| 1. |
- Husser, Oliver, et al.
(författare)
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Exercise testing for non-invasive assessment of atrial electrophysiological properties in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
- 2007
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1532-2092. ; 9:8, s. 627-632
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims Experimental studies suggest that the autonomic nervous system modulates atrial refractoriness and conduction velocity in atrial. fibrillation (AF). These modulatory effects are, however, difficult to assess in the clinical setting. This study sought to non-invasively characterize in patients with persistent AF, the influence of autonomic modulation induced by exercise on atrial fibrillatory rate as marker of atrial refractoriness and to identify clinical and electrocardiographic predictors of atrial rate response. Methods and results In 24 patients (16 mates, mean age 60 +/- 13 years) with persistent AF (16 +/- 25 months), continuous ECGs were recorded during bicycle exercise testing. Fibrillatory rate (in fibrillations per minute, fpm) was assessed at baseline and immediately after termination of exercise with spatiotemporal QRST cancellation and time-frequency analysis. Ventricular response was characterized by time-domain HRV indices. Exercise had no influence on mean fibrillatory rate (409 +/- 42 vs. 414 +/- 43 fpm, P = NS). Seven patients responded to exercise with an increase in fibrillatory rate (26 10 fpm, P < 0.001 and three with a decrease (-21 +/- 8 fpm, P < 0.001), while the remaining 14 patients did not show a response. Responders' HRV indices changed in response to exercise similarly to that of non-responders. Their baseline fibrillatory rate was, however, lower than that of non-responders (387 +/- 18 vs. 425 +/- 48 fpm, P = 0.028). No other clinical or echocardiographic variable was associated with fibrillatory rate response. Twelve weeks after cardioverson, responders were more likely to remain in sinus rhythm than non-responders (88 vs. 46 %, P = 0.04). Conclusions Exercise-induced autonomic activation produces changes in atrial. etectrophysiological properties that can be detected by time-frequency analysis. Higher baseline fibrillatory rates are associated with an impaired atrial response to exercise that suggests advanced electrical remodelling and reduced sensitivity to autonomic stimuli.
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| 2. |
- Bollmann, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Analysis of surface electrocardiograms in atrial fibrillation: techniques, research, and clinical applications
- 2006
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1532-2092. ; 8:11, s. 911-926
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atrial. fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. Neither the natural history of AF nor its response to therapy is sufficiently predictable by clinical and echocardiographic parameters. The purpose of this article is to describe technical aspects of novel electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis techniques and to present research and clinical applications of these methods for characterization of both the fibrillatory process and the ventricular response during AF Atrial fibrillatory frequency (or rate) can reliably be assessed from the surface ECG using digital signal processing (extraction of atrial, signals and spectral analysis). This measurement shows large inter-individual variability and correlates well with intra-atriat cycle length, a parameter which appears to have primary importance in AF maintenance and response to therapy. AF with a tow fibrillatory rate is more likely to terminate spontaneously and responds better to antiarrhythmic drugs or cardioversion, whereas high-rate AF is more often persistent and refractory to therapy. Ventricular responses during AF can be characterized by a variety of methods, which include analysis of heart rate variability, RR-interval histograms, Lorenz plots, and non-linear dynamics. These methods have all shown a certain degree of usefulness, either in scientific explorations of atrioventricular (AV) nodal function or in selected clinical questions such as predicting response to drugs, cardioversion, or AV nodal modification. The role of the autonomic nervous system for AF sustenance and termination, as well as for ventricular rate responses, can be explored by different ECG analysis methods. In conclusion, non-invasive characterization of atrial fibrillatory activity and ventricular response can be performed from the surface ECG in AF patients. Different signal processing techniques have been suggested for identification of underlying AF pathomechanisms and prediction of therapy efficacy.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Bollmann, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Atrial fibrillatory rate and risk of left atrial thrombus in atrial fibrillation.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1532-2092. ; 9:8, s. 6-621
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ims In atrial fibrillation (AF), a relation between electrocardiogram (ECG) fibrillatory wave amplitude and thrombus formation has been sought for long with conflicting results. In contrast, the possible relation between atrial fibrillatory rate obtained from the surface ECG and left atrial thrombus formation in patients with AF is unknown and was consequently evaluated in this study. Methods and results One-hundred and twenty-five patients (mean age 64 ± 12 years, 72% male) with persistent non-valvular AF (mean duration 28 ± 80 days) undergoing transesophageal echocardiography were studied. In all patients, standard 12-lead ECG recordings were acquired before the examination. Atrial fibrillatory rate was determined using spatiotemporal QRST cancellation and time–frequency analysis of lead V1. Atrial fibrillatory rate measured 401 ± 63 fibrillations per minute (fpm, range 235–566 fpm) and was related with age (R = −0.326, P < 0.001), ventricular rate (R = −0.202, P = 0.024), gender (407 ± 62 in males vs. 387 ± 64 fpm in females, P = 0.038) but not AF duration (R = 0.088, P = 0.374), presence of lone AF (408 ± 66 vs. 394 ± 58 fpm, P = 0.228), or beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker treatment (398 ± 63 vs. 405 ± 62 fpm, P = 0.556). Age was the only independent predictor of fibrillatory rate (B = −1.714, P < 0.001). In patients with left atrial thrombus (n = 10), spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) was more frequently present (70 vs. 29 %, p = 0.007) and left atrial appendage (LAA) outflow velocity was lower (26 ± 20 vs. 37 ± 15 cm/s, P = 0.012) than in patients without thrombus (n = 115). In contrast, mean fibrillatory rate, which showed a weak inverse correlation with LAA velocity (R = −0.118, P = 0.048) was not different between both groups (380 ± 56 vs. 403 ± 63 fpm, P = 0.226). Similarly, presence of thrombus and SEC combined was not related with fibrillatory rate. Conclusion Atrial fibrillatory rate obtained from surface ECG lead V1 is not a risk marker for left atrial thrombus formation in AF.
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| 5. |
- Bollmann, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Atrial fibrillatory rate and risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1532-2092 .- 1099-5129. ; 11, s. 582-586
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims In atrial fibrillation (AF), a relation between electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters such as fibrillatory wave amplitude and stroke has been sought with conflicting results. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the atrial fibrillatory rate of surface ECG lead V1 is related to stroke risk and may consequently be helpful for identifying high-risk patients. Methods and results Atrial fibrillatory rate of 79 consecutive patients with AF and embolic stroke (age 83 +/- 7 years, 41% male) was compared with those of a matched AF population without stroke (n = 79). Atrial fibrillatory rate was determined from the surface ECG using spatiotemporal QRST cancellation and time-frequency analysis of lead V1. There was no significant difference in any clinical or echocardiographic variable in patients with stroke compared with AF controls without stroke. Atrial fibrillatory rate measured 373 +/- 55 fibrillations per minute (fpm; range 235-505 fpm) in the entire population. There was no fibrillatory rate difference between stroke patients (369 +/- 54 fpm, range 256-505 fpm) and AF controls without stroke (378 +/- 56 fpm, range 235-488 fpm). There was an inverse correlation between fibrillatory rate and age (R = -0.219, P = 0.006). Individuals aged >/=85 years had a significantly lower fibrillatory rate (356 +/- 44 fpm) than individuals aged 65-74 years (384 +/- 56 fpm, P = 0.033) and individuals aged 75-84 years (384 +/- 60 fpm, P = 0.016). In those subgroups, fibrillatory rates were, however, also similar in stroke patients and AF controls. Conclusion Atrial fibrillatory rate obtained from surface ECG lead V1 is not a risk marker for stroke in AF.
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| 6. |
- Bollmann, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic predictors for atrial fibrillation recurrence following cardioversion
- 2003
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Ingår i: Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. - : Wiley. - 1540-8167 .- 1045-3873. ; 14:s10, s. 162-165
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Identification of suitable candidates for cardioversion currently is not based on individual electrical and mechanical atrial remodeling. Therefore, this study analyzed the meaning of atrial fibrillatory rate obtained from the surface ECG (as a measure of electrical remodeling) and left atrial size (as measure of mechanical remodeling) for prediction of early atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence following cardioversion. Methods and Results: Forty-four consecutive patients (26 men and 18 women, mean age 62 ± 11 years, no antiarrhythmic medication at baseline) with persistent AF were studied. Fibrillatory rate was obtained from high-gain, high-resolution surface ECG using digital signal processing (filtering, QRST subtraction, Fourier analysis) before electrical cardioversion. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis revealed larger systolic left atrial area (Beta = 0.176, P = 0.031) obtained by precardioversion echocardiogram from the apical four-chamber view and higher atrial fibrillatory rate (Beta = 0.029, P = 0.021) to be independent predictors for AF recurrence (n = 13). Stratification based on the regression equation (electromechanical index [EMI]= 0.176 systolic left atrial area + 0.029 fibrillatory rate − 17.674) allowed identification of groups at low, intermediate, or high risk. No patient with an EMI < −1.85 had early AF recurrence, as opposed to 78% with an EMI > −0.25. Intermediate results (40% recurrence rate) were obtained when the calculated EMI ranged between −1.85 and −0.25 (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Fibrillatory rate obtained from the surface ECG and systolic left atrial area obtained by echocardiography may predict early AF recurrence in patients with persistent AF. These parameters might be useful in identifying candidates with a high likelihood of remaining in sinus rhythm after cardioversion.
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| 7. |
- Bollmann, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Fibrillatory rate response to candesartan in persistent atrial fibrillation.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1532-2092 .- 1099-5129. ; 10, s. 1138-1144
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction Angiotensin-receptor blockers may exert favourable anti-arrhythmic effects in atrial fibrillation (AF), but their mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that (i) candesartan reduces atrial fibrillatory rate and (ii) fibrillatory rate and its response to candesartan are related with the outcome of cardioversion. For this purpose, a post hoc subanalysis of the randomized, placebo-controlled CAPRAF (Candesartan in the Prevention of Relapsing Atrial Fibrillation) trial was performed. Methods and results Patients with AF undergoing electrical cardioversion were randomized to receive candesartan 8 mg once daily (n = 58) or matching placebo (n = 66) and no additional class I or III anti-arrhythmic drugs. Fibrillatory rate was determined from ECG lead V1 at baseline and at the day of cardioversion using spatiotemporal QRST cancellation and time-frequency analysis. The median time on treatment was 29 days. Candesartan reduced fibrillatory rate [399 +/- 48 vs. 388 +/- 49 fibrillations/min (fpm), P = 0.04], but not placebo (402 +/- 58 vs. 402 +/- 61 fpm, P = 0.986). Candesartan effects were only observed if the baseline fibrillatory rate was high [>420 fpm: 445 +/- 21 vs. 415 +/- 49 fpm, P = 0.006 vs. intermediate (360-420 fpm): 397 +/- 19 vs. 391 +/- 37 fpm, P = 0.351 vs. low (<360 fpm): 326 +/- 26 vs. 338 +/- 29 fpm, P = 0.179]. Cardioversion success was 100% in patients with an on-treatment rate <360 fpm vs. 83% in patients with higher rates (P = 0.02). Risk for AF recurrence was similar in patients with low (64%), intermediate (75%), or high on-treatment rates (63%, P = 0.446) and was also independent of candesartan effects on the fibrillatory rate. Conclusion In patients with persistent AF, candesartan decreases the fibrillatory rate, but this effect is restricted to patients with high baseline fibrillatory rates and is not associated with improved cardioversion outcome. Fibrillatory rates <360 fpm are associated with successful cardioversion, but not with AF recurrence.
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| 8. |
- Holmqvist, Fredrik, et al.
(författare)
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Interatrial conduction can be accurately determined using standard 12-lead electrocardiography: validation of P-wave morphology using electroanatomic mapping in man.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Heart Rhythm. - : Elsevier BV. - 1547-5271. ; 5:3, s. 413-418
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Different P-wave morphologies during sinus rhythm as displayed on standard ECGs have been postulated to correspond to differences in interatrial conduction. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis by comparing P-wave morphologies using left atrial activation maps. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 49 +/- 9 years) admitted for ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were studied. Electroanatomic mapping of left atrial activation was performed at baseline during sinus rhythm with simultaneous recording of standard 12-lead ECG. Unfiltered signal-averaged P waves were analyzed to determine orthogonal P-wave morphology. The morphology was subsequently classified into one of three predefined types. All analyses were blinded. RESULTS: The primary left atrial breakthrough site was the fossa ovalis in 8 patients, Bachmann bundle in 18, and coronary sinus in 2. Type 1 P-wave morphology was observed in 9 patients, type 2 in 17, and type 3 in 2. Seven of eight patients with fossa ovalis breakthrough had type 1 P-wave morphology, 16 of 18 patients with Bachmann bundle breakthrough had type 2 morphology, and both patients with coronary sinus breakthrough had type 3 P-wave morphology. Overall, P-wave morphology criteria correctly identified the site of left atrial breakthrough in 25 (89%) of 28 patients. CONCLUSION: In the vast majority of patients, P-wave morphology derived from standard 12-lead ECG can be used to correctly identify the left atrial breakthrough site and the corresponding route of interatrial conduction.
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| 9. |
- Husser, Daniela, et al.
(författare)
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A Genotype-Dependent Intermediate ECG Phenotype in Patients With Persistent Lone Atrial Fibrillation Genotype ECG-Phenotype Correlation in Atrial Fibrillation
- 2009
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Ingår i: Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. - 1941-3149 .- 1941-3084. ; 2:1, s. 24-28
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background-Atrial fibrillation (AF) is heterogeneous at the clinical and molecular levels. Association studies have reported that common single-nucleotide polymorphisms in KCNE1 and SCN5A may predispose to AF In this study, we tested the hypothesis that specific AF-associated genotypes confer variation on the appearance of AF assessed by analysis of fibrillatory rate of the atria. Methods and Results-Twenty-six nonrelated patients (21 males, mean age 55 +/- 12 years) with persistent lone AF (median AF duration 5 weeks) not taking class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs were studied. Fibrillatory rate was obtained by spatiotemporal QRST cancellation and time-frequency analysis of the index surface ECG. Genotypes at the AF-associated loci in KCNE1 (S38G) and SCN5A (H558R) were determined by direct DNA sequencing. The atrial fibrillatory rate was 418 +/- 50 fibrillations per minute (range, 336 to 521) in the study cohort. Carriers of the 38 GG KCNE1 genotype (n=13) had significantly lower fibrillatory rates (392 +/- 36 versus 443 +/- 49 fibrillations per minute, P=0.006) compared to those with GS or SS genotype (n=13). Six patients (23%) with fibrillatory rates >450 fibrillations per minute, all had either the GS or SS genotype (chi(2) P=0.008). In contrast, both the heterozygeous and homozygeous SCN5A H558R polymorphism had no effect on fibrillatory rate. There were no significant associations between fibrillatory rate and clinical (age, gender, AF duration, drug treatment) or echocardiographic (left atrial diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction) variables. In multivariable regression analysis, the KCNE1 S38G genotype (SS/GS coded 0, GG coded 1) was the only independent predictor of fibrillatory rate (beta = -0.437, P=0.006) with a SE of the estimate of 44 fibrillations per minute. Conclusions-This study suggests that atrial fibrillatory rate obtained from the surface ECG is at least in part determined by KCNE1 (S38G) genotype, implying that this variant exerts functional effects on atrial electrophysiology. This intermediate ECG phenotype may be useful for elaborating genetic influences on AF mechanisms and identifying subsets of patients for variability in AF susceptibility or response to therapies. (Circ Arrhythmia Electrophysiol. 2009;2:24-28.)
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| 10. |
- Husser, Daniela, et al.
(författare)
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Electroatriography - Time-frequency analysis of atrial, fibrillation from modified 12-lead ECG configurations for improved diagnosis and therapy
- 2007
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Ingår i: Medical Hypotheses. - : Elsevier BV. - 1532-2777 .- 0306-9877. ; 68:3, s. 568-573
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Current atrial fibrillation (AF) management guidelines suggest that initially a decision must be made to apply either a rate control or rhythm control strategy in the individual patient. However, patients' selection remains substantially empirical and the strategy initially chosen often proves unsuccessful and alternative therapies must be adopted. Thus, it seems desirable to develop and apply tests that quantify AF disease state and guide AF management. The overall hypothesis of this paper is that time-frequency analysis of AF from modified 12-lead ECG configurations will improve AF management beyond current diagnostic and therapeutic standards. In particular, we present a novel concept in which 12-lead ECG configurations are modified for time-frequency analysis of AF (electroatriography). While five electrodes (VR, VL, VF, V1, V2) are placed in the conventional position, the other four electrodes (V3, V4, V5, V6) are empirically repositioned anterior or posterior over the atria. By applying spatiotemporal QRST cancellation and time-frequency analysis to these recordings in 19 patients with persistent AF, fibrillatory rate dispersion among individual anterior (25 14 fibrillations per minute, fpm) and posterior leads (16 +/- 11 fpm) as well as individual anterior/posterior rate gradients ranging between -24 and +116 fpm could be identified. Consequently, the portrayed techniques may form the conceptual basis for individualized noninvasive characterization of AF. Initiation of further studies using the described techniques in different AF subsets, for comparisons with intracardiac recordings and outcome of different therapies, e.g. cardioversion, antiarrhythmic drug and ablation therapy may be stimulated. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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