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- Björkenheim, Anna, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Catheter ablation of symptomatic atrial fibrillation : Sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic disparities
- 2022
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In: Heart rhythm O2. - : Elsevier. - 2666-5018. ; 3:6 Part B, s. 766-770
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Catheter ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), AF ablation, is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs in reducing AF burden, reducing symptoms and increasing health-related quality of life. Although females more often experience AF-related symptoms, and have more severe symptoms, have lower quality of life, and experience more serious adverse effects of antiarrhythmic drugs than males, they are less likely to undergo AF ablation. Potential explanations for the disparity include older age at diagnosis, longer AF duration, a greater number of comorbidities, more extensive atrial fibrosis, and presumed lower success rate and more complications after AF ablation in women. Studies have failed to show sex-related differences in AF recurrence or serious complications following AF ablation but show more nuisance bleeds in women. Ethnic minorities, such as African Americans and Latin Americans, and individuals of low socioeconomic status are also less likely to undergo AF ablation, possibly associated with greater numbers of comorbidities, lack of patient advocacy, healthcare costs, and inadequate insurance coverage. Inclusion of marginalized patient groups in clinical trials of AF treatment and a personalized, patient-centered approach may expand equality in utilization of AF ablation.
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| 2. |
- Borgquist, Rasmus, et al.
(author)
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Repositioning and optimization of left ventricular lead position in non-responders to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy is associated with improved ejection fraction, lower NT-ProBNP values and less heart failure symptoms
- 2022
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In: Heart Rhythm O2. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-5018. ; 3:5, s. 457-463
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundObservational data suggests that an anterior or apical left ventricular (LV) position in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is associated with worse outcome and higher likelihood of “non-response”. It is not known whether the benefits of optimizing LV lead position in a second procedure outweighs the procedural risks.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effects of LV lead repositioning.MethodsDuring the period 2015-2020, we identified all patients where the indication for the procedure was LV lead repositioning due to “non-response” in combination with suboptimal LV lead position. All patients were followed with a structured visit 6-months post LV lead revision. Heart failure hospitalization and mortality data was gathered from the medical records and cross-checked with the population registry.ResultsA total of 25 patients were identified who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All procedures were successful in establishing LV lead pacing in a lateral mid- or basal location. Median follow-up was 2.5 years [1.1-3.7]. There were improvements in NYHA class (mean -0.5±0.5 class, p<0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (+5 [IQR 2-11] absolute %, p=0.01), QRS duration (-36 [-44 to -8], p<0.001) and NT-ProBNP (-615 [-2837 to +121] ng/L, p=0.03). Clinical outcome was similar to a reference population with CRT (p=ns).ConclusionIn non-responders to CRT with either an anterior or inferior LV lead position, it was feasible to perform LV lead repositioning in all cases, with a low complication rate. Changing the LV lead position was associated with improved LV ejection fraction, larger QRS-reduction and larger NT-ProBNP reduction.
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| 3. |
- Borgquist, Rasmus, et al.
(author)
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Targeting the latest site of left ventricular mechanical activation is associated with improved long-term outcomes for recipients of cardiac resynchronization therapy
- 2022
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In: Heart Rhythm O2. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-5018. ; 3:4, s. 377-384
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Previous studies have suggested that targeting the site of latest mechanical activation of the left ventricle (LV) results in improved cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) outcomes. It is not known whether these benefits are sustained over medium-term follow-up. Objective: To assess the clinical outcome of imaging-guided LV lead position. Methods: We sought to assess the medium-term clinical outcome by performing a patient-level meta-analysis of 2 previously published randomized controlled trials (the “STARTER” trial and the “CRT Clinic” trial). These 2 trials compared imaging-guided LV lead placement in the latest activated scar-free segment (intervention group) to standard of care (control). Mortality and heart failure hospitalization outcomes over extended follow-up were gathered from the medical records and merged. Results were stratified for native electrocardiogram (ECG) morphology. Results: A total of 289 patients were followed for a median of 6.3 years. Seven years post implant, 47 (28%) in the intervention group had died, vs 47 (38%) in the control group (P = .13); 49 (30%) vs 53 (42%) had been hospitalized for heart failure (P = .035); and 47% vs 59% (P = .057) had reached the combined endpoint. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients in the intervention group had better survival free of heart failure hospitalization (P = .045) and lower risk of heart failure hospitalization (P = .019). Conclusion: Targeting the latest mechanically activated segment in CRT results in better medium-term clinical outcome, mainly driven by a reduced risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The effect was seen regardless of native ECG morphology.
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| 4. |
- Måneheim, Alexandra, et al.
(author)
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Elevated premature ventricular complex counts on 24-hour electrocardiogram predict incident atrial fibrillation and heart failure—A prospective population-based cohort study
- 2022
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In: Heart Rhythm O2. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-5018. ; 3:4, s. 344-350
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundPremature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are known to predict heart failure (HF) and premature atrial contractions (PACs) are known to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. PVCs and PACs share pathophysiological mechanisms; however, the combined effects of PVCs and PACs on HF, AF, and stroke risk have not been studied.ObjectivesTo study elevated PVC counts on 24-hour electrocardiogram monitoring (24hECG) in relation to incidence of AF, HF, and stroke, and whether this effect is altered by PAC frequency.MethodsThe prospective population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer study includes 24hECG registrations in 375 AF- and HF-free subjects (mean age 65 years, 55% women). During 17 years of follow-up there were 28 HF, 89 AF, and 28 stroke events. The hazard ratios (HR) of elevated PVC counts (defined as the top quartile, ≥77/24 hours) vs lower quartiles were assessed using multivariable adjusted Cox regression models.ResultsElevated PVC counts predicted incident AF (HR 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.0) and HF (HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.4–7.0). Results were similar after adjustment for NT-proBNP and PACs. Multiform PVCs were associated with even higher risks (HR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.6 for AF; HR 5.0, 95% CI 2.2–11.7 for HF), as was the presence of both elevated PACs and PVCs (9% of the population, HR 4.1, 95% CI 2.4–6.8 for AF and HR 4.3, 95% CI 1.7–11.4 for HF). No significant association was found between elevated PVC counts and incident stroke.ConclusionElevated PVC counts predict incident AF and HF, particularly if PVCs are multiform or occur in combination with elevated PAC counts.
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