Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

2.0K

History of Lyme Disease as a Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation

Anna Szymanska1, Anna E Platek2, Miroslaw Dluzniewski1

  • 1Department of Heart Diseases, The Medial Centre of Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|April 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium causing Lyme disease, is linked to a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). This suggests a potential connection between Lyme carditis and AF development.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently linked to cardiac inflammation.
  • Borrelia burgdorferi, a pathogen causing Lyme carditis, is a potential contributor to atrial inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serological evidence of Borrelia infection and the risk of developing AF.
  • To determine if past Borrelia exposure is an independent risk factor for AF.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study comparing 113 AF patients and 109 controls in sinus rhythm.
  • Clinical evaluation, echocardiography, and assessment of anti-Borrelia IgG antibodies in all participants.

Main Results:

  • Serological signs of Borrelia infection were significantly more prevalent in AF patients (34.5%) compared to controls (6.4%; p < 0.0001).
  • Positive anti-Borrelia IgG antibodies emerged as a strong independent predictor of AF (OR 8.21; 95% CI 3.08-21.88; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

  • Exposure to Borrelia species is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
  • Further research is needed to ascertain if early Lyme disease treatment can mitigate AF risk.

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

33.8K
Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation08:56

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

3.0K

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
337
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
352
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
241
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
358
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
190
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
375