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Published on: July 20, 2022
Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Adaya Weissler-Snir1, Sara Saberi2, Timothy C Wong3
1Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and increases stroke risk. Early AF detection and management, including anticoagulation and rhythm control, are crucial for better outcomes in HCM patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects over 25% of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
- AF in HCM signifies advanced disease, carries a high stroke risk, and can cause poorly tolerated hemodynamic changes, even when subclinical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical need for prompt diagnosis and effective management of AF in HCM patients.
- To outline screening strategies and treatment considerations for AF in the context of HCM.
Main Methods:
- Regular screening for AF in all HCM patients.
- Increased screening frequency with extended ambulatory monitoring for high-risk individuals.
- Initiation of oral anticoagulation upon AF detection.
Main Results:
- AF in HCM is linked to significant adverse outcomes, including stroke.
- Management involves addressing modifiable risk factors and monitoring cardiomyopathy progression.
- Early rhythm control may prevent further left atrial remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Prompt AF diagnosis and management are essential in HCM to mitigate adverse events.
- Comprehensive screening and timely intervention, including anticoagulation and potential rhythm control, are key.
- Addressing risk factors and monitoring disease progression are integral to patient care.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with a prevalence greater than 25%. AF in HCM is associated with a high risk of stroke and can be a marker of more advanced cardiomyopathy. Although, it frequently results in cardiac hemodynamic changes which are poorly tolerated, it can be subclinical. Thus, prompt diagnosis and adequate management of AF are essential to minimizing AF-related adverse outcomes in HCM. All HCM patients should be screened for AF regularly, and those with high-risk features should be screened more frequently preferably with extended ambulatory monitoring. Once AF is detected, oral anticoagulation should be initiated. Both general and HCM-specific modifiable risk factors should be addressed and assessment for cardiomyopathy progression should be performed. Although no randomized controlled studies have compared rate versus rhythm control in HCM, early rhythm control could be considered to prevent further LA remodeling.
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