SummaryIt is unknown whether 12-lead ECG can predict new-onset AF. In the present study, we identified patients with new onset AF from our digitally stored ECG database, and the P wave morphologies were analyzed in their preceding sinus rhythm recordings as the precursor state for AF. The P wave was analyzed in the most recent ECG recording of sinus rhythm preceding new onset AF within 12 months. The duration and amplitude of P waves were analyzed in 12 leads and compared between the 2 groups with the other clinical parameters. The study population consisted of 68 patients with new-onset AF and 68 age and sex-matched controls. Multivariate analysis revealed that the P wave amplitude in leads II and V 1 (0.157 ± 0.056 versus 0.115 ± 0.057 mV, P = 0.032, and 0.146 ± 0.089 versus 0.095 ± 0.036 mV, P = 0.002) and P wave dispersion (56.9 ± 14.8 versus 33.5 ± 12.9 ms, P = 0.001) were significant independent factors for the prediction of new-onset AF. By using these factors, new-onset AF could be predicted with a sensitivity of 69.1% and specificity of 88.2%. P wave analysis is useful for predicting new onset AF. (Int Heart J 2014; 55: 422-427) Key words: P wave dispersion, P wave duration, Atrial remodeling A lthough several experimental studies predicted a preventive effect of upstream therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF) using angiotensin receptor blockades (ARBs), 1,2) recent clinical trials of such upstream therapies have failed to demonstrate their preventive effect in clinical cases. The reason for this discrepancy is unclear; however, it may be partly explained by the heterogeneity of the pathogenic conditions of AF in clinical cases.3,4) Because a meta-analysis of ARB studies 2) has suggested a possible effect of ARB in the prevention of new-onset AF in clinical cases, upstream therapy may possibly exhibit an effect if it could be performed in the precursor state of AF. Even when considering catheter ablation for AF, it is important to detect the early or precursor state of AF in clinical cases because the effect of catheter ablation is higher in patients with earlier-stage AF, even in those with simple circumference ablation of pulmonary veins.5-7) The arrhythmogenic substrate of AF is known to be constructed progressively under various pathological conditions, including AF itself; 7-11) therefore, it could be speculated that the electrophysiological properties of the atrium may be modified in its precursor state. Several studies have attempted to identify the changes in P waves during sinus rhythm in AF patients. 7,8,[12][13][14][15][16] In these reports, prolongation of the P wave duration or expansion of the dispersion of the P wave duration in the surface 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) have been focused on as indices for identification of AF patients. [10][11][12][13][14][15] In the present study, we retrospectively identified patients with new-onset AF in the digital ECG profiling system of our hospital, and P waves in the preceding sinus rhythm state were analyzed as the precursor state for new-on...

ST-T abnormalities were frequently seen in patients using AEDs. The presence of Brugada-type ST elevation was associated with polytherapy with sodium channel-blocking AEDs.

Background Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the possible pleiotropic effects of SGLT2 (sodium–glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors in clinical cardiovascular diseases. Atrial electrical and structural remodeling is important as an atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate. Methods and Results The present study assessed the effect of canagliflozin (CAN), an SGLT2 inhibitor, on atrial remodeling in a canine AF model. The study included 12 beagle dogs, with 10 receiving continuous rapid atrial pacing and 2 acting as the nonpacing group. The 10 dogs that received continuous rapid atrial pacing for 3 weeks were subdivided as follows: pacing control group (n=5) and pacing+CAN (3 mg/kg per day) group (n=5). The atrial effective refractory period, conduction velocity, and AF inducibility were evaluated weekly through atrial epicardial wires. After the protocol, atrial tissues were sampled for histological examination. The degree of reactive oxygen species expression was evaluated by dihydroethidium staining. The atrial effective refractory period reduction was smaller ( P =0.06) and the degree of conduction velocity decrease was smaller in the pacing+CAN group compared with the pacing control group ( P =0.009). The AF inducibility gradually increased in the pacing control group, but such an increase was suppressed in the pacing+CAN group ( P =0.011). The pacing control group exhibited interstitial fibrosis and enhanced oxidative stress, which were suppressed in the pacing+CAN group. Conclusions CAN and possibly other SGLT2 inhibitors might be useful for preventing AF and suppressing the promotion of atrial remodeling as an AF substrate.

No abstract

for the diagnosis of brief episodes of arrhythmia, including paroxysmal AF, which are recorded as atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs), particularly in patients without ECGdocumented AF. 6 Using this technique, new-onset atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT)/AF can be diagnosed earlier in patients with CIEDs than in patients without CIEDs. AHREs detected using CIEDs are reportedly associated with an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism, even in patients without any evidence of AF. 7 Furthermore, AHREs lasting longer (>5.5 h during a 30-day period) are associated with a double risk of embolic events. 8,9 Although Healey et al reported no association between subclinical AF and hospitalization for HF, 9 more recent studies have indicated that AHREs detected using CIEDs are associated with an increased risk of worsening HF. 10,11 Therefore, the correlation between AHREs detected using CIEDs and A trial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac tachyarrhythmia that is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure (HF), and death. The presence of AF is reportedly associated with an increased risk of HF, regardless of its clinical pattern. 1,2 Changes in clinical AF (i.e., progression to permanent/persistent AF from paroxysmal AF, prolongation of AF duration, and/or increase in the left atrial size, etc.) are clinical predictors of HF. 1-5 However, clinically detecting AF in the early phase is not always easy, particularly in cases of asymptomatic AF. Although repeat ECG recording or 24-h ambulatory ECG monitoring are considered useful in detecting AF in the early phase, their sensitivities as detection tools are totally limited. 4 Continuous rhythm monitoring using cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has recently been attempted