent risk factor for AFMR in multivariable analysis in both AF and SR, Table 1. Conclusion The AI ECG for AF might be able to reflect the degree of left atrial myopathy and thus the risk of incident AFMR in patients with AF and SR.Distribution of AI ECG probability of AFMultivariable risk factors for AFMR

Differences of women and men in smartphone-based screening for atrial fibrillation: a pre-specified subgroup analysis of the eBRAVE-AF trial

Abstract Background eBRAVE-AF, a siteless, randomized, controlled trial, showed that digital smart-device based screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increased the detection rate of treatment-relevant AF when compared to usual care. Purpose In this pre-specified subgroup analysis, we aimed to investigate the effect of sex on compliance, efficacy of digital screening, as well as the interaction between sex and AF-triggered major adverse cardiovascular complications (MACCE). Methods 5.551 individuals, free of AF at baseline were randomized to digital screening (n=2.860) or usual care (n=2.691). For digital screening, participants used a certified app to screen for irregularities in their pulse waves by means of photoplethysmography (PPG). Abnormal findings were confirmed by a 14-day Holter-ECG. The primary endpoint was newly diagnosed AF treated with oral anticoagulation (OAC) within 6 months. After 6 months, participants were invited to cross-over for a second study phase with reverse assignment. For this analysis we combined the two phases of the study using multilevel clustered Cox-regression analysis. Results The median age was 65 ± 11 years, the median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3 ± 1 and 1.725 participants (31%) were females. Female sex was associated with better compliance in terms of more frequent PPG-measurements (57 ± 57) compared to male sex (50 ± 62; p<0.001). During a median follow-up time of 12 months 102 subjects reached the primary endpoint (including 2 endpoints in the cross-over window). Male sex (81 events) compared to female sex (21 events) was a significant predictor for reaching the primary endpoint (HR 1.74; 95% CI 1.08-2.82, p=0.023). While digital screening significantly increased the detection rate of AF requiring OAC in men (HR 2.48; 95% CI 1.52-4.05, p <0.001; Fig 1A), this effect did not reach the level of statistical significance in women (HR 1.83; 95% CI 0.74-4.54, p=0.193; Fig 1B), most probably due to the lower event-rate. The interaction between sex and the efficacy of digital screening was not statistically significant (p=0.563). Next to a higher incidence of AF in men (3.0% per year; 95% CI 2.4-4.5%) compared to women (1.8% per year; 95% CI 1.1%-2.4%; p=0.013), male participants were also at a higher risk for developing MACCE (106 vs. 20 events) (HR 2.57; 95% CI 1.57-4.20, p <0.001). AF was a significant predictor for developing MACCE in men (HR 6.52; 95% CI 3.42-12.43, p<0.001). Only one female participant with AF developed MACCE. Therefore, this analysis cannot be applied in females. Conclusion In a large-scale clinical trial, comparing digital screening to usual care for detecting AF requiring OAC, female sex was associated with better compliance to the study protocol and lower risk for developing AF requiring OAC. There was no significant interaction between sex and the efficacy of digital screening for detecting AF requiring OAC. In men, newly-diagnosed AF was associated with increased risk for MACCE.

Risk of incident atrial fibrillation and subsequent use of oral anticoagulants in patients with dementia

Abstract Background Dementia and atrial fibrillation (AF) have many shared risk factors, and the presence of AF is associated with a higher risk of incident dementia. Although patients with dementia have higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events, there are limited data on the risks of incident AF, and the associated AF-related clinical outcomes. Patients with dementia are under-represented in randomised trials, and even if AF is present, oral anticoagulants (OAC) are not prescribed frequently. We aimed to report the incidence of newly-diagnosed AF in dementia patients, and the impact on stroke and bleeding outcomes with vitamin K antagonist (VKA, eg warfarin) and non-VKA OAC (NOACs). Methods Nationwide cohort study of 544,074 patients with dementia, compared to 554,074 age- and sex-matched patients without dementia. Results Rates of newly-diagnosed AF were higher in patients with dementia compared to those without history of dementia (1.89 per 100 person-years vs 1.78 per 100 person-years, respectively); adjusted risk of incident AF was greater in all types of dementia, pre-senile/senile dementia and vascular dementia (Figure 1). When compared to non-OAC users, warfarin use was associated with higher risk of ischaemic stroke (aHR, 1.290; 95% CI, 1.156 - 1.440), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) risk (aHR, 1.678; 95% CI, 1.346 - 2.09) and major bleeding (aHR, 1.192; 95% CI, 1.073 - 1.323). NOAC use was associated with lower risk of ischaemic stroke (aHR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.352 - 0.501) and major bleeding (aHR; 0.504, 95% CI, 0.433 - 0.587), when compared to non-OAC use (Figure 2). Conclusions In this large nationwide cohort of dementia patients, the incidence rate of newly-diagnosed or incident AF was higher in patients with dementia compared to patients without dementia. Compared to non-OAC users, NOAC use was associated with a lower risk of ischaemic stroke and major bleeding. Patients with dementia require a holistic approach to their care and management, including the use of NOACs to reduce their risks of clinical events.

Abstract 15925: Comparative Mortality, Safety, and Cost Among Stroke Patients Who Received Implantable Loop Records Compared to Continuous External Cardiac Monitors

Background: Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are increasingly used to screen for atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients with stroke, but real-world outcomes are lacking. Goal: To determine comparative effectiveness, safety, and costs of ILR compared with continuous external monitors (CEM) and Holter monitors in a real-world setting of patients with stroke. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis used the Optum Labs Data Warehouse, which contains longitudinal, de-identified administrative claims. The cohort included patients with recent stroke who received cardiac monitoring from 1/1/2016 - 6/30/2021, comparing those with ILR to those with CEM (>48 hours to 30 days) or Holter (≤48 hours). Eligibility criteria included: ischemic stroke during 6 month baseline; continuous enrollment with medical and pharmacy coverage; no evidence of pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, AF, left atrial appendage ablation, or oral anticoagulants. The primary outcome was 12-month all-cause mortality, secondary outcomes included new diagnosis of AF + initiation of anticoagulants, hemorrhagic stroke, and total and device-related costs. Final analyses were adjusted for CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score. Results: Among 48,801 individuals, 18.9% received ILR, 59.5% CEM, and 21.6% Holter. Groups had similar demographics and comorbidities (Table). Compared to those with CEM, the ILR group had higher odds of a new diagnosis of AF plus initiation of anticoagulants (OR 2.27; (95% CI 2.09, 2.48)), and hemorrhagic stroke (OR of 1.60 (95% CI 1.34, 1.93)). There was no difference in mortality. Unadjusted direct medical cost of monitoring was substantially higher in the ILR group ($13,975) compared to CEM ($449) and Holter ($149). Conclusions: Although the use of ILRs was associated with increased detection and treatment for AF, there was no impact on all-cause mortality. ILR was associated with increased hemorrhagic stroke and higher costs.

The Role of Electrocardiographic Markers for Predicting Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Data from the BIOSIGNAL Cohort Study.

P-wave abnormalities in the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) have been associated with a higher risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) as well as atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to assess pre-determined ECG criteria during sinus rhythm in unselected AIS patients and their value for predicting newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (NDAF) after hospital admission. P-wave alterations were measured on 12-lead ECG on admission in all consecutively enrolled patients without known AF between October 2014 and 2017. The outcome of interest was NDAF, identified by prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring within one year after the index AIS. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess the magnitude and independence of the association between pre-selected ECG markers and NDAF. The discriminatory accuracy was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and the incremental prognostic value was estimated with the net reclassification index. NDAF was detected in 87 (10%) of 856 patients during a follow-up of 365 days. Out of the pre-selected ECG parameters, advanced interatrial block (aIAB) and PR interval in lead II were independently associated with NDAF in univariable regression analysis. Only aIAB remained a significant predictor in multivariable analysis. Adding aIAB to the best-performing multivariable regression model improved the discriminatory accuracy to predict NDAF from an AUC of 0.78 (95%-CI 0.77-0.80) to 0.81 (95%-CI 0.80-0.83, p < 0.001). aIAB is independently and highly associated with NDAF in patients with AIS, has high inter-rater reliability, and therefore may be helpful to refine diagnostic work-up to search for AF in AIS.

Influence of thrombocytopenia on bleeding and vascular events in atrial fibrillation

AbstractWhether thrombocytopenia substantively increases the risk of hemorrhage associated with anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is not established. The purpose of this study was to compare rates of bleeding in patients with AF and thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 000/μL) to patients with AF and normal platelet counts (>150 000/μL). We performed a propensity score–matched, retrospective cohort study of adults (n = 1070) with a new diagnosis of AF who received a prescription for an oral anticoagulant between 2015 and 2020. The thrombocytopenia cohort was defined as having at least 2 platelet counts <100 000/μL on separate days in the period spanning the 12 weeks preceding the initiation of anticoagulation to 6 weeks after the initiation of anticoagulation. The primary end point was the 1-year cumulative incidence of major bleeding; secondary end points included clinically relevant bleeding, arterial and venous thrombotic events, and all-cause mortality. Patients with AF and thrombocytopenia experienced a higher 1-year cumulative incidence of major bleeding (13.3% vs 5.7%; P < .0001) and clinically relevant bleeding (24.5% vs 16.7%; P = .005) than the controls. Thrombocytopenia was identified as an independent risk factor for major bleeding (hazard ratio, 2.20; confidence interval, 1.36-3.58; P = .001), with increasing risk based on the severity of thrombocytopenia. The cumulative incidence of arterial thrombosis at 1 year was 3.6% in the group with thrombocytopenia and 1.5% in controls (Gray test, P = .08). These findings suggest that baseline platelet counts are an important biomarker for hemorrhagic outcomes in AF and that the degree of thrombocytopenia is an important factor in determining the level of risk.

Oral Anticoagulant Use in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation at Low Risk of Stroke and Associated Bleeding Complications.

The use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and low stroke risk might cause more harm than benefit. Little attention has been given to address its prevalence and associated consequences. This study aimed to investigate the prescription rate of OACs, identify associated factors, and describe incident bleeding events in low-risk patients. We included patients with a new diagnosis of AF between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2018 having a low risk of stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 for males and 1 for females) from Australian general practice data (MedicineInsight). Patients were classified as OAC users if there was a recorded prescription of an OAC within 60 days of AF diagnosis, and factors associated with the prescription of an OAC were assessed using logistic regression. Recorded incident bleeding events were identified within 6 months after AF diagnosis or after OAC initiation for OAC non-users and users, respectively. The risk of bleeding was compared between the two groups by adjusting their baseline differences using propensity score matching. The study included 2810 low-risk patients (62.3% male) with a mean age of 49.3 ± 10.8 years. Of the total, 705 (25.1%) patients had a record of OAC prescription within 60 days of diagnosis of AF. Older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.04) and diagnosis periods (2015-2016 [OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.10-1.94] and 2017-2018 [OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.17-2.23] vs. 2011-2012) were associated with higher odds of OAC initiation. Female sex (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.59-0.85), higher bleeding risk (ORBIT score; OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.68-0.94), and higher socioeconomic index for areas (SEIFA) quintiles (SEIFA quintiles; 2 [OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.48-0.88], 3 [OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.56-0.98], 4 [OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.52-0.94], 5 [OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.52-0.91] compared with quintile 1) were associated with lower odds of OAC prescription. A total of 52 (in 1.8% of patients) incident bleeds were identified, with 18 (2.6%) among OAC users. The rate of bleeding was not significantly different between users and non-users after matching. However, within OAC users, commencement of OAC was associated with an increased risk of bleeding compared to the period before OAC initiation (p = 0.006). One in four patients at low risk of stroke received an OAC within 60 days of AF diagnosis. Older age and the period following the widespread availability of direct-acting OACs were associated with an increased likelihood of OAC prescription. Positively, using OACs was not associated with an increased rate of bleeding compared to non-users.

Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of atrial functional mitral regurgitation in patients with atrial fibrillation or sinus rhythm.

Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) has been associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. However, data on incident AFMR are scarce. We aimed to study the incidence, risk factors, and clinical significance of AFMR in AF or sinus rhythm (SR). Adults with new diagnosis of AF and adults in SR were identified. Patients with >mild MR at baseline, primary mitral disease, cardiomyopathy, left-sided valve disease, previous cardiac surgery, or with no follow-up echocardiogram were excluded. Diastolic dysfunction (DD) was indicated by ≥2/4 abnormal diastolic function parameters [mitral medial e', mitral medial E/e', tricuspid regurgitation velocity, left atrial volume index (LAVI)]. Overall, 1747 patients with AF and 29 623 in SR were included. Incidence rate of >mild AFMR was 2.6 per 100 person-year in new-onset AF and 0.7 per 100 person-year in SR, P < 0.001. AF remained associated with AFMR in a propensity score-matched analysis based on age, sex, and comorbidities between AF and SR [hazard ratio: 3.80 (95% confidence interval 3.04-4.76)]. Independent risk factors associated with incident AFMR were age ≥65 years, female sex, LAVI, and DD in both AF and SR, in addition to rate (vs. rhythm) control in AF. Incident AFMR was independently associated with all-cause death in both groups (both P < 0.001). AF conferred a three-fold increase in the risk of incident AFMR. DD, older age, left atrial size, and female sex were independent risk factors in both SR and AF, while rhythm control was protective. AFMR was universally associated with worse mortality.

Factors associated with oral anticoagulant prescription status among patients with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults and increases stroke risk. Treatment with oral anticoagulants (OACs) may reduce this risk however many patients do not receive OAC therapy. This study aimed to use electronic health record data to identify newly diagnosed AF patients at high risk for stroke and not anticoagulated as well as factors associated with OAC prescription. Timely prescription of OACs among patients with newly diagnosed AF is poor. We performed a retrospective study of patients with a new diagnosis of AF. We assessed stroke risk with the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score. The primary outcome was prescription of an OAC within 6 months following diagnosis. We used logistic regression to see how the odds of being prescribed an OAC differs for 17 independent variables. We identified 18 404 patients with a new diagnosis of AF. Among patients at high risk for stroke, 41.3% received an OAC prescription within 6 months. Male sex, Caucasian compared to African American race, stroke, obesity, congestive heart failure, vascular disorder, current antiplatelet, beta blocker, or calcium channel blocker prescription, and increasing CHA2 DS2 -VASc score were positively associated with receiving an OAC. Whereas anemia, renal dysfunction, liver dysfunction, antiarrhythmic drug use and increasing HAS-BLED score were negatively associated. Most newly diagnosed AF patients at high stroke risk do not receive an OAC prescription in the first 6 months following diagnosis. Our analysis suggests that patient sex, race, comorbidities, and additional prescriptions are associated with rates of OAC prescribing.

Incident atrial functional mitral regurgitation in atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) has been associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. However, data on its incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes are scarce. Objective We aimed to study the incidence, risk factors and clinical significance of AFMR, defined as &amp;gt;mild functional MR in the absence of more than mild left ventricle enlargement or dysfunction, in AF and sinus rhythm (SR). Methods Adults with a new diagnosis of AF between 2010–2021 who had a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) were identified (n=57,109). Similarly, adults with no diagnosis of AF who had a TTE between 2010–2021 were identified for comparison (n= 364,767). Patients with &amp;gt;mild MR at baseline, primary mitral valve disease, cardiomyopathy, ≥moderate aortic valve disease, current or previous low ejection fraction, enlarged left ventricle, cardiac devices, previous cardiac surgeries, or with no follow up TTE ≥6 months from baseline were excluded. Furthermore, patients with AF had to have a TTE within 1 month of AF diagnosis. The presence of ≥2 of 4 abnormal diastolic function parameters [mitral septal e’ &amp;lt;0.07 m/sec, mitral septal E/e’ &amp;gt;15 in SR and &amp;gt;11 in AF, TR velocity &amp;gt;2.80 m/sec, left atrial volume index &amp;gt;34 ml/m2] was determined. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine risk factors associated with incident AFMR and all-cause death. Patients without the event of interest were censored at last follow up. Patients who developed &amp;gt;mild MR of other types (primary or functional ventricular) were censored at that time. Results Overall, 1,747 (median age 67 years; 34% females) patients with AF and 29,623 (median age 59; 51% females) in SR were included. Incident AFMR occurred in 167 patients with AF over median 3.1 (IQR 1.6–5.1) years [incidence rate of 2.6 per 100-person year] and in 780 patients in SR over median 3.1 (IQR 1.5–5.8) years [incidence rate 0.7 per 100-person year] (Figure 1). AF remained associated with AFMR after adjusting to confounding factors [age ≥65, female sex, ≥2 abnormal diastolic function parameters, and low hemoglobin; adjusted HR 3.23 (2.71–3.85)]. Independent risk factors associated with incident AFMR in AF were age ≥65, female sex, persistent AF, and ≥2 abnormal diastolic function parameters, whereas successful rhythm control without recurrence was a protective factor (Figure 2a). Risk factors for AFMR in SR were age ≥65 years, female sex, presence of ≥2 abnormal diastolic function parameters, and low hemoglobin (Figure 2a). Incident AFMR was independently associated with all-cause death in both AF and SR (Figure 2b). Conclusions AF confers more than 3-fold increase in the risk of AFMR. Diastolic dysfunction, older age, and female sex were independent risk factors for incident AFMR in both SR and AF. Paroxysmal AF and successful rhythm control were protective factors against AFMR in AF. AFMR is universally associated with worse mortality.

Active monitoring for atrial fibrillation (AMALFI): a streamlined randomised controlled trial of remote screening for subclinical atrial fibrillation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Institute for Health and Care Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre ECG patches (and respective monitoring data analysis) were granted free of charge by the manufacturer (iRhythm) Background Incidence of stroke could be reduced by detection of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) and appropriate anticoagulation. Opportunistic screening by pulse-taking or ECG is recommended by some international guidelines. In contrast, there is uncertainty regarding the benefits and harms of systematic screening across populations and/or using longer monitoring durations. Purpose To assess if screening using a one-off single-lead continuous non-invasive ECG patch worn for 14 days increases AF detection at 2.5 years compared to standard care, and whether this approach is cost-effective. Methods AMALFI is an ongoing mail-based open-label randomised controlled trial of remote AF screening in England. Streamlined design includes integration with national electronic health data and care pathways for participant identification, invitation, and management. The target population are individuals aged ≥65 years with CHA2DS2VASc score of ≥3 in men and ≥4 in women, and with no prior history of AF or allergy to latex. Participants in the intervention arm self-apply the ECG patch and return it for analysis after 14 days. AF findings (duration ≥30 seconds at any rate) are communicated to primary care physicians, with further clinical management at their discretion. Participants in the control arm receive usual care (which is expected to include opportunistic AF screening). The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with newly-detected AF recorded in primary care electronic health records in each group at 2.5 years after randomisation. Results From 2019 to 2022, AMALFI invited 22,188 people, of whom 5,040 (23%) were randomised. Baseline characteristics included age 77±6 years, 47% female, and median CHA2SD2VASc score 3 (Table 1). Of 2520 individuals randomised to the intervention, 2127 (84%) wore and returned the patch. Median wear time was 13.9 days and median proportion of time analysable was 98.8%. AF was present in 102 patch reports, representing 4.8% of reports received and 4% of the intervention arm (in line with a priori estimates for power calculations for the primary outcome); median AF burden was 11.3%. AF was present at commencement of recording in 40% of these reports, by the end of the first day in 58%, and by the end of the first week in 83% (Figure 1). Incidental findings included supraventricular tachycardia (in 90% of reports), non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT; in 32%), sustained VT (in 0.1%), Mobitz II/high-grade/3rd degree AV block (in 1.1%), and pauses &amp;gt;6s (in 0.3%). Conclusion AMALFI’s innovative design facilitated recruitment and demonstrates that a remote ECG patch-based AF screening strategy is feasible, resulting in a new diagnosis of AF in ~4% of individuals selected due to moderate-to-high clinical stroke risk. Longer term follow-up will provide data on the incremental value and cost-effectiveness of AF diagnosis by systematic screening compared to routine opportunistic detection.

Should we shift warfarin to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for patients with atrial fibrillation staying well on warfarin for years?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are recommended over warfarin for stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in 2020 ESC guidelines. However, whether warfarin should be shifted to NOACs for patients who stayed very well with warfarin for years remains unknown. Methods From 2007 to 2010, a total of 167,176 newly-diagnosed AF patients aged ≥20 years were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Among these patients, 83,604 were alive to June 1st, 2015 and 54,803 of them who did not experience ischemic stroke or intra-cranial hemorrhage (ICH) have constituted the study population. Among the study population, 8,007 patients who continuously received warfarin and survived for at least 90 days after June 1st, 2015 were defined as the "original warfarin cohort". These patients were then categorized into 2 groups according to the stroke prevention strategies they received after June 1st, 2015; that is, staying on warfarin (n = 6,635) and shifting to NOACs (n = 1,372). Results Compared to patients staying on warfarin, the risk of ischemic stroke was lower for patients who were shifted NOACs (aHR 0.886; p=0.002). Also, the risk of major bleeding was lower for shifting to NOACs (aHR 0.849; p&amp;lt;0.001)(Figure). Compared to staying on warfarin, NOACs use was associated with a lower composite risk of ischemic stroke or ICH (aHR 0.842; p&amp;lt;0.001) and ischemic stroke or major bleeding (aHR 0.880; p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions Even for patients staying well on warfarin for years, shifting to NOACs was still associated with better clinical outcomes.

MP-453085-9 SEX DIFFERENCES IN ALL-CAUSE AND CVD MORTALITY ASSOCIATED WITH NEW-ONSET INCIDENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: THE VITAL STUDY

Conflicting data exist as to whether women with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at higher risk of adverse outcomes and mortality than men. To examine the association between a new diagnosis of AF and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and death in women as compared to men. We prospectively examined the association between incident AF and non-fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) (stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart failure) and CV mortality and total mortality among 12,693 women and 12,285 men without a prior history of CVD or AF from the VITAL study. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards - models with updated time-varying covariates, and comparison test were used to assess for sex differences. During a median follow-up of 6.3 years, 459 women and 554 men developed new-onset AF. After multivariable adjustment for CVD risk factors, women with incident AF had similarly high relative risks of subsequent non-fatal CVD (HR 5.6; 95% CI, 4.1-7.6) as men (HR 4.9; 95% CI, 3.7-6.5) with no significant difference (p=0.36). In contrast, incident AF was associated with significantly higher multivariable-adjusted relative risks for subsequent CVD mortality in women (HR 6.1; 95% CI, 3.5-10.5) as compared to men (HR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0-4.0); p, for difference= 0.01. The magnitude of the HR for the association between incident AF and total mortality was also significantly greater in women (HR 3.4; 95% CI, 2.5-4.6) as compared to men (HR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.5); p, difference= 0.005. In multivariable models that further controlled for interim non-fatal CVD events, incident AF remained significantly associated with higher risks of CVD mortality (HR 22; 95% CI, 1.3-4.0) and total mortality (HR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2-2.3) in women; however, the relative risk elevations were completely attenuated in men (HR 0.7; 95% CI 0.3-1.4 for CVD mortality; HR 1.0; 95% CI 0.7-1.4 for total mortality; p for difference 0.009 and 0.02 respectively). In a prospective cohort of women and men without baseline AF or CVD, the magnitudes of the relative risk elevations for CVD and all-cause mortality associated with incident AF were greater in women as compared to men. As opposed to men, the elevation in risk persisted for women even after controlling for interim CVD events, suggesting that other factors beyond interim CVD events account for the elevated mortality risk associated with AF in women.

Predicting new onset atrial fibrillation post acute myocardial infarction: Echocardiographic assessment of left atrial size.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly occurs following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Left atrial (LA) size has been reported to predict new onset AF in this cohort, however, the optimal metric of left atrial size for risk stratification following AMI is unknown. Patients presenting to a tertiary hospital with incident AMI (NSTEMI or STEMI) and no history of AF were recruited. All patients underwent guideline-based workup and management for AMI, including transthoracic echocardiographic assessment. Three alternative metrics of left atrial size were determined: LA area, maximal and minimal LA volume indexed to body surface area (LAVImax and LAVImin). The primary endpoint was new onset AF diagnoses. Four hundred thirty three patients were included in the analysis, of which 7.1% had a new diagnosis of AF within a median follow-up of 3.8 years. Univariate predictors of incident AF included age, hypertension, revascularization with CABG, NSTEMI presentation, right atrial area, and all three metrics of LA size. Among three multivariable models created for the prediction of new onset AF utilizing alternate metrics of LA size, LAVImin was the only LA size metric found to be an independent predictor. LAVImin is an independent predictor of new onset AF post AMI. LAVImin outperforms echocardiographic assessment of diastolic dysfunction and alternative metrics of LA size (including LA area and LAVImax) for risk stratification. Further studies are needed to validate our findings in post AMI patients, and evaluate whether LAVImin holds similar advantages over LAVImax in other cohorts.

A Simplified Risk Score to Predict In-Hospital Newly-Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cause of stroke, and newly diagnosed AF (NDAF) is typically detected in the early period of stroke onset. We aimed to identify the factors associated with in-hospital NDAF in acute ischemic stroke patients and developed a simplified clinical prediction model. Patients with cryptogenic stroke aged 18 years or older who were admitted between January 2017 and December 2021 were recruited. NDAF was determined by inpatient cardiac telemetry. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to evaluate the factors associated with in-hospital NDAF. The predictive model was developed using regression coefficients. The study enrolled 244 eligible participants, of which 52 NDAFs were documented (21.31%), and the median time to detection was two days (1-3.5). After multivariable regression analysis, parameters significantly associated with in-hospital NDAF were elderly (>75 years) (adjusted Odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confident interval, 1.51-5.91; P = 0.002), female sex (2.08; 1.04-4.14; P = 0.04), higher admission national institute of health stroke scale (1.04; 1.00-1.09; P = 0.05), and presence of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (2.33; 1.13-4.79; P = 0.02). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve resulted in 0.74 (95% CI 0.65-0.80), and the cut-point of 2 showed 87% sensitivity and 42% specificity. The validated and simplified risk scores for predicting in-hospital NDAF primarily rely on simplified parameters and high sensitivity. It might be used as a screening tool for in-hospital NDAF in stroke patients who initially presumed cryptogenic stroke.

COVID-19 pandemic and trends in new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation: A nationwide analysis of claims data.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a five-fold increased risk of stroke and a two-fold increased risk of death. We aimed to quantify changes in new diagnoses of AF following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigating changes in new diagnoses of AF is of relevance because delayed diagnosis interferes with timely treatment to prevent stroke, heart failure, and death. Using De-identified Optum's Clinformatics® Data Mart, we identified 19,500,401 beneficiaries continuously enrolled for 12 months in 2016-Q3 2020 with no history of AF. The primary outcome was new AF diagnoses per 30-day interval. Secondary outcomes included AF diagnosis in the inpatient setting, AF diagnosis in the outpatient setting, and ischemic stroke as initial manifestation of AF. We constructed seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models to quantify changes in new AF diagnoses after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (3/11/2020, date of pandemic declaration). We tested whether changes in the new AF diagnoses differed by race and ethnicity. The average age of study participants was 51.0±18.5 years, and 52% of the sample was female. During the study period, 2.7% of the study sample had newly-diagnosed AF. New AF diagnoses decreased by 35% (95% CI, 21%-48%) after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, from 1.14 per 1000 individuals (95% CI, 1.05-1.24) to 0.74 per 1000 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.83, p-value<0.001). New AF diagnoses decreased by 37% (95% CI, 13%- 55%) in the outpatient setting and by 29% (95% CI, 14%-43%) in the inpatient setting. The decrease in new AF diagnoses was similar across racial and ethnic subgroups. In a nationwide cohort of 19.5 million individuals, new diagnoses of AF decreased substantially following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings evidence pandemic disruptions in access to care for AF, which are concerning because delayed diagnosis interferes with timely treatment to prevent complications.

Impact of a dedicated center for atrial fibrillation on resource utilization and costs.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects millions of Americans each year and can lead to high levels of resource utilization through emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient stays. We hypothesized that referral of patients to a dedicated Center for AF from the ED would reduce costs of care. The University of Pittsburgh Center for AF serves as a rapid referral center for patients with AF to avoid unnecessary inpatient admissions and provide specialized care. Patients that presented to the ED with AF and met prespecified criteria were directed to rapid outpatient follow-up instead of inpatient admission. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day total costs. Secondary outcomes included outpatient costs, inpatient costs, 90-day costs, and inpatient stay characteristics. We identified 96 patients (median age 65, 38% women) referred to the center for AF for a new diagnosis of AFbetween October 2017 and December 2019 and matched 96 control patients. After 30 days of follow-up, patients referred to the center for AF had a lower average cost ($619 vs. $1252, p < 0.001) compared to controls, driven by lower costs of ED care tempered by slightly higher outpatient costs. Thirty-day admissions and lengths of stay were also lower. These differences were persistent at 90 days. Directing patients with AF that present to the ED to follow-up at a dedicated Center for AF significantly reduced overall costs, while reducing subsequent inpatient admissions and total lengths of stay in the hospital.

Assessment of Anticoagulant Initiation in Patients With New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation During Emergency Department Visit-Point-by-Point Response.

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have an increased risk of stroke and systemic thromboembolism. Diagnosis of AF is commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to assess the number of patients with new-onset AF appropriately initiated on oral anticoagulation (AC) during their ED encounter. This retrospective analysis included patients discharged from the ED from July 2016 to July 2021 with a new diagnosis of AF. Patients were excluded if they were on AC before admission. The major endpoint was to identify the percentage of patients discharged from the ED without initiating AC. Minor endpoints included the average CHA2DS2-VASc scores and the reason for not initiating AC. A total of 380 patients were included in the final analysis. Of the 245 patients found to be indicated for AC, only 131 patients (53.5%) were initiated on AC and 114 patients (46.5%) were discharged without initiating AC. Almost half of the patients who presented to the ED with a new diagnosis of AF and indicated for AC were discharged without AC.