BACKGROUND The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is on the rise in the aging population with congenital heart disease (CHD). A few case series have described the feasibility and early outcomes associated with rad...BACKGROUND The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is on the rise in the aging population with congenital heart disease (CHD). A few case series have described the feasibility and early outcomes associated with radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF centered on electrically isolating pulmonary veins (PV) in patients with CHD. In contrast, cryoballoon ablation has not previously been studied in this patient population despite its theoretical advantages, which include a favorable safety profile and shorter procedural time. AIM To assess the safety and feasibility of cryoballoon ablation for AF in an initial cohort of patients with CHD. METHODS The study population consisted of consecutive patients with CHD and cryoballoon ablation for AF at the Montreal Heart Institute between December 2012 and June 2017. Procedural complications, acute success, and 1-year freedom from recurrent AF after a single procedure with or without antiarrhythmic drugs were assessed. Procedures were performed under conscious sedation. Left atrial access was obtained via a single transseptal puncture or through an existing atrial septal defect (ASD). Cryoballoon occlusion was assessed by distal injection of 50% diluted contrast into the pulmonary vein. At least one 240-second cryothermal application was performed upon obtaining complete pulmonary vein occlusion. Following ablation, patients were routinely followed at outpatient visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo, and then annually. RESULTS Ten patients, median age 57.9 (interquartile range 48.2-61.7) years, 60% female, met inclusion criteria and were followed for 2.8 (interquartile range 1.4-4.5) years.Two had moderately complex CHD (sinus venosus ASD with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return;aortic coarctation with a persistent left superior vena cava), with the remainder having simple defects. AF was paroxysmal in 8 (80.0%) and persistent in 2 (20.0%) patients. The pulmonary vein anatomy was normal in 6 (60.0%) patients. Four had left common PV (n = 3) and/or 3 right PV (n = 2). Electrical pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was acutely successful in all. One patient had transient phrenic nerve palsy that recovered during the intervention. No major complication occurred. One year after a single ablation procedure, 6 (60%) patients remained free from AF. One patient with recurrent AF had recovered pulmonary vein conduction and underwent a second PVI procedure. A second patient had ablation of an extra-pulmonary vein trigger for AF. CONCLUSION Cryoballoon ablation for AF is feasible and safe in patients with simple and moderate forms of CHD, with an excellent acute success rate and modest 1-year freedom from recurrent AF.展开更多
Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia,which is now on course to reach epidemic proportions in the elderly population. AF is a commonly encountered comorbidity in patients with cardiac...Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia,which is now on course to reach epidemic proportions in the elderly population. AF is a commonly encountered comorbidity in patients with cardiac and major non-cardiac diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with AF makes it a major healthcare burden. The objective of our article is to determine the prognostic impact of AF on acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine if AF has an independent role in the overall mortality of such patients. Our review suggests that AF has an independent adverse prognostic impact on the clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease.展开更多
The biological features of the valvular heart disease with atrial fibrillation(AF-VHD)remain unknown when involving long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs).This study performed system analysis on lncRNA and messenger RNA(mRNA)e...The biological features of the valvular heart disease with atrial fibrillation(AF-VHD)remain unknown when involving long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs).This study performed system analysis on lncRNA and messenger RNA(mRNA)expression profiles constructed by using bioinformatics methods and tools for biological features of AF-VHD.Fold change and t-test were used to identify differentially expressed(DE)lncRNAs and mRNAs.The enrichment analysis of DE mRNAs was performed.The subgroups formed by lncRNAs and nearby mRNAs were screened,and a transcriptional regulation network among lncRNAs,mRNAs,and transcription factors(TFs)was constructed.The interactions between mRNAs related to lncRNAs and drugs were predicted.The 620 AF-VHDrelated DE lncRNAs and 452 DE mRNAs were identified.The 3 lncRNA subgroups were screened.The 665 regulations mediated by lncRNAs and TFs were identified.The 9 mRNAs related to lncRNAs had 1 or more potential drug interactions,totaling 37 drugs.Of these,9 drugs targeting 3 genes are already known to be able to control or trigger atrial fibrillation(AF)or other cardiac arrhythmias.The found biological features of AF-VHD provide foundations for further biological experiments to better understand the roles of lncRNAs in development from the valvular heart disease(VHD)to AF-VHD.展开更多
Objective: To study the pathological basis of right atrial fibrillation in rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Twenty-nine patients with mitral valve replacement of RHD were ...Objective: To study the pathological basis of right atrial fibrillation in rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Twenty-nine patients with mitral valve replacement of RHD were divided into AF group (n=13) and sinus rhythm group (SN group) (n=16). There was no significant statistical difference in clinical factors between the 2 groups. During the operation of valve replace-ment, the samples of right atrial appendages were taken and the qualitative and quantitative study were made by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Results: (1) Light microscope: The interstitial fibrosis and the arrangement of myocardium was more disordered in AF group than that in SN group. However, no statistic difference was found in interstitial fibrosis and cellar hypertrophy degree between the 2 groups. (2) Electron microscope: Mitochondrial crosta broke and dissolved obviously in AF group. The mitochondrial volume in AF group was smaller than that in SN group. Volume density, average area and average perimeter in AF group were less than that in SN group ; specific surface in AF group was bigger than that in SN group. There was significant difference of above factors between the 2 groups; but there was no significant difference of surface density and numerical density on area in the 2 groups. Volume density of myofibril in AF group and SN group were less than that in SN group. (3)Split of Intercalated disc(ID) gap was found in AF group, and there was marrowing and floccular substance in ID gap. Conclusion : There were significant differences in the pathological changes of right atrial myocardium between AF and SN with RHD, these changes may be the im-portant pathological basis for RA fibrillation of AF patients with RHD.展开更多
Atrial arrhythmias,including atrial fibrillation,in the setting of congenital heart disease(CHD)are epidemiologically and mechanistically different from those encountered in the general population.These arrhythmias oc...Atrial arrhythmias,including atrial fibrillation,in the setting of congenital heart disease(CHD)are epidemiologically and mechanistically different from those encountered in the general population.These arrhythmias occur at younger ages in patients with CHD,and are frequently degenerative and progressive.The epidemiology,incidence,and prevalence of the spectrum of atrial arrhythmias,including atrial fibrillation,vary according to the specific CHD type,prior treatment,and residual and ongoing structural and functional sequelae.The combined impact of incisional scars,abnormal hemodynamics,atrial chamber dilatation,and increases in atrial wall thickness and distribution of fi brosis results in a highly dynamic and continuously changing atrial substrate that is highly predisposed to arrhythmias.Given the multiple substrates,individualized therapeutic plans can include pharmacologic therapy,catheter-based ablation,and surgical therapies performed concomitantly with primary surgical intervention for hemodynamically significant sequelae of CHD.Advanced imaging with CT or MRI can provide valuable information for decision making and procedural planning.Application of novel therapeutic technologies and pharmacologic agents necessitates special considerations when applied to the CHD population and requires greater study in specific subsets of CHD patients.展开更多
Objectives: To explore possible mechanisms of connexin40 (Cx40) remodeling by detecting Cx40 mRNA expression of the crista terminalis and left atrium (LA) in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) associat...Objectives: To explore possible mechanisms of connexin40 (Cx40) remodeling by detecting Cx40 mRNA expression of the crista terminalis and left atrium (LA) in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) associated chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Twenty patients were enrolled in this study, who underwent surgical operation for RHD-associated mitral disease, including l0 with sinus rhythms (rhythm group) and l0 with AF (AF group). Another 6 patients with non-RHD sinus rhythms were divided into the control group. A small amount of myocardial tissue was cut from the crista terminalis and the LA posterior wall during the valvular replacement operation. Cx40 mRNA expression was assayed by real-time fluorescent quantitation polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: There was no significant difference in Cx40 mRNA expression in the crista terminalis and LA posterior wall between the 3 groups, and there was no significant difference in Cx40 mRNA expression between the crista terminalis and LA within each group. Conclusion: Based on the finding in previous studies that there existed evident remodeling of atrial Cx40 protein in patients with chronic RHD, the results of the present study suggest that the mechanism of Cx40 remodeling probably lies in the post transcriptional level.展开更多
Objectives To investigate the gene expression of calcium - handling proteins in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) . Methods A total of 50 patients with rheumatic mitral valve dis...Objectives To investigate the gene expression of calcium - handling proteins in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) . Methods A total of 50 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease were included. According to cardiac rhythm and duration of episode of AF, patients were divided into four groups: sinus rhythm group, paroxysmal AF group, persistent AF for less than 6 months group and persistent AF for more than 6 months group. Atrial tissue was obtained from the right atrial appendage, the right atrial free wall and the left atrial appendage respectively during open heart surgery. Total RNA was isolated and reversly transcribed into cDNA. In a semi - quantitative polymerase chain reaction the cDNA of interest and of glyceralde-hyde3 - phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were amplified and separated by ethidium bromide - stained gel electrophoresis. Multiple liner regress was used for correlation between the mRNA amount and age, sex, right atrial diameter (RAd) and left atrial diameter (LAd) . Results The mRNA of L - type calcium channeled subunit, of Ca2+ - ATPase and of ryanodine receptor in patients with persistent AF for more than 6 months were significantly decreased ( P all < 0. 01) . But no alterations of the mRNA levels for SR phos-pholamban and calsequestrin were observed in patients with persistent AF for more than 6 months compared with patients with sinus rhythm, paroxysmal AF and persistent AF for less than 6 months ( P all > 0. 05) . There was no difference of the gene expression among the three atrial tissue sampling sites (P all > 0. 05) . Age, gender, RAd and LAd had no significant effects on the gene expression of calcium - handling proteins (P all>0. 05). Conclusions The mRNA expression of calcium - handling proteins is down - regulated only in patients with RHD and long - term persistent AF. Such abnormalities may be related to the initiation and/or perpetuation of AF in the patients with RHD.展开更多
In this paper,we concentrate on updating the clinical research on sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors(SGLTis)for patients with type 2 diabetes who have heart failure with a preserved injection fraction,acute heart...In this paper,we concentrate on updating the clinical research on sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors(SGLTis)for patients with type 2 diabetes who have heart failure with a preserved injection fraction,acute heart failure,atrial fibrillation,primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease/cardiovascular disease,and acute myocardial infarction.We searched the data of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses of SGLTis in patients with diabetes from PubMed between January 1,2020 and April 6,2024 for our review.According to our review,certain SGLTis(empagliflozin,dapagliflozin,canagliflozin,and tofogliflozin),but not sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 inhibitor(SGLT1i),exhibit relatively superior clinical safety and effectiveness for treating the abovementioned diseases.Proper utilization of SGLTis in these patients can foster clinical improvement and offer an alternative medication option.However,clinical trials involving SGLTis for certain diseases have relatively small sample sizes,brief intervention durations,and conclusions based on weak evidence,necessitating additional data.These findings are significant and valuable for providing a more comprehensive reference and new possibilities for the clinical utilization and scientific exploration of SGLTis.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the expression of Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α) in patients who have valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: In this research, eighty-four patients with rheumatic he...Objective: To investigate the expression of Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α) in patients who have valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: In this research, eighty-four patients with rheumatic heart disease who were going to undertake cardiac surgery were included. The subjects were divided into two groups: the AF group and the sinus rhythm group, the quantities are 39 and 45 respectively. Before the surgery, baseline demographics, physical examination, routine laboratory testing, echocardiography, echocardiographic data and additional clinical data were available for all patients. The right atrial tissue of the subjects was separated during surgery, with an area of approximately 0.3 - 0.5 mm<sup>3</sup>. Immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze the distribution of PDGFR-α of atrial tissue. mRNA of PDGFR-α in atrial tissue were determined by real-time quantitative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction);Western-Blot technique was used to measure the protein of PDGFR-α in atrial tissue. Results: There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in sex ratio, age, blood pressure, blood biochemistry, and other aspects of medical history between the two groups. However, the right and left atrium diameters in the AF group were markedly larger than those in the SR group (P α from right atrial tissue were obviously higher in the AF group than that in the SR group (P Conclusion: The expression of PDGFR-α in the right atrial tissue of patients with atrial fibrillation was found to be significantly higher.展开更多
Introduction: The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiological, etiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Thies, Senegal. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospectiv...Introduction: The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiological, etiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Thies, Senegal. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, multicentre, descriptive study from February 1<sup>st</sup>, to May 28<sup>th</sup>, 2019 carried out in the 3 hospitals of the city of Thies that focused on patients with AF documented by an ECG. Valvular and non-valvular AF classification was used and the CHA2DS2-VASc score was used to assess thromboembolic risk. Results: We collected 67 patients with a female predominance (M/F sex ratio of 0.71). The prevalence of AF was 1.7%. The average age of patients was 66.67 ± 13.48 years. Forty-eight patients (71.64%) had palpitations and 32 patients (47.76%) had heart failure. Hypertension was the most common etiological factor found in 41 patients (61.19%) followed by rheumatic valvular disease in 25 patients (37.31%). The non-valvular AF was found in 42 patients (62.69%) of which 34 (80.95%) had a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were prescribed in 47 patients (79.66%) and aspirin alone in 12 patients (20.34%). Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) were not prescribed in any patient. Seven patients (10.44%) had a medical regulator treatment and no electrical cardioversion was performed. Conclusion: AF was a frequent rhythm disorder. Hypertension and rheumatic mitral valve disease were the most frequently associated etiological factors. The diagnosis was often late in the heart failure stage. Anticoagulant treatment was insufficiently prescribed and based exclusively on VKAs.展开更多
Objective Elevated serum uric acid predicts poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease.We aimed to examine associations between hyperuricemia and clinical outcomes among very elderly patients with non-valvu...Objective Elevated serum uric acid predicts poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease.We aimed to examine associations between hyperuricemia and clinical outcomes among very elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).Methods Elderly patients(≥80 years)with NVAF admitted to our hospital from January 2009 to December 2015 were retrospectively studied and were followed up until April 2017.展开更多
Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) has recently been shown to be up-regulated in patients with non-valvular atrial fi-brillation (AF). The present study was aimed to determine whether the pathogenesis and development of ...Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) has recently been shown to be up-regulated in patients with non-valvular atrial fi-brillation (AF). The present study was aimed to determine whether the pathogenesis and development of AF is associated with the up-regulation of TLR2. Clinical data and right atrial appendage (RAA) specimens were col-lected from 20 patients with persisten AF (PeAF), 15 patients with paroxysmal AF (PaAF) and 13 patients with no history of AF undergoing valvular replacement. The results showed that gene expression and protein content of TLR2 were increased in both the AF subgroups, compared with the sinus rhythm (SR) group. Between the two AF subgroups, PaAF had a higher TLR2 level than PeAF. However, no difference in interluekin (IL)-6 content was found among the three groups, and no correlation was found between TLR2 and IL-6 in PeAF patients (r = 0.090, P = 0.706), PaAF patients (r = 0.408, P = 0.131) and AF patients (r = -0.301, P = 0.079). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that TLR2 was distributed in RAAs of AF patients and confirmed the immunoblotting results. In conclusion, we demonstrated that TLR2 was elevated in AF (especially PaAF) patients with valvular heart disease, further implicating inflammation involved in the pathogenesis and development of AF.展开更多
AIM To study whether remote ischemic preconditioning(RIPC) has an impact on clinical outcomes, such as post-operative atrial fibrillation(POAF).METHODS This was a prospective, single-center, single-blinded,randomized ...AIM To study whether remote ischemic preconditioning(RIPC) has an impact on clinical outcomes, such as post-operative atrial fibrillation(POAF).METHODS This was a prospective, single-center, single-blinded,randomized controlled study. One hundred and two patients were randomized to receive RIPC(3 cycles of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion in the upper arm after induction of anesthesia) or no RIPC(control). Primary outcome was POAF lasting for five minutes or longer during the first seven days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, incidence of inpatient mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. RESULTS POAF occurred at a rate of 54% in the RIPC group and 41.2% in the control group(P = 0.23). No statistically significant differences were noted in secondary outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION This is the first study in the United States to suggest that RIPC does not reduce POAF in patients with elective or urgent cardiac surgery. There were no differences in adverse effects in either group. Further studies are required to assess the relationship between RIPC and POAF.展开更多
Background: The clinical characteristics of patients with the comorbidities of hypertension and coronary artery disease (HT-CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the pr...Background: The clinical characteristics of patients with the comorbidities of hypertension and coronary artery disease (HT-CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of AF in patients with HT-CAD and clinical characteristics of patients with both HT-CAD and AF. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing, China, and included 20,747 inpatients with HT-CAD with or without AF from August 2008 to July 2018. We examined the overall prevalence, clinical characteristics, comorbidity profiles, treatment patterns, and blood pressure (BP) control of patients with both HT-CAD and AF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the associations of cardiovascular risk factors with AF in patients with HT-CAD. Results: The overall prevalence of AF in patients with HT-CAD was 4.87% (1011/20,747), and this increased with age;to be specific, the prevalence in women and men increased from 0.78% (2/255) and 1.02% (26/2561) at the age of <50 years to 8.73% (193/2210) and 10.28 % (298/2900) at the age of ≥70 years, respectively. HT-CAD patients who had AF had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular-related comorbidities than those without AF. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age, gender (male), body mass index, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease were independently associated with the risk of AF in patients with HT-CAD. For those with both HT-CAD and AF, 73.49% (743/1011) had a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score of ≥4, and only about half of them had the BP controlled at <140/90 mmHg, which indicated a high risk of thromboembolism and stroke. The use of oral anticoagulation increased during the study period (10.00% [20/200] in 2008 to 2011 vs. 30.06% [159/529] in 2015 to 2018, P < 0.01), but remained at a relatively low level. Conclusions: AF is highly prevalent among patients with HT-CAD. Patients with both HT-CAD and AF have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular-related comorbidities, lower BP control rate, and lower use of oral anticoagulation.展开更多
Background Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients with rheumatic heart disease(RHD). The impact of prophylactic oral amiodarone and total dosage on postoperative outcomes in RHD patients...Background Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients with rheumatic heart disease(RHD). The impact of prophylactic oral amiodarone and total dosage on postoperative outcomes in RHD patients accompanied by AF after cardiac valve surgery(CVS) is still unknown. Methods This retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 562 RHD patients with preoperative permanent AF undergoing CVS. One hundred and thirty-five patients receiving preoperative oral amiodarone were in the amiodarone group, 427 patients with no exposure to amiodarone were in the control group. Data gathered included constitution of the surgical approaches, postoperative incidence of conversion from AF to sinus rhythm, low cardiac output, rapid AF and ventricular arrhythmias, mechanical ventilation time, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, and average ventricular rates in patients with AF at discharge. Results In the amiodarone group, 30 patients converted to sinus rhythm after surgery, the incidence(30/135, 22.2%) was higher than that in the control group(45/427, 10.5%, P 〈 0.05). Compared with patients in the control group,incidence of rapid AF(19.3% vs 27.4%) and ventricular arrhythmias(6.7% vs 12.1%) in the amiodarone group were significantly lower(P 〈 0.05). Length of ICU stay and hospital stay in the amiodarone group were significantly shorter than those in the control group(P 〈 0.05). The sinus rhythm conversion rate of the patients with total dosage of above 10 g(14/43, 32.6%) was significantly higher than that of the patients receiving less than 10 g(16/92, 17.4%) amiodarone(P 〈 0.05). Conclusions Prophylactic oral amiodarone increases postoperative sinus rhythm conversion rate in RHD patients with preoperative permanent AF after CVS, and shows a dose-response relationship with the conversion rate. It also reduces the incidences of tachyarrhythmia and ventricular arrhythmias, shortens ICU stay and hospital stay, thus improving the prognosis of those patients.展开更多
AIM: To describe current profile of patients with cardio-vascular disease(CVD) and assessing changes through last decade.METHODS: Comparison of patients with established CVD from two similar cross-sectional registries...AIM: To describe current profile of patients with cardio-vascular disease(CVD) and assessing changes through last decade.METHODS: Comparison of patients with established CVD from two similar cross-sectional registries performed in 1999(n = 6194) and 2009(n = 4639).The types of CVD were coronary heart disease(CHD),heart failure(HF) and atrial fibrillation(AF).Patients were collected from outpatient clinics.Investigators were 80% cardiologist and 20% primary care practitioners.Clinical antecedents,major diagnosis,blood test results and medical treatments were collected from all patients.RESULTS: An increase in all risk factors,except for smoking,was observed;a 54.4% relative increase in BP control was noted.CHD was the most prevalent CVD but HF and AF increased significantly,41.5% and 33.7%,respectively.A significant reduction in serum lipid levels was observed.The use of statins increased by 141.1% as did all cardiovascular treatments.Moreover,the use of angiotensin-renin system inhibitors in patients with HF,beta-blockers in CHD patients or oral anticoagulants in AF patients increased by 83.0%,80.3% and 156.0%,respectively(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: The prevalence of all cardiovascular risk factors has increased in patients with CVD through last decade.HF and AF have experienced the largest increases.展开更多
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with rheumatic valvular heart disease (RVHD). AF leads to systemic thromboembolic complications, reduced quality of life (QOL), impaired ventricular function and...Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with rheumatic valvular heart disease (RVHD). AF leads to systemic thromboembolic complications, reduced quality of life (QOL), impaired ventricular function and also increased mortality. Multivariate analysis of results from a population-based study has shown that valvular heart disease is one of risk factors for development of AF.1 The frequency of RVHD has decreased in developed countries in recent years, but RVHD now constitutes a significant population for the cardiology services in developing countries.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is on the rise in the aging population with congenital heart disease (CHD). A few case series have described the feasibility and early outcomes associated with radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF centered on electrically isolating pulmonary veins (PV) in patients with CHD. In contrast, cryoballoon ablation has not previously been studied in this patient population despite its theoretical advantages, which include a favorable safety profile and shorter procedural time. AIM To assess the safety and feasibility of cryoballoon ablation for AF in an initial cohort of patients with CHD. METHODS The study population consisted of consecutive patients with CHD and cryoballoon ablation for AF at the Montreal Heart Institute between December 2012 and June 2017. Procedural complications, acute success, and 1-year freedom from recurrent AF after a single procedure with or without antiarrhythmic drugs were assessed. Procedures were performed under conscious sedation. Left atrial access was obtained via a single transseptal puncture or through an existing atrial septal defect (ASD). Cryoballoon occlusion was assessed by distal injection of 50% diluted contrast into the pulmonary vein. At least one 240-second cryothermal application was performed upon obtaining complete pulmonary vein occlusion. Following ablation, patients were routinely followed at outpatient visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo, and then annually. RESULTS Ten patients, median age 57.9 (interquartile range 48.2-61.7) years, 60% female, met inclusion criteria and were followed for 2.8 (interquartile range 1.4-4.5) years.Two had moderately complex CHD (sinus venosus ASD with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return;aortic coarctation with a persistent left superior vena cava), with the remainder having simple defects. AF was paroxysmal in 8 (80.0%) and persistent in 2 (20.0%) patients. The pulmonary vein anatomy was normal in 6 (60.0%) patients. Four had left common PV (n = 3) and/or 3 right PV (n = 2). Electrical pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was acutely successful in all. One patient had transient phrenic nerve palsy that recovered during the intervention. No major complication occurred. One year after a single ablation procedure, 6 (60%) patients remained free from AF. One patient with recurrent AF had recovered pulmonary vein conduction and underwent a second PVI procedure. A second patient had ablation of an extra-pulmonary vein trigger for AF. CONCLUSION Cryoballoon ablation for AF is feasible and safe in patients with simple and moderate forms of CHD, with an excellent acute success rate and modest 1-year freedom from recurrent AF.
文摘Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia,which is now on course to reach epidemic proportions in the elderly population. AF is a commonly encountered comorbidity in patients with cardiac and major non-cardiac diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with AF makes it a major healthcare burden. The objective of our article is to determine the prognostic impact of AF on acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine if AF has an independent role in the overall mortality of such patients. Our review suggests that AF has an independent adverse prognostic impact on the clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grants No.61872405 and No.61720106004the Key Project of Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province under Grant No.2016A030311040.
文摘The biological features of the valvular heart disease with atrial fibrillation(AF-VHD)remain unknown when involving long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs).This study performed system analysis on lncRNA and messenger RNA(mRNA)expression profiles constructed by using bioinformatics methods and tools for biological features of AF-VHD.Fold change and t-test were used to identify differentially expressed(DE)lncRNAs and mRNAs.The enrichment analysis of DE mRNAs was performed.The subgroups formed by lncRNAs and nearby mRNAs were screened,and a transcriptional regulation network among lncRNAs,mRNAs,and transcription factors(TFs)was constructed.The interactions between mRNAs related to lncRNAs and drugs were predicted.The 620 AF-VHDrelated DE lncRNAs and 452 DE mRNAs were identified.The 3 lncRNA subgroups were screened.The 665 regulations mediated by lncRNAs and TFs were identified.The 9 mRNAs related to lncRNAs had 1 or more potential drug interactions,totaling 37 drugs.Of these,9 drugs targeting 3 genes are already known to be able to control or trigger atrial fibrillation(AF)or other cardiac arrhythmias.The found biological features of AF-VHD provide foundations for further biological experiments to better understand the roles of lncRNAs in development from the valvular heart disease(VHD)to AF-VHD.
文摘Objective: To study the pathological basis of right atrial fibrillation in rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Twenty-nine patients with mitral valve replacement of RHD were divided into AF group (n=13) and sinus rhythm group (SN group) (n=16). There was no significant statistical difference in clinical factors between the 2 groups. During the operation of valve replace-ment, the samples of right atrial appendages were taken and the qualitative and quantitative study were made by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Results: (1) Light microscope: The interstitial fibrosis and the arrangement of myocardium was more disordered in AF group than that in SN group. However, no statistic difference was found in interstitial fibrosis and cellar hypertrophy degree between the 2 groups. (2) Electron microscope: Mitochondrial crosta broke and dissolved obviously in AF group. The mitochondrial volume in AF group was smaller than that in SN group. Volume density, average area and average perimeter in AF group were less than that in SN group ; specific surface in AF group was bigger than that in SN group. There was significant difference of above factors between the 2 groups; but there was no significant difference of surface density and numerical density on area in the 2 groups. Volume density of myofibril in AF group and SN group were less than that in SN group. (3)Split of Intercalated disc(ID) gap was found in AF group, and there was marrowing and floccular substance in ID gap. Conclusion : There were significant differences in the pathological changes of right atrial myocardium between AF and SN with RHD, these changes may be the im-portant pathological basis for RA fibrillation of AF patients with RHD.
文摘Atrial arrhythmias,including atrial fibrillation,in the setting of congenital heart disease(CHD)are epidemiologically and mechanistically different from those encountered in the general population.These arrhythmias occur at younger ages in patients with CHD,and are frequently degenerative and progressive.The epidemiology,incidence,and prevalence of the spectrum of atrial arrhythmias,including atrial fibrillation,vary according to the specific CHD type,prior treatment,and residual and ongoing structural and functional sequelae.The combined impact of incisional scars,abnormal hemodynamics,atrial chamber dilatation,and increases in atrial wall thickness and distribution of fi brosis results in a highly dynamic and continuously changing atrial substrate that is highly predisposed to arrhythmias.Given the multiple substrates,individualized therapeutic plans can include pharmacologic therapy,catheter-based ablation,and surgical therapies performed concomitantly with primary surgical intervention for hemodynamically significant sequelae of CHD.Advanced imaging with CT or MRI can provide valuable information for decision making and procedural planning.Application of novel therapeutic technologies and pharmacologic agents necessitates special considerations when applied to the CHD population and requires greater study in specific subsets of CHD patients.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30070749).
文摘Objectives: To explore possible mechanisms of connexin40 (Cx40) remodeling by detecting Cx40 mRNA expression of the crista terminalis and left atrium (LA) in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) associated chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Twenty patients were enrolled in this study, who underwent surgical operation for RHD-associated mitral disease, including l0 with sinus rhythms (rhythm group) and l0 with AF (AF group). Another 6 patients with non-RHD sinus rhythms were divided into the control group. A small amount of myocardial tissue was cut from the crista terminalis and the LA posterior wall during the valvular replacement operation. Cx40 mRNA expression was assayed by real-time fluorescent quantitation polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: There was no significant difference in Cx40 mRNA expression in the crista terminalis and LA posterior wall between the 3 groups, and there was no significant difference in Cx40 mRNA expression between the crista terminalis and LA within each group. Conclusion: Based on the finding in previous studies that there existed evident remodeling of atrial Cx40 protein in patients with chronic RHD, the results of the present study suggest that the mechanism of Cx40 remodeling probably lies in the post transcriptional level.
文摘Objectives To investigate the gene expression of calcium - handling proteins in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) . Methods A total of 50 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease were included. According to cardiac rhythm and duration of episode of AF, patients were divided into four groups: sinus rhythm group, paroxysmal AF group, persistent AF for less than 6 months group and persistent AF for more than 6 months group. Atrial tissue was obtained from the right atrial appendage, the right atrial free wall and the left atrial appendage respectively during open heart surgery. Total RNA was isolated and reversly transcribed into cDNA. In a semi - quantitative polymerase chain reaction the cDNA of interest and of glyceralde-hyde3 - phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were amplified and separated by ethidium bromide - stained gel electrophoresis. Multiple liner regress was used for correlation between the mRNA amount and age, sex, right atrial diameter (RAd) and left atrial diameter (LAd) . Results The mRNA of L - type calcium channeled subunit, of Ca2+ - ATPase and of ryanodine receptor in patients with persistent AF for more than 6 months were significantly decreased ( P all < 0. 01) . But no alterations of the mRNA levels for SR phos-pholamban and calsequestrin were observed in patients with persistent AF for more than 6 months compared with patients with sinus rhythm, paroxysmal AF and persistent AF for less than 6 months ( P all > 0. 05) . There was no difference of the gene expression among the three atrial tissue sampling sites (P all > 0. 05) . Age, gender, RAd and LAd had no significant effects on the gene expression of calcium - handling proteins (P all>0. 05). Conclusions The mRNA expression of calcium - handling proteins is down - regulated only in patients with RHD and long - term persistent AF. Such abnormalities may be related to the initiation and/or perpetuation of AF in the patients with RHD.
文摘In this paper,we concentrate on updating the clinical research on sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors(SGLTis)for patients with type 2 diabetes who have heart failure with a preserved injection fraction,acute heart failure,atrial fibrillation,primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease/cardiovascular disease,and acute myocardial infarction.We searched the data of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses of SGLTis in patients with diabetes from PubMed between January 1,2020 and April 6,2024 for our review.According to our review,certain SGLTis(empagliflozin,dapagliflozin,canagliflozin,and tofogliflozin),but not sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 inhibitor(SGLT1i),exhibit relatively superior clinical safety and effectiveness for treating the abovementioned diseases.Proper utilization of SGLTis in these patients can foster clinical improvement and offer an alternative medication option.However,clinical trials involving SGLTis for certain diseases have relatively small sample sizes,brief intervention durations,and conclusions based on weak evidence,necessitating additional data.These findings are significant and valuable for providing a more comprehensive reference and new possibilities for the clinical utilization and scientific exploration of SGLTis.
文摘Objective: To investigate the expression of Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α) in patients who have valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: In this research, eighty-four patients with rheumatic heart disease who were going to undertake cardiac surgery were included. The subjects were divided into two groups: the AF group and the sinus rhythm group, the quantities are 39 and 45 respectively. Before the surgery, baseline demographics, physical examination, routine laboratory testing, echocardiography, echocardiographic data and additional clinical data were available for all patients. The right atrial tissue of the subjects was separated during surgery, with an area of approximately 0.3 - 0.5 mm<sup>3</sup>. Immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze the distribution of PDGFR-α of atrial tissue. mRNA of PDGFR-α in atrial tissue were determined by real-time quantitative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction);Western-Blot technique was used to measure the protein of PDGFR-α in atrial tissue. Results: There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in sex ratio, age, blood pressure, blood biochemistry, and other aspects of medical history between the two groups. However, the right and left atrium diameters in the AF group were markedly larger than those in the SR group (P α from right atrial tissue were obviously higher in the AF group than that in the SR group (P Conclusion: The expression of PDGFR-α in the right atrial tissue of patients with atrial fibrillation was found to be significantly higher.
文摘Introduction: The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiological, etiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Thies, Senegal. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, multicentre, descriptive study from February 1<sup>st</sup>, to May 28<sup>th</sup>, 2019 carried out in the 3 hospitals of the city of Thies that focused on patients with AF documented by an ECG. Valvular and non-valvular AF classification was used and the CHA2DS2-VASc score was used to assess thromboembolic risk. Results: We collected 67 patients with a female predominance (M/F sex ratio of 0.71). The prevalence of AF was 1.7%. The average age of patients was 66.67 ± 13.48 years. Forty-eight patients (71.64%) had palpitations and 32 patients (47.76%) had heart failure. Hypertension was the most common etiological factor found in 41 patients (61.19%) followed by rheumatic valvular disease in 25 patients (37.31%). The non-valvular AF was found in 42 patients (62.69%) of which 34 (80.95%) had a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were prescribed in 47 patients (79.66%) and aspirin alone in 12 patients (20.34%). Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) were not prescribed in any patient. Seven patients (10.44%) had a medical regulator treatment and no electrical cardioversion was performed. Conclusion: AF was a frequent rhythm disorder. Hypertension and rheumatic mitral valve disease were the most frequently associated etiological factors. The diagnosis was often late in the heart failure stage. Anticoagulant treatment was insufficiently prescribed and based exclusively on VKAs.
文摘Objective Elevated serum uric acid predicts poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease.We aimed to examine associations between hyperuricemia and clinical outcomes among very elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).Methods Elderly patients(≥80 years)with NVAF admitted to our hospital from January 2009 to December 2015 were retrospectively studied and were followed up until April 2017.
基金supported by a grant for the PhD candidates of Jiangsu Province (No. JX22013082)
文摘Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) has recently been shown to be up-regulated in patients with non-valvular atrial fi-brillation (AF). The present study was aimed to determine whether the pathogenesis and development of AF is associated with the up-regulation of TLR2. Clinical data and right atrial appendage (RAA) specimens were col-lected from 20 patients with persisten AF (PeAF), 15 patients with paroxysmal AF (PaAF) and 13 patients with no history of AF undergoing valvular replacement. The results showed that gene expression and protein content of TLR2 were increased in both the AF subgroups, compared with the sinus rhythm (SR) group. Between the two AF subgroups, PaAF had a higher TLR2 level than PeAF. However, no difference in interluekin (IL)-6 content was found among the three groups, and no correlation was found between TLR2 and IL-6 in PeAF patients (r = 0.090, P = 0.706), PaAF patients (r = 0.408, P = 0.131) and AF patients (r = -0.301, P = 0.079). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that TLR2 was distributed in RAAs of AF patients and confirmed the immunoblotting results. In conclusion, we demonstrated that TLR2 was elevated in AF (especially PaAF) patients with valvular heart disease, further implicating inflammation involved in the pathogenesis and development of AF.
文摘AIM To study whether remote ischemic preconditioning(RIPC) has an impact on clinical outcomes, such as post-operative atrial fibrillation(POAF).METHODS This was a prospective, single-center, single-blinded,randomized controlled study. One hundred and two patients were randomized to receive RIPC(3 cycles of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion in the upper arm after induction of anesthesia) or no RIPC(control). Primary outcome was POAF lasting for five minutes or longer during the first seven days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, incidence of inpatient mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. RESULTS POAF occurred at a rate of 54% in the RIPC group and 41.2% in the control group(P = 0.23). No statistically significant differences were noted in secondary outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION This is the first study in the United States to suggest that RIPC does not reduce POAF in patients with elective or urgent cardiac surgery. There were no differences in adverse effects in either group. Further studies are required to assess the relationship between RIPC and POAF.
基金Capital Health Research and Development of Special,Beijing Health Commission(No.2020-2-5013)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82070433)
文摘Background: The clinical characteristics of patients with the comorbidities of hypertension and coronary artery disease (HT-CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of AF in patients with HT-CAD and clinical characteristics of patients with both HT-CAD and AF. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing, China, and included 20,747 inpatients with HT-CAD with or without AF from August 2008 to July 2018. We examined the overall prevalence, clinical characteristics, comorbidity profiles, treatment patterns, and blood pressure (BP) control of patients with both HT-CAD and AF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the associations of cardiovascular risk factors with AF in patients with HT-CAD. Results: The overall prevalence of AF in patients with HT-CAD was 4.87% (1011/20,747), and this increased with age;to be specific, the prevalence in women and men increased from 0.78% (2/255) and 1.02% (26/2561) at the age of <50 years to 8.73% (193/2210) and 10.28 % (298/2900) at the age of ≥70 years, respectively. HT-CAD patients who had AF had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular-related comorbidities than those without AF. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age, gender (male), body mass index, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease were independently associated with the risk of AF in patients with HT-CAD. For those with both HT-CAD and AF, 73.49% (743/1011) had a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score of ≥4, and only about half of them had the BP controlled at <140/90 mmHg, which indicated a high risk of thromboembolism and stroke. The use of oral anticoagulation increased during the study period (10.00% [20/200] in 2008 to 2011 vs. 30.06% [159/529] in 2015 to 2018, P < 0.01), but remained at a relatively low level. Conclusions: AF is highly prevalent among patients with HT-CAD. Patients with both HT-CAD and AF have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular-related comorbidities, lower BP control rate, and lower use of oral anticoagulation.
基金supported by National Key Technology Research and Development Program(No.2011BAI11B22)Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.B2012002)Guangdong Population and Family Planning Foundation(No.2012264)
文摘Background Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients with rheumatic heart disease(RHD). The impact of prophylactic oral amiodarone and total dosage on postoperative outcomes in RHD patients accompanied by AF after cardiac valve surgery(CVS) is still unknown. Methods This retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 562 RHD patients with preoperative permanent AF undergoing CVS. One hundred and thirty-five patients receiving preoperative oral amiodarone were in the amiodarone group, 427 patients with no exposure to amiodarone were in the control group. Data gathered included constitution of the surgical approaches, postoperative incidence of conversion from AF to sinus rhythm, low cardiac output, rapid AF and ventricular arrhythmias, mechanical ventilation time, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, and average ventricular rates in patients with AF at discharge. Results In the amiodarone group, 30 patients converted to sinus rhythm after surgery, the incidence(30/135, 22.2%) was higher than that in the control group(45/427, 10.5%, P 〈 0.05). Compared with patients in the control group,incidence of rapid AF(19.3% vs 27.4%) and ventricular arrhythmias(6.7% vs 12.1%) in the amiodarone group were significantly lower(P 〈 0.05). Length of ICU stay and hospital stay in the amiodarone group were significantly shorter than those in the control group(P 〈 0.05). The sinus rhythm conversion rate of the patients with total dosage of above 10 g(14/43, 32.6%) was significantly higher than that of the patients receiving less than 10 g(16/92, 17.4%) amiodarone(P 〈 0.05). Conclusions Prophylactic oral amiodarone increases postoperative sinus rhythm conversion rate in RHD patients with preoperative permanent AF after CVS, and shows a dose-response relationship with the conversion rate. It also reduces the incidences of tachyarrhythmia and ventricular arrhythmias, shortens ICU stay and hospital stay, thus improving the prognosis of those patients.
基金Supported by An unrestricted grant of RECORDATI Laboratories,Spain
文摘AIM: To describe current profile of patients with cardio-vascular disease(CVD) and assessing changes through last decade.METHODS: Comparison of patients with established CVD from two similar cross-sectional registries performed in 1999(n = 6194) and 2009(n = 4639).The types of CVD were coronary heart disease(CHD),heart failure(HF) and atrial fibrillation(AF).Patients were collected from outpatient clinics.Investigators were 80% cardiologist and 20% primary care practitioners.Clinical antecedents,major diagnosis,blood test results and medical treatments were collected from all patients.RESULTS: An increase in all risk factors,except for smoking,was observed;a 54.4% relative increase in BP control was noted.CHD was the most prevalent CVD but HF and AF increased significantly,41.5% and 33.7%,respectively.A significant reduction in serum lipid levels was observed.The use of statins increased by 141.1% as did all cardiovascular treatments.Moreover,the use of angiotensin-renin system inhibitors in patients with HF,beta-blockers in CHD patients or oral anticoagulants in AF patients increased by 83.0%,80.3% and 156.0%,respectively(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: The prevalence of all cardiovascular risk factors has increased in patients with CVD through last decade.HF and AF have experienced the largest increases.
文摘Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with rheumatic valvular heart disease (RVHD). AF leads to systemic thromboembolic complications, reduced quality of life (QOL), impaired ventricular function and also increased mortality. Multivariate analysis of results from a population-based study has shown that valvular heart disease is one of risk factors for development of AF.1 The frequency of RVHD has decreased in developed countries in recent years, but RVHD now constitutes a significant population for the cardiology services in developing countries.