Electrocardiogram Variations in the Prediction of Development of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial FibrillationAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, affecting 1% of adults, with its prevalence increasing with age [1]. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Most patients who develop AF have architectural and anisotropic micro changes in the atrial myocardium. These cause heterogeneous and discontinuous changes in the patterns of impulse propagation, heterogeneous atrial activation and shortening of atrial refractory period [2, 3]. Since 1911 the standard EKG [4] (approximately 15 seconds of recording and bandwidth 0.05 to 150 Hz) is the most used tool for the evaluation of patients with arrhythmias, due to its low cost and high availability. Various electrocardiographic patterns are known predictors of AF as evidenced by direct visual inspection. For example, prolongation of P wave duration during sinus rhythm would correlate with structural changes such as increasing the size of the left atrium (the increase in left atrial pressure) or a decrease in driving time [5]. These changes favor the development of reentry circuits responsible for the development and maintenance of AF. The registration of the electrocardiographic activity provides much more information than evidenced by direct visual inspection. Biosignal processing of these specific techniques to detect potential delays caused by abnormal conduction of the myocardium that favor re-entry mechanisms [6-10]. For this purpose prolonged ECG with 1000 Hz sampling frequency. Knowledge about the prediction of the development of AF with the standard ECG is not obvious on visual inspection is limited. Many of these structural changes and anisotropic, occur slowly over time and may be evidenced by direct variations between 2 ECG from the same individual [11]. Little is known about whether differences in morphology, axis, scope or duration of P wave related to these structural changes may predict the development of AF. Our main purpose is to evaluate the prognostic performance of a set of parameters as evidenced by direct inspection of the ECG, and ECG changes from 2 to predict the FA development. The design of this tool could allow future generation of software capable of identifying and reporting these variations, most useful prognostic risk in patients with AF.
This Study Uses the SITS Registry to Find Out When Patients With a Heart Rhythm Disorder (Atrial...
Atrial FibrillationThis is an observational study in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) presenting to the hospital with a first acute ischemic stroke based on existing data recorded in the SITS International Registry (located in Sweden) by physicians in several European countries, such as Italy, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Spain, Finland, Portugal, Slovakia, Denmark, Estonia, Norway Belgium, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Lithuania, France, Greece, Netherlands, Ireland, Ukraine and Iceland. The aim of this study is to explore the current real world use of dabigatran for stroke prevention in NVAF patients in the post-stroke setting. Secondary data from eligible European patients registered in the SITS registry will be considered; countries of origin are not known a priori.
Xarelto on Prevention of Stroke and Non-central Nervous System Systemic Embolism in Patients With...
StrokeThis non-interventional field study will investigate rivaroxaban under clinical practice conditions for stroke prevention and for prevention of non-CNS systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in China.
Quality of Anticoagulation With Warfarin in Patient With Atrial Fibrillation for Secondary Stroke...
Atrial FibrillationStrokeThe current study aims to assess the quality of anticoagulation with warfarin in real world practice of secondary stroke prevention in Korean patients with Atrial fibrillation (AF) and to explore predictors for poor International Normalized Range (INR) control.
Vagus Nerve Injury Post Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial FibrillationGastrointestinal Tract1 moreThis study is an observational study designed to determine the extent of gastrointestinal (GI) post-procedure complications after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). This exploratory study will evaluate patient symptoms prior to the RFCA procedure, at 1 month post RFCA procedure, and at 3 months post RFCA procedure, through the administration of a questionnaire. The purpose of this study is to determine if vagus nerve injury resulting from RFCA for AF increases the risk of post-procedure GI complications that may present as temporary or permanent symptoms.
Anticoagulation Preference by AF Patients Study
Atrial FibrillationThe main research question of this patient survey is to assess AF (Atrial Fibrillation) patients' preferences associated with different attributes which describe the different available anticoagulation treatment options (Vitamin K Antagonists [VKA] or New Oral Anticoagulants [NOACs] and, in case of NOACs, Apixaban, Dabigatran, Edoxaban or Rivaroxaban). VKAs (Marcoumar®, Sintrom ®) will be grouped together and compared to Rivaroxaban.
Length of Stay in NVAF Patients Hospitalized and Initiated With Dabigatran or Warfarin in Japan...
Atrial FibrillationThe primary objective of this study is to compare the Length of Stay from treatment of oral anticoagulant initiation to hospital discharge of patients hospitalized and subsequently treated with dabigatran or warfarin for non-valvular atrial fibrillation in a real-world Japanese clinical practice. The secondary objective of the study is to compare LoS of patients hospitalized with 1) acute ischemic stroke, and 2) due to non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Other objectives are (1) to compare the in-hospital direct and indirect-related costs between dabigatran and warfarin, and (2) to compare the rates of patients directly discharged at home after the index hospitalization between dabigatran and warfarin.
A Cross-sectional Study for the Determination of the Prevalence of Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation...
HypertensionAtrial FibrillationArterial hypertension has been recognized as a major causal factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. In light of its worldwide increasing prevalence and incidence and the accompanied increase in the risk of stroke, thromboembolic events and mortality, AF has emerged as a global healthcare problem. Early diagnosis of AF, prior to the occurrence of complications is a recognized priority for the prevention of strokes. Once diagnosed, anticoagulant therapy is the cornerstone in the management of the risk of stroke in AF patients. The 2012 ESC Guidelines recommend the use of a risk factor-based approach to stroke risk stratification for AF patients. This study aims towards gaining real-world data on the prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) among hypertensives in Greece. The rate of ESC guideline-adherent antithrombotic therapy on the basis of stroke and bleeding risk assessments, and factors influencing treatment decision-making will be assessed as well in patients diagnosed with the arrhythmia. Finally, potential differences in the NVAF prevalence in adequately and inadequately controlled hypertensives will be documented.
Evaluation of WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation...
Atrial FibrillationStrokeThis is a prospective, multi-center, randomized, pilot study comparing the WATCHMAN left atrial appendage occlusion device with Rivaroxaban therapy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Admitted to an Emergency...
Atrial FibrillationThe purpose of this study was to collect data on the prevalence and clinical significance of elevated cardiac troponin in a large registry of unselected patients with atrial fibrillation presenting to an emergency department.