Atrial fibrillation recurrence predictors after conversion to sinus rhythm

C Militaru1, I Donoiu2

  • 1Craiova Cardiology Center, Romania.

Insights

Predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence after sinus rhythm conversion is possible. Key indicators include longer atrial fibrillation duration, larger left atrium and left ventricular mass, and specific P wave characteristics on ECG.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia.
  • Predicting recurrence after cardioversion is crucial for patient management.
  • Identifying reliable predictors remains an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence.
  • To assess the utility of echocardiography and electrocardiography in predicting AF recurrence.

Main Methods:

  • 100 patients with recent AF history were evaluated.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography, 12-lead ECG, and signal-averaged ECG (P wave) were performed.
  • Follow-up duration was 7.3 ± 2.2 months.

Main Results:

  • AF recurrence occurred in 27% of patients.
  • Recurrence was associated with longer AF duration, increased left atrium size, and increased left ventricular mass.
  • Filtered P wave duration and P wave integral correlated with recurrence.

Conclusions:

  • Signal-averaged ECG of the P wave is a potential predictor.
  • Echocardiographic measures of left atrium size and left ventricular mass may aid in risk stratification.
  • These parameters can help predict atrial fibrillation recurrence risk after conversion.
Abstract

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