Risk Of New-onset Atrial Fibrillation Research Articles

Left atrioventricular coupling index in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) accurate risk stratification for new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) has important prognostic implications. Left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) has been recently associated with the occurrence of AF in patients without history of cardiovascular disease. Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the association between LACI and new onset AF in HCM patients and its incremental value over conventional left atrial (LA) parameters. Methods A total of 373 HCM patients without history of AF (48 ± 17 years, 66% men) were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. LACI was defined by the ratio of the LA end-diastolic volume divided by the LV end-diastolic volume. The cut-off value for LACI (≥40%) to identify LA-left ventricular (LV) uncoupling was chosen based on the risk excess of new-onset AF described with a spline curve analysis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between LACI and the occurrence of AF. Results The median LACI was 38% (interquartile range: 24-56) and LA-LV uncoupling (LACI ≥40%) was observed in 171 (45.8%) patients. During a mean follow-up of 11.0 ± 5.6 years, 118 subjects (31.6%) developed new-onset AF. The cumulative event-free survival at 10 years was 53% for patients with LA-LV uncoupling (LACI ≥40%) versus 94% for patients without LA-LV uncoupling (LACI <40%) (p < 0.0001; Figure 1). Multivariable analysis showed an independent association between new-onset AF and LA maximum volume indexed (LAVImax) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02–1.04), LA minimum volume indexed (LAVImin) (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03–1.05), LA emptying fraction (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.98) and LACI (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.02; all p < 0.0001). The inclusion of LACI in the multivariate model provided larger improvement in the risk stratification for new-onset AF, as compared to conventional LA parameters (Figure 2). Furthermore, the likelihood ratio test demonstrated incremental value of LACI assessment on the top of the multivariate model including LAVImin to predict new-onset AF (p = 0.02), while the addition of LAVImin did not improve the risk discrimination of the multivariate model including LACI (p = 0.36). Conclusion Greater LACI, indicative of LA-LV uncoupling, was independently associated with the occurrence of new-onset AF in patients with HCM and demonstrated a stronger risk discrimination power compared to conventional LA parameters. This simple ratio may be easily implemented in clinical practice to improve risk stratification for new-onset AF in HCM. Abstract Figure. Incident AF according to LACI Abstract Figure.

Oral anticoagulant treatment after bioprosthetic valvular intervention or valvuloplasty in patients with atrial fibrillation-A SWEDEHEART study.

AimsTo describe the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) and change in antithrombotic treatment patterns during follow-up after valve intervention with a biological prosthesis or valvuloplasty.Methods and resultsAll patients with history of AF or new-onset AF discharged alive after valvular intervention (biological prosthesis or valvuloplasty) between 2010–2016 in Sweden were included (n = 7,362). Information about comorbidities was collected from national patient registers. Exposure to OAC was based on pharmacy dispensation data. In total 4,800 (65.2%) patients had a history of AF, and 2,562 (34.8%) patients developed new-onset AF, with 999 (39.0%) developing new-onset AF within 3 months after intervention. The proportion of patients with biological valve prosthesis was higher in patients with new-onset AF compared to history of AF (p<0.001). CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 was observed in 83.1% and 75.5% patients with history of AF and new-onset AF, respectively. Warfarin was more frequently dispensed than NOAC at discharge in patients with history of AF (43.9% vs 7.3%), and in patients with new-onset AF (36.6% vs 17.1%). Almost half of the AF population was not dispensed on any OAC at discharge (48.8% in patients with history of AF and 46.3% in patients with new-onset AF).ConclusionIn this real world study of patients with AF and recent valvular intervention, risk of new-onset AF after valvular intervention is high emphasizing need for frequent rhythm monitoring after intervention. A considerable undertreatment with OAC was observed despite being indicated for the majority of the patients. Warfarin was the OAC most frequently dispensed.

Burden of Cardiometabolic Disorders and Lifetime Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Among Men and Women: A Perspective Cohort Study

Burden of Cardiometabolic Disorders and Lifetime Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Among Men and Women: A Perspective Cohort Study

Subclinical Measures of Peripheral Atherosclerosis and the Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in the General Population: the Rotterdam Study.

BackgroundLimited population‐based data on the (sex‐specific) link between subclinical measures of peripheral atherosclerosis and new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) exist.Methods and ResultsSubclinical measures of peripheral atherosclerosis including carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT), carotid plaque, and ankle‐brachial index (ABI) were assessed at baseline and follow‐up examinations. A total of 12 840 participants free of AF at baseline from the population‐based Rotterdam Study were included. Cox proportional hazards models and joint models, adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, were used to determine the associations between baseline and longitudinal measures of cIMT, carotid plaque, and ABI with new‐onset AF. During a median follow‐up of 9.2 years, 1360 incident AF cases occurred among 12 840 participants (mean age 65.2 years, 58.3% women). Higher baseline cIMT (fully‐adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 95% CI, 1.81, 1.21–2.71; P=0.0042), presence of carotid plaque (fully‐adjusted HR, 95% CI, 1.19, 1.04–1.35; P=0.0089), lower ABI (fully‐adjusted HR, 95% CI, 1.57, 1.14–2.18; P=0.0061) and longitudinal measures of higher cIMT (fully‐adjusted HR, 95% CI, 2.14, 1.38–3.29; P=0.0021), presence of carotid plaque (fully‐adjusted HR, 95% CI, 1.61, 1.12–2.43; P=0.0112), and lower ABI (fully‐adjusted HR, 95% CI, 4.43, 1.83–10.49; P=0.0007) showed significant associations with new‐onset AF in the general population. Sex‐stratified analyses showed that the associations for cIMT, carotid plaque, and ABI were mostly prominent among women.ConclusionsBaseline and longitudinal subclinical measures of peripheral atherosclerosis (carotid atherosclerosis, and lower extremity peripheral atherosclerosis) were significantly associated with an increased risk of new‐onset AF, especially among women.RegistrationURL: https://www.trialregister.nl, https://www.apps.who.int/trialsearch/; Unique identifier: NL6645/NTR6831.

Deep learning model to quantify left atrium volume on routine non-contrast chest CT and predict adverse outcomes

BackgroundLow-dose computed tomography (LDCT) are performed routinely for lung cancer screening. However, a large amount of nonpulmonary data from these scans remains unassessed. We aimed to validate a deep learning model to automatically segment and measure left atrial (LA) volumes from routine NCCT and evaluate prediction of cardiovascular outcomes. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 273 patients (median age 69 years, 55.5% male) who underwent LDCT for lung cancer screening. LA volumes were quantified by three expert cardiothoracic radiologists and a prototype AI algorithm. LA volumes were then indexed to the body surface area (BSA). Expert and AI LA volume index (LAVi) were compared and used to predict cardiovascular outcomes within five years. Logistic regression with appropriate univariate statistics were used for modelling outcomes. ResultsThere was excellent correlation between AI and expert results with an LAV intraclass correlation of 0.950 (0.936–0.960). Bland-Altman plot demonstrated the AI underestimated LAVi by a mean 5.86 ​mL/m2. AI-LAVi was associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AUC 0.86; OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08–1.18, p ​< ​0.001), HF hospitalization (AUC 0.90; OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.13, p ​< ​0.001), and MACCE (AUC 0.68; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, p ​= ​0.01). ConclusionThis novel deep learning algorithm for automated measurement of LA volume on lung cancer screening scans had excellent agreement with manual quantification. AI-LAVi is significantly associated with increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation, HF hospitalization, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events within 5 years.

Atrial fibrillation screening on systematic ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring after percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure: A prospective study.

Increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure was observed in randomized trials without however systematic AF screening. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of AF within 6-month following PFO closure with serial 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram (AECG) monitoring. All patients undergoing PFO closure were prospectively included in 2 centers. AF was defined as irregular rhythm without discernible P waves>30s on AECG at day 0, 1-month and 6-month follow-up. Primary endpoint was the incidence of AF within the study period. Secondary endpoints evaluated clinical outcomes within 6-month follow-up. Between February 2018 and March 2019, 62 patients underwent PFO closure including 40 male (64.5%) with a mean age of 48±9.5. Atrial septal aneurysm was observed in 37 patients (64.9%), 57 patients (91.9%) received an Amplatzer Occluder device (AbbottVascular) and 5 (8.1%) an Occlutech device (Occlutech). After a mean follow-up of 7.7±2.8months, new-onset AF occurred in 3 patients (4.8%), all within the first month following PFO closure, including one per-procedural, all were asymptomatic and paroxysmal. Two patients with AF (3.2%) required chronic oral anticoagulant therapy. No adverse outcomes occurred at follow-up. No predictive factors of AF were highlighted. A total of 16 patients (25.8%) reported palpitations without AF on the AECGs. In highly selected patients, incidence of AF, evaluated with 3 systematic 24-hour AECG within 6-month following PFO closure, was low (<5%). Always paroxysmal, AF occurred within the first month after the procedure and was not associated with adverse outcomes.

Abstract 9755: Impact of Outflow Obstruction and Septal Myectomy on Long Term Risk of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), with patients having a 4 to 6 fold greater likelihood of developing AF as compared to the general population, and is an important cause of morbidity, impaired quality of life and embolic stroke in HCM. The impact of outflow obstruction and the influence of surgical septal myectomy on the development of new-onset AF has not been well described. Aim: To characterize the risk of new-onset AF in nonobstructive and obstructive HCM and compare to AF risk in patients after myectomy. Methods: 1767 consecutive HCM patients without prior AF history, seen at the Tufts HCM Institute between 2004 and 2019, including 712 with obstruction (outflow gradients ≥ 30mmHg at rest or following provocation) who did not undergo invasive septal reduction therapy (SRT), 552 with nonobstructive HCM (outflow gradients &lt; 30mmHg), and 503 who underwent surgical myectomy were followed for an average of 4.3 ±4.2 years for new-onset symptomatic AF. Isolated post-operative episodes of AF, i.e., occurring within the first 3 months after myectomy, were excluded from analysis. Results: Patients with obstructive HCM who did not undergo SRT had a 1.5-fold increased risk for new-onset AF as compared to nonobstructive HCM (rate onset of 2.8%/year vs.1.7%/year, p=0.04), with freedom from AF at 10-years of 72% in obstructive patients. Patients undergoing myectomy were older (52 ± 15 vs. 50 ± 15 years; p&lt;0.01), had larger LA dimension (42 ± 7 vs 40 ± 6mm; p&lt;0.01), and higher HCM-AF risk scores (22 ± 3.5 vs. 19 ± 3.8; p&lt;0.01) as compared to nonobstructive HCM. However, despite a higher predicted risk for new-onset AF at time of myectomy (2.7%/year vs. 1.5%/year), after myectomy the risk of new onset AF was no different from patients with nonobstructive HCM (hazard ratio 0.9; rate of onset of 1.8%/year vs. 1.7%/year; p=.73), with freedom from AF at 10-years of 83% post-myectomy. Conclusions: Patients with obstructive HCM have a higher risk of AF as compared to nonobstructive HCM. After myectomy risk of new-onset AF is substantially reduced, such that risk is no different from patients with nonobstructive HCM. These data demonstrate efficacy of myectomy in decreasing long term risk of AF in obstructive HCM.

Imaging-based body fat depots and new-onset atrial fibrillation in general population

Abstract Background Obesity is a well-established risk factor for incident atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether different body fat depots differentially associate with AF development remains largely unknown. Purpose We aimed to investigate the associations between various body fat depots and the risk of new-onset AF among middle-aged and elderly individuals from general population. Methods In the prospective population-based cohort study, body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and total body mass, lean mass, fat mass, android and gynoid fat were analyzed (N=3468). Liver fat and epicardial fat were assessed using computed tomography (CT) (N=2145). A body fat score was defined by adding tertiles of each fat depot. All participants were followed for the occurrence of AF until 1st Jan. 2014. Principle component analysis was conducted to identify body fat distribution patterns. Time-to-event analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence-intervals (95% CI), adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, were calculated. Results Mean (standard deviation) of age for participants in DXA study and CT study was 74.42 (6.85) and 68.66 (6.41) years, respectively. AF incidence rate was 13.1 per 1000 person-years during a median follow-up time of 9.62 years. In the adjusted model, fat mass (HR; 95% CI: 1.33; 1.05–1.68), lean mass (1.40; 1.15–1.72), gynoid fat mass (1.36; 1.12–1.65), and total body mass (1.51; 1.21–1.89) were significantly associated with new-onset AF. Of note, android-to-gynoid fat ratio was inversely associated with incident AF (HR; 95% CI: 0.81; 0.70–0.94). Larger body fat score was associated with increased risk of incident AF (P for trend &amp;lt;0.01). Two fat distribution patterns were identified. Adherence to the fat- and gynoid fat- pattern (P for trend = 0.035), but not muscle- and visceral fat- pattern (P for trend = 0.35), was significantly associated with larger risk of new-onset AF. Conclusions Various body fat depots were associated with new-onset AF. Larger values of total body mass carried the highest risk for incident AF. The inverse association between android to gynoid fat ratio with AF presents a novel finding. A significant dose-response relationship between body fat accumulation and risk of new-onset AF was observed, implying a collective impact of fat depots on AF development. Findings also suggest that various fat depots, characterized by different fat distribution patterns, may exert differential combined effect on the risk of incident AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Fat depots and atrial fibrillation

Trajectories of metabolic risk factors and risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation among men and women

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with major public health impact. Obesity and hypertension are among the most important risk factors to AF development. The link between AF and its pathogenetic factors are complex and comprehensive assessment of the impact of various long-term trajectories of anthropometric measures and blood pressure on incident AF among men and women is sparse. Purpose To investigate sex-specific trajectories of various anthropometric measures and blood pressure at population level, and further assess the impact of these trajectories on incident AF. Methods We included 5263 participants (mean age 72.1 years) with available repeated assessments measured 2 to 4 times for weight, body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Latent class linear mixed model with age as the time scale were fitted to identify the potential various classes in each risk factor. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between risk factors' trajectories and risk of new-onset AF, with the most favorable trajectory as a reference. Models were adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Results 2159 (41.0%) of all participants were men. Median follow-up time was 9.76 years during which the incidence rate of AF was 16.2 per 1000 person-years for men, and 11.3 per 1000 person-years for women. In full-adjusted model, various trajectories of BMI, HC, and MAP were significantly associated with incident AF among men, and trajectories of weight, BMI, WC, HC, SBP, PP and MAP were significantly associated with incident AF among women. For BMI, persistent-increasing BMI trajectory carried the highest risk for AF with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 1.39 (1.05–1.85) in men and 1.60 (1.19–2.15) in women. Also, persistently increasing trajectories of weight [1.69 (1.20–2.37)], WC [1.39 (1.04–1.86)] and HC [1.56 (1.05–2.34)] among women conferred the largest risks. For SBP, the persistently hypertensive trajectory carried the largest risk for AF among women [2.06 (1.25–3.39)], while intensively increasing SBP trajectory conferred the largest risk among men [1.34 (0.89–2.02)], albeit non-significant. Similar associations were observed for MAP among men and women; associated risks were 1.77 (1.25–2.51) for the persistent-hypertensive trajectory in women and 1.64 (1.16–2.33) for the intensive-increasing trajectory in men. Conclusions Various trajectories of metabolic risk factors were associated with new-onset AF among men and women. Sex-specific associations between SBP and MAP with AF could imply the differential long-term impact of vascular function on AF development among men and women. This highlights the importance of sex-specific preventive strategies for AF in general population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Gender and Prevention grant, ZonMwCSC scholarship for PhD research

Atrial fibrillation screening on holter monitoring after percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure: a prospective study

Abstract Background An increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure was observed in randomized trials. However, systematic screening of AF was not performed in these studies. Purpose We aimed to evaluate incidence of AF in patients undergoing percutaneous PFO closure with serial 24-hours ambulatory electrocardiogram (AECG) monitoring during a 6-months follow-up. Methods All consecutive patients undergoing PFO closure for cryptogenic stroke or decompression sickness (DSC) were prospectively included in 2 centers. AF was defined as an irregular rhythm without discernible P waves lasting at least 30 seconds on 24-hours AECG performed at day 0, 1 month and 6-months follow-up. Primary endpoint was incidence of AF within the study period. Secondary endpoints evaluated clinical outcomes (hospitalization for cardiovascular causes, new stroke or bleeding) within 6-months follow-up. Results Between February 2018 and March 2019, a total of 62 patients underwent PFO closure: 59 (95.2%) for cryptogenic stroke and 3 (4.8%) for DSC. In the overall population, 40 were male (64.5%) and the mean age was 48±9.5 years. An atrial septal aneurysm was present in 37 patients (64.9%). The PFO device mean size was 26±5.0 mm. After a mean follow-up of 33.3±12.2 weeks, new-onset AF occurred in 3 patients (4.8%), all within 1-month after closure and paroxysmal. While symptomatic ectopic atrial heart beats occurred in one fourth of patients, all AF episodes asymptomatic. Two patients (3.2%) required oral anticoagulant therapy according to CHA2DS2-VASc score. No adverse outcomes occurred. Age (RR 1.26 [0.98; 1.61] p=0.3), male sex (p=0.6) and device (p=1.0) were not associated with occurrence of AF but all patients with AF were men and received an Amplatzer device. Conclusion Incidence of AF, evaluated with serial systematic 24-hours AECG during a 6-months follow-up after PFO closure, was relatively low (&amp;lt;5%). Always paroxysmal, AF always occurred within one month after the procedure and was not associated with adverse outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Уровень NT-рroBNP как предиктор развития фибрилляции предсердий у больных острым коронарным синдромом

Актуальность. Фибрилляция предсердий (ФП) отягощает течение инфаркта миокарда в 15,5 % случаев и ассоциирована с увеличением летальности на 40–50 %. Поэтому поиск маркеров риска развития ФП у больных острым коронарным синдромом (ОКС) является актуальным заданием. Целью исследования было определение предикторной ценности уровня NT-proBNP относительно риска развития ФП у больных ОКС. Материалы и методы. Обследованы 125 больных ОКС. Больные, у которых ФП впервые возникла во время госпитализации по поводу ОКС, составили подгруппу 1а (n = 41); больные, у которых ФП была в анамнезе, составили подгруппу 1б (n = 24). В группу 2 вошли больные без указаний на ФП (n = 60). Образцы крови для определения уровня NT-proBNP методом иммуноферментного анализа забирали в первые сутки заболевания. Результаты. Больные группы 2 были моложе больных подгрупп 1а (р = 0,019) и 1б (р = 0,002). В группе 2 было больше больных, чем в подгруппе 1б, которые курили (р = 0,029). У больных группы 2 уровень гемоглобина был выше, чем у больных подгруппы 1а (р = 0,014). Больные подгруппы 1б по сравнению с больными 2-й группы имели более высокий уровень гликемии при поступлении (р = 0,010). Уровень NT-proBNP оказался наивысшим в подгруппе 1а: 1592,00 (439,20; 3281,00) пг/мл. В подгруппе 1 б и группе 2 уровни NT-proBNP составили 1281,00 (844,45; 2012,50) пг/мл и 226,50 (54,40; 822,00) пг/мл соответственно (р1а–2 = 0,002; р1б–2 = 0,010). Выявлены корреляционные связи уровня NT-proBNP с возрастом больных (r = 0,500; р = 0,00006), женским полом (r = 0,286; р = 0,030), частотой сердечных сокращений и гликемией при поступлении (r = 0,363; р = 0,005 и r = = 0,482; р = 0,0001 соответственно), скоростью клубочковой фильтрации (r = –0,459; р = 0,0003), уровнем гемоглобина (r = –0,307; р = 0,019). Методом ROC-анализа, в который были включены больные подгруппы 1а и группы 2, установлена предикторная ценность уровня NT-proBNP относительно риска развития ФП у больных ОКС: при использовании пороговой точки &gt; 1774 пг/мл чувствительность метода составляла 48 %, специфичность — 95,2 %, площадь под ROC-кривой составляла 0,77 (95% доверительный интервал 0,64–0,91). Выводы. В нашем исследовании уровень NT-proBNP был ассоциирован с клинико-анамнестическими показателями. Он был наивысшим в группе больных, у которых ФП развилась впервые на фоне ОКС; уровень NT-proBNP &gt; 1774 пг/мл был ассоциирован с риском развития ФП.

Impact of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on long-term clinical outcomes of patients with rheumatic heart disease.

AimsRheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major global health problem. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) are commonly administered in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, but its role in RHD patients is still limited. We performed a retrospective study to determine the effect of RAASi on long‐term outcomes for RHD patients.Methods and resultsA 1:1 propensity score matching was implemented to balance baseline characteristics between groups RAASi and non‐RAASi. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to investigate the associations of RAASi with the risks of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular death (CVD), and cerebrovascular death. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of RAASi with the risks of 1, 3, and 5 year heart failure (HF) rehospitalization, new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF), and new‐onset stroke. A total of 734 RHD patients were enrolled as study participants; nearly half of these participants had combined valve damage (54.4%), worse New York Heart Association functional class status (III and IV, 55.2%), surgical treatment (54.2%), and AF (65.0%). After propensity score matching, 514 RHD patients were finally analysed. RAASi treatment was associated with decreased risks of all‐cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37–0.73, P < 0.001], CVD (adjusted HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30–0.76, P = 0.002), and cerebrovascular death (adjusted HR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08–0.60, P = 0.003). Further subgroup analysis showed that RAASi treatment was associated with decreased risks of all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31–0.79, P = 0.004), CVD (adjusted HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25–0.91, P = 0.025), and cerebrovascular death (adjusted HR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.65, P = 0.008) in RHD patients without surgical treatment, and better effect was observed in RHD patients with surgical treatment on the risks of all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26–0.85, P = 0.012) and CVD (adjusted HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.90, P = 0.024) except cerebrovascular death (adjusted HR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.08–3.36, P = 0.491). RAASi treatment was associated with decreased HF rehospitalization risk of 1 year [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.23–0.61, P < 0.001], 3 year (adjusted OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28–0.68, P < 0.001), and 5 year (adjusted OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30–0.77, P = 0.002) as well as new‐onset AF risk (adjusted OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21–0.68, P = 0.001). RAASi treatment had nothing to do with new‐onset stroke risk (adjusted OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.47–1.38, P = 0.428).ConclusionRenin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor treatment was significantly associated with decreased risks of mortality, HF rehospitalization, and new‐onset AF in RHD patients in median 5.9 year follow‐up.

Cover Image, Volume 23, Issue 9

The cover image is based on the Original Article Impact of the initial decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate on the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation and adverse cardiovascular and renal events in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors by Yi-Hsin Chan et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14446.

Frequency of Visit-to-Visit Variability of Resting Heart Rate and the Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in the General Population

Resting heart rate (RHR) has been an established predictor for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the association of visit-to-visit heart rate variability (VVHRV) with new-onset AF risk over long term remains unclear. Our study investigates the relation of VVHRV to new-onset AF in general population in the prospective study of the Kailuan cohort. A total of 46,126 individuals without arrhythmia were included. They underwent 3 health examinations from 2006 to 2010 and performed follow up. VVHRV was measured by coefficient of variation (CV), variability independent of the mean (VIM), and standard deviation (SD). Participants were separately divided into 5 categories by quintiles of visit-to-visit RHR-CV, RHR-VIM and RHR-SD. Multivariate Cox regression and restricted cubic spline models were performed to establish the association between VVHRV and new-onset AF. 241 new-onset AF occurred during a median follow-up of 7.54 years. The incidence of new-onset AF in the group of the lowest (Q1) and highest quintiles (Q5) of RHR-CV were higher than that in other groups. The HRs for the new-onset AF were 2.07 (95% CI, 1.34-3.21, p < 0.01), in the highest quintile group(Q5) compared with group Q2, and 1.89(95% CI, 1.20-2.97, p < 0.01) in the lowest quintile group(Q1) compared with group Q2. The risk for new-onset AF showed a similar trend using RHR-VIM (p < 0.01) and RHR-SD (p < 0.05) parameters. Further sensitivity analyses indicated the consistent results in subjects without prior cardiovascular disease and without taking beta blockers or CCB. To match the covariates, analyses were also performed by propensity score matching, and prominent trends were also found in RHR-SD and RHR-VIM. In conclusion, the study indicated that higher and lower VVHRV were associated with the increasing risk of new-onset AF, which supporting a U-shaped curve existence.

Acute Dental Periapical Abscess and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study.

There are limited data on the relationship of acute dental infections with hospitalisation and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to assess the relationship between acute periapical abscess and incident AF. This was a retrospective cohort study from a French national database of patients hospitalized in 2013 (3.4 million patients) with at least five years of follow up. In total, 3,056,291 adults (55.1% female) required hospital admission in French hospitals in 2013 while not having a history of AF. Of 4693 patients classified as having dental periapical abscess, 435 (9.27%) developed AF, compared to 326,241 (10.69%) without dental periapical abscess that developed AF over a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 1.7 years. Multivariable analysis indicated that dental periapical abscess acted as an independent predictor for new onset AF (p < 0.01). The CHA2DS2VASc score in patients with acute dental periapical abscess had moderate predictive value for development of AF, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) 0.73 (95% CI, 0.71–0.76). An increased risk of new onset AF was identified for individuals hospitalized with dental periapical abscess. Careful follow up of patients with severe, acute dental periapical infections is needed for incident AF, as well as investigations of possible mechanisms linking these conditions.

New-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with worsening heart failure and coronary artery disease: an analysis from the COMMANDER-HF trial.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the presence of heart failure (HF) is associated with poor outcomes including a high-risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events. Identifying patients without AF who are at high-risk of developing this arrhythmia has important clinical implications. To develop a risk score to identify HF patients at high risk of developing AF. The COMMANDER-HF trial enrolled 5022 patients with HF and a LVEF ≤ 40%, history of coronary artery disease, and absence of AF at baseline (confirmed with an electrocardiogram). Patients were randomized to either rivaroxaban (2.5mg bid) or placebo. New-onset AF was confirmed by the investigator at study visits. 241 (4.8%) patients developed AF during the follow-up (median 21months). Older age (≥ 65years), LVEF < 35%, history of PCI or CABG, White race, SBP < 110mmHg, and higher BMI (≥ 25kg/m2) were independently associated with risk of new-onset AF, whereas the use of DAPT was associated with a lower risk of new-onset AF. We then built a risk score from these variables (with good accuracy C-index = 0.71) and calibration across observed and predicted tertiles of risk. New-onset AF events rates increased steeply by increasing tertiles of the risk-score. Compared to tertile 1, the risk of new-onset AF was 2.5-fold higher in tertile 2, and 6.3-fold higher in tertile 3. Rivaroxaban had no effect in reducing new-onset AF. In time-updated models, new-onset AF was associated with a higher risk of subsequent all-cause death: HR (95%CI) 1.38 (1.11-1.73). A well-calibrated risk-score identified patients at risk of new-onset AF in the COMMANDER-HF trial. Patients who developed AF had a higher risk of subsequent death. Risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with HFrEF and coronary artery disease.

Hypertension burden and the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation: a nationwide population-based study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The association between the cumulative hypertension burden and the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. Purpose We aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension burden and the development of incident AF. Methods and Results: Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified 3,726,172 subjects who underwent four consecutive annual health checkups between 2009 and 2013, with no history of AF. During the median follow-up of 5.2 years, AF was newly diagnosed in 22,012 patients (0.59% of the total study population, 1.168 per 1,000 person-years). Using the BP values at each health checkup, we determined the burden of hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥80 mmHg), stratified as 0 to 4 per the hypertension criteria. The subjects were grouped according to hypertension burden scale 1 to 4: 20% (n = 742,806), 19% (n = 704,623), 19% (n = 713,258), 21% (n = 766,204), and 21% (n = 799,281). Compared to normal people, subjects with hypertension burdens of 1, 2, 3, and 4 were associated with an 8%, 18%, 26%, and 27% increased risk of incident AF, respectively. On semi-quantitative analyses with further stratification of stage 1 (SBP 130-139 mmHg or DBP 80-89 mmHg) and stage 2 (SBP ≥140 mmHg or DBP ≥90 mmHg) hypertension, the risk of AF increased with the hypertension burden by up to 71%. Conclusions Both a sustained exposure and the degree of increased blood pressure were associated with an increased risk of incident AF. Tailored blood pressure management should be emphasized to reduce the risk of AF. Abstract Figure.

Finerenone Lowered Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Risk in Patients with Diabetes, CKD

Finerenone, a selective nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that is not FDA approved, reduced the risk for new-onset atrial fibrillation

Ttrimetyllysine and risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation in two large norwegian cohorts

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/Aim Increased plasma trimetyllysine (TML), a methylated amino acid, has recently been linked to higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). TML is also a precursor of trimethylamine-N oxide (TMAO), which has been linked to increased cardiovascular risk, including that of atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the association between TML and new-onset AF in two large Norwegian cohorts. Methods The primary cohort consisted of 6396 participants in the community-based Hordaland Health Study (HUSK). The validation cohort consited of 2027 patients who underwent coronary angiography due to suspected stable angina pectoris in the Western Norway Coronary Angiography Cohort (WECAC). Information on new-onset AF was obtained by linking patient data to Norwegian public health registries. Risk associations were explored by Cox regression. Results During median (25th-75th percentile) follow-up of 10.9 (10.6-11.3) and 7.0 (6.3-8.6) years, 560 (8.8%) patients in the HUSK and 210 (10.4%) in the WECAC was diagnosed with AF. In the HUSK, the age and gender adjusted HR (95 % CI) for the 4th vs. 1st plasma TML quartiles 1.84 (1.37-2.48) p &amp;lt; 0.001. In multivariable models the association was only slightly attenuated. Correspondingsly, the age and gender adjusted HR (95% CI) for the 4th vs. 1st TML quartiles in the WECAC was 1.48 (0.96-2.27) p = 0.07. Testing for collinearity between TMAO and TML revealed variance inflation factors between 1.0-1.1 in HUSK and WECAC, thus ruling out collinearity. Conclusion Plasma TML was associated with new-onset AF among subjects from the general population, and the relationship was independent from established AF risk factors. A similar trend was also seen in patients with suspected stable angina pectoris, strengthening our findings, which motivate further studies to explore potential pathophysiological relationships between one-carbon metabolism and cardiac arrhythmias

Acute dental periapical abscess and new-onset atrial fibrillation: A nationwide, population-based cohort study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background There are limited data on whether there is an association between hospitalisation with dental periapical abscess and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) which is independent of main cardiovascular risk factors. Purpose To investigate whether there is an association between hospitalisation with dental periapical abscess and new-onset AF. Methods A retrospective cohort study from a national database of patients hospitalised in 2013 (3.4 million patients) with at least five years of follow up, unless deceased. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes were used to compare the risk of developing new-onset AF for adults with and without dental periapical abscesses using univariate and multivariable analysis and hazard ratios (HR). Results In total, 4,693 patients classified as having dental periapical abscess, 435 (9.27%) developed AF, compared to 326,241 (10.69%) without dental periapical abscess over a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 1.7 years. Multivariable analysis indicated that dental periapical abscess acted as an independent predictor for new onset AF (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusions An increased risk of new onset AF was identified for individuals hospitalised with dental periapical abscess. Careful follow up of patients with severe, acute dental periapical infections are needed for incident AF, as well as investigations of possible mechanisms linking these conditions. Predictors of new-onset AF during FU Univariate analysis Multivariate analysis HR, 95%CI P HR, 95%CI P Age, years 1.077 (1.076-1.077) &amp;lt;0.0001 1.076 (1.075-1.076) &amp;lt;0.0001 Gender (male) 1.640 (1.629-1.651) &amp;lt;0.0001 1.0498 (1.487-1.509) &amp;lt;0.0001 Hypertension 2.849 (2.829-2.869) &amp;lt;0.0001 1.114 (1.487-1.509) &amp;lt;0.0001 Diabetes mellitus 1.951 (1.935-1.968) &amp;lt;0.0001 1.106 (1.096-1.116) &amp;lt;0.0001 Heart failure 3.893 (3.857-3.930) &amp;lt;0.0001 1.434 (1.416-1.452) &amp;lt;0.0001 Ischaemic stroke 2.289 (2.23902.340) &amp;lt;0.0001 1.140 (1.114-1.165) &amp;lt;0.0001 smoker 0.903 (0.891-0.917) &amp;lt;0.0001 1.052 (1.036-1.069) &amp;lt;0.0001 Liver disease 1.141 (1.119-1.164) &amp;lt;0.0001 1.082 (1.059-1.105) &amp;lt;0.0001 Previous myocardial infarction 2.128 (2.082-2.176) &amp;lt;0.0001 0.903 (0.880-0.926) &amp;lt;0.0001 Inflammatory disease 1.036 (1.020-1.052) &amp;lt;0.0001 0.978 (0.964-0.994) 0.005 Cognitive impairment 2.368 (2.326-2.410) &amp;lt;0.0001 0.821 (0.807-0.836) &amp;lt;0.0001 Illicit drug use 0.288 (0.263-0.317) &amp;lt;0.0001 0.940 (0.855-1032) 0.19 Dental periapical abscess 0.855 (0.778- 0.939) 0.001 1.107 (1.008-1.216) 0.03 At least 5 years of follow-up (mean follow-up 4.8 ± 1.7 years). Abstract Figure. Flow Chart of the study patients