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Physiological Reports Jul 2024The hemodynamic response during the transition from the supine to standing position in idiopathic atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is not completely understood. This...
The hemodynamic response during the transition from the supine to standing position in idiopathic atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is not completely understood. This study aimed to analyze the hemodynamic changes that occur during the head-up tilt test in idiopathic AF patients. We investigated the hemodynamic changes during the head-up tilt test with impedance cardiography in 40 AF patients (12 with AF rhythm-AFr and 28 with sinus rhythm-AFsr) and 38 non-AF controls. Patients with AFr had attenuated SVI decrease after standing when compared to AFsr and non-AF [ΔSVI in mL/m: -1.3 (-3.4 to 1.7) vs. -6.4 (-17.3 to -0.1) vs. -11.8 (-18.7 to -8.0), respectively; p < 0.001]. PVRI decreased in AFr but increased in AFsr and non-AF [ΔPVRI in dyne.seg.m/cm: -477 (-1148 to 82.5) vs. 131 (-525 to 887) vs. 357 (-29 to 681), respectively; p < 0.01]. Similarly, compared with non-AF patients, AFr patients also had a greater HR and greater CI increase after standing. The haemodynamic response to orthostatic challenge suggests differential adaptations between patients with AF rhythm and those reverted to sinus rhythm or healthy controls. Characterizing the hemodynamic phenotype may be relevant for the individualized treatment of AF patients.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Male; Female; Tilt-Table Test; Middle Aged; Hemodynamics; Aged; Adaptation, Physiological; Cardiography, Impedance; Heart Rate
PubMed: 38942728
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16131 -
Journal of Arrhythmia Jun 2024A 26-year-old man with long QT syndrome (LQTS) underwent subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation. The patient exhibited sinus...
A 26-year-old man with long QT syndrome (LQTS) underwent subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation. The patient exhibited sinus bradycardia relative to his age. The heart rate decreased, and the QT interval became longer with the administration of β-blockers, the first-line therapy for LQTS. The patient experienced frequent S-ICD discharges. Subsequently, a single-chamber pacemaker was implanted, and the 12-lead electrocardiogram showed atrial pacing and ventricular sensing at 60 beats per minute with a shorter QTc interval. After converting to "double-device therapy," the patient did not experience any ventricular arrhythmia events.
PubMed: 38939789
DOI: 10.1002/joa3.13027 -
Journal of Arrhythmia Jun 2024Recent evidence suggests an elevated risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF), irrespective of stroke occurrence. AF, known... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recent evidence suggests an elevated risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF), irrespective of stroke occurrence. AF, known to reduce brain perfusion, particularly through silent cerebral ischemia, underscores the intricate relationship between cardiac and cerebral health. The heart plays a crucial role in supporting normal brain function, and rhythm control, a standard AF treatment, has demonstrated enhancements in brain perfusion. This systematic review aimed to examine published data concerning the influence of rhythm control on brain perfusion in patients with atrial fibrillation.
METHODS
A systematic search for relevant studies was carried out in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost, spanning from their inception until April 30, 2023. Studies that specifically examined brain perfusion following any form of rhythm control in atrial fibrillation were included in the review.
RESULTS
The review encompassed 10 studies involving 436 participants. Among these, six utilized electrical cardioversion for rhythm control. The majority (8 out of 10) demonstrated that restoring sinus rhythm markedly enhances brain perfusion. In one of the two remaining studies, notable improvement was observed specifically in a region closely linked to cognition. Additionally, both studies reporting data on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) showed a consistent and significant increase in scores following rhythm control.
CONCLUSION
Successful rhythm control in AF emerges as a significant contributor to enhanced brain perfusion, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for reducing cognitive impairment incidence. However, further validation through larger prospective studies and randomized trials is warranted.
PubMed: 38939785
DOI: 10.1002/joa3.13056 -
Journal of Arrhythmia Jun 2024The concept of ablation index (AI) was introduced to evaluate radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions. It is calculated from power, contact force (CF), and RF duration....
BACKGROUND
The concept of ablation index (AI) was introduced to evaluate radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions. It is calculated from power, contact force (CF), and RF duration. However, other factors may also affect the quality of ablation lesions. To examine the difference in RF lesions made during sinus rhythm (SR) and atrial fibrillation (AF).
METHODS
Sixty patients underwent index pulmonary vein isolation during SR ( = 30, SR group) or AF ( = 30, AF group). All ablations were performed with a power of 50 W, a targeted CF of 5-15 g, and AI of 400-450 using Thermocool Smarttouch SF. The CF, AI, RF duration, temperature rise (Δtemp), impedance drop (Δimp), and the CF stability of each ablation point quantified as the standard deviation of the CF (CF-SD) were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS
A total of 3579 ablation points were analyzed, which included 1618 and 1961 points in the SR and the AF groups, respectively. Power, average CF, RF duration per point, and the resultant AI (389 ± 59 vs. 388 ± 57) were similar for the two rhythms. However, differences were seen in the CF-SD (3.5 ± 2.2 vs. 3.8 ± 2.1 g, < .01), Δtemp (3.8 ± 1.3 vs. 4.0 ± 1.3°C, < .005), and Δimp (10.3 ± 5.8 vs. 9.4 ± 5.4 Ω, < .005).
CONCLUSIONS
Despite similar AI, various RF parameters differed according to the underlying atrial rhythm. Ablation delivered during SR demonstrated less CF variability and temperature increase and greater impedance drop than during AF.
PubMed: 38939764
DOI: 10.1002/joa3.13025 -
JACC. Advances May 2024The prognostic impact of catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients has not yet been satisfactorily elucidated.
BACKGROUND
The prognostic impact of catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients has not yet been satisfactorily elucidated.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of CA of AF on clinical outcomes in a large cohort of HCM patients.
METHODS
In this retrospective multicenter study, 555 HCM patients with AF were enrolled, 140 undergoing CA and 415 receiving medical therapy. 1:1 propensity score matching led to the inclusion of 226 patients (113 medical group, 113 intervention group) in the final analysis. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, heart transplant and acute heart failure exacerbations. Secondary outcomes included AF recurrence and transition to permanent AF. Additionally, an inverse probability weighted (IPW) model was examined.
RESULTS
At propensity score matching analysis, after a median follow-up of 58.1 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 29 (25.7%) patients in intervention group vs 42 (37.2%) in medical group ( = 0.9). Thromboembolic strokes and major arrhythmic events in intervention vs medical group were 9.7% vs 7.1% ( = 0.144) and 4.4 vs 8.0% ( = 0.779), respectively. Fewer patients in intervention vs medical group experienced AF recurrences (63.7% vs 84.1%, = 0.001) and transition to permanent AF pattern (20.4% vs 33.6%, = 0.026). IPW analysis showed consistent results. Severe complications related to CA were uncommon (0.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
After 5 years of follow-up, CA did not improve major adverse cardiac outcomes in a large cohort of patients with HCM and AF. Nevertheless, CA seems to facilitate the maintenance of sinus rhythm and slow the progression to permanent AF, without significant safety concerns.
PubMed: 38939638
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100899 -
JACC. Advances May 2024
PubMed: 38939637
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100902 -
Cureus May 2024Reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare variant of the classic stress-induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It is associated with transient left ventricular (LV) systolic...
Reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare variant of the classic stress-induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It is associated with transient left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction characterized by basal hypokinesis and apical hyperkinesis. We present a case of a 27-year-old woman who presented to an outside facility for a scheduled cesarean section and developed perioperative chest tightness, hypoxemia, and hypotension. Her electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus rhythm with marked ST segment depressions in leads V4-V6. High sensitivity troponin was elevated to 474 ng/L. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an LV ejection fraction of 52% (Simpson's) with hypokinesis of the basal myocardial segments and hyperdynamic systolic function of the apical segments. Subsequent coronary angiography showed angiographically normal epicardial coronaries. Left ventriculography showed ballooning of the basal segments with apical hyperkinesis. She was subsequently diagnosed with reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy and managed conservatively with beta-blockers. In this case, we highlight the need for collaboration between the cardiology and obstetric teams for tailored management strategies to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
PubMed: 38939286
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61225 -
Heart Rhythm Jun 2024Heart Rate Score (HRSc), the percent of atrial depolarizations in the largest paced/sensed 10-bpm histogram bin recorded in cardiac devices, is associated with several...
BACKGROUND
Heart Rate Score (HRSc), the percent of atrial depolarizations in the largest paced/sensed 10-bpm histogram bin recorded in cardiac devices, is associated with several adverse outcomes but it remains uncertain if HRSc independently predicts atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) in patients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) undergoing pacemaker (PM) implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if initial HRSc post-PM implant predicts new-onset AHREs in patients with SND.
METHODS
Patients had Boston Scientific PMs implanted for SND from 2012-2021 at Cleveland Clinic, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kyushu Rosai Hospital, and JCHO Kyushu Hospital. Patients were excluded if they had atrial fibrillation before PM implant or AHREs within 3-months post-implant. Subsequent AHREs post-implant were evaluated and correlated with HRSc.
RESULTS
Over 48.9 (IQR 25.7-50.4) months, 130 consecutive PM patients (76±10 years, 40% male) had a median initial HRSc of 74(57-86)%. AHREs defined by >1%, >6h/day burden, and ATR events>24h developed in 27/130(21%), 15/130(12%), and 9/130(7%), respectively. For each definition, patients with HRSc≥80% had higher occurrence of AHREs than those with HRSc<80% (both p=0.008, log-rank test). After adjusting for age, race, comorbidities, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, and cumulative %RA/RV pacing, initial HRSc ≥80% (HR:3.33, 95% CI:1.35-8.18; P=0.009) and male sex (HR:2.59, 95% CI:1.06-6.33; P=0.04) independently predicted AHREs.
CONCLUSION
HRSc≥80% is associated with new-onset, device-determined AHREs for patients undergoing PM implant for SND. HRSc may have prognostic and therapeutic implications.
PubMed: 38936446
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.06.046 -
Clinical Case Reports Jul 2024Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart abnormality in which a membrane separates the left atrium (LA; sinister) or the right atrium (dexter) into two compartments....
Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart abnormality in which a membrane separates the left atrium (LA; sinister) or the right atrium (dexter) into two compartments. It is also a long-forgotten cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) and substantially higher rates of blood stagnation, particularly proximal to the additional septum in the LA. In this case report, we faced a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 in patients with non-valvular AF due to Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS). The decision to start anticoagulants in this particular case was controversial, so we reviewed the literature to assess and address it. We present our case and discuss the indication of anticoagulants in this unique clinical scenario, accompanied by a literature review. Facing this dilemma of starting anticoagulants in special cases of CTS and AF should be individualized and need more investigation. However, till this moment, based on similar reports, it seems to be rational to consider CTS Per se as an additional risk stratification marker beyond the CHA2DS2-VASc score start anticoagulant until the surgical resection. Considering CTS as the sole indication of anticoagulant in patients with normal sinus rhythm is a complex matter that needs further investigation.
PubMed: 38933708
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8908 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic drug that has extensive tissue distribution and substantial storage in the fat tissue. Different studies have described some...
BACKGROUND
Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic drug that has extensive tissue distribution and substantial storage in the fat tissue. Different studies have described some implications of body fat composition in its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. However, no clinical studies have described its implications for clinical efficacy.
METHODS
We studied 878 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with a regimen of amiodarone and referred to electrical cardioversion (ECV), included prospectively in two Spanish registries. We analyzed the influence of body mass index (BMI), as well as overweight and obesity, in the efficacy of amiodarone for achieving pharmacologic cardioversion to sinus rhythm (SR) before ECV.
RESULTS
A total of 185 patients (21.1%) reverted to SR before ECV. Patients who reverted to SR had a lower BMI than those who did not revert (27.45 ± 4.36 kg/m vs. 29.11 ± 4.09 kg/m; < 0.001). We observed a progressively lower probability of reverting to SR in overweight and obese patients (normal weight 28.3%, overweight 21.3%, obesity 13.1%; < 0.001). In the logistic regression, BMI (kg/m) adjusted for other related variables remained as the main factor inversely related to reversion to SR (OR = 0.904 × kg/m); CI 75% 0.864-0.946).
CONCLUSIONS
We observed a negative relationship between an increased BMI and the efficacy of amiodarone for reversion to SR, suggesting a negative clinical impact of excess body fat in its efficacy.
PubMed: 38931360
DOI: 10.3390/ph17060693