Publication: Prevalence and determinants of atrial fibrillation progression in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a disease that progresses from self-terminating short-lasting episodes to more frequent episodes, long-lasting non-self-terminating episodes.
The progression of atrial fibrillation is of importance because it is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life.
Bao-Oanh Nguyen and colleagues, under the supervision of prof. dr. Isabelle Van Gelder and prof. dr. Michiel Rienstra developed a clinical atrial fibrillation progression risk prediction model using extensive phenotyping and continuous rhythm monitoring in patients with self-terminating short-lasting episodes.
The analysis wass performed in the Reappraisal of AF: Interaction Between HyperCoagulability, Electrical Remodelling, and Vascular Destabilisation in the Progression of AF (RACE V) study
They found that clinical predictors for atrial fibrillation progression included:
- markers of atrial cardiomyopathy,
- higher waist circumference, and
- male sex.
Moreover, adding cardiovascular biomarkers improved the risk prediction model. The cardiovascular biomarkers that improved the model were:
- atrial remodelling,
- inflammation, atherosclerosis, and
- coagulation.
