Rationale and design of the BAYES (Interatrial Block and Yearly Events) registry

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Geriatrics
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Interatrial block (IAB) is prevalent in elderly individuals with heart disease.
• IAB is associated with increased risks of atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke, and cognitive decline.
• Limited data exists on the long-term prognosis of IAB in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of interatrial block (IAB) on the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke.
• To assess the 3-year prognosis of elderly patients with heart disease and varying degrees of IAB.
• To inform potential therapeutic strategies, such as anticoagulation, for elderly patients with IAB.

Main Methods:

• The Interatrial Block and Yearly Events (BAYES) registry enrolled 654 ambulatory patients aged ≥70 years with heart disease.
• Patients were categorized into three groups based on P-wave duration and morphology: normal, partial IAB, and advanced IAB.
• Primary endpoints included documented AF (>5 minutes) and stroke over a 3-year follow-up period.

Main Results:

• Results are pending, but the study aims to clarify the prognostic significance of IAB in elderly cardiac patients.
• The study will provide crucial data on the incidence of AF and stroke in relation to IAB severity.
• Findings are expected to enhance understanding of IAB's role in cardiovascular outcomes for older adults.

Conclusions:

• This registry will elucidate the clinical significance of interatrial block (IAB) in elderly patients with heart disease.
• The study outcomes may guide the management of AF and stroke risk in this vulnerable population.
• Results could support the consideration of anticoagulation therapy for specific elderly patients identified with IAB.