P-wave characteristics after electrical external cardioversion: predictive indexes of relapse
Federica Censi1, Giovanni Calcagnini, Michele Triventi
1Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy. federica.censi@iss.it
Summary
P-wave characteristics on electrocardiograms can identify patients at risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after cardioversion. Morphological and time-domain P-wave features effectively distinguish between patients who relapse and those who do not.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia linked to significant stroke risk.
- Electrocardiographic (ECG) P-wave characteristics, including duration and fragmentation, are associated with AF risk.
- Identifying patients prone to AF recurrence post-cardioversion is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate morphological and time-domain P-wave characteristics in patients experiencing AF relapse after cardioversion.
- To compare these P-wave features between patients with and without AF recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 16-lead mapping system for high-resolution ECG recordings in 14 patients post-cardioversion.
- Derived standard 12-lead ECGs and analyzed signal-averaged P-waves.
- Quantified time-domain (Pmax, Pmin, Pdisp, Pindex) and morphological (Nav, PCmax, FCImax, FCIav) P-wave features.
Main Results:
- Distinct differences in P-wave morphological and time-domain characteristics were observed between AF relapse and non-relapse groups.
- Specific P-wave parameters showed significant discriminatory power.
Conclusions:
- Morphological and time-domain P-wave analysis holds promise for predicting AF relapse after cardioversion.
- These ECG-derived features can aid in risk stratification for AF recurrence.
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