Massive hiatus hernia mimicking a left atrial mass.

Echocardiography is the investigational tool of choice for identifying cardiac masses. However, extracardiac masses may lead to a misdiagnosis. We present a unique case of a massive hiatus hernia in a 93 year-old woman, compressing on the left atrium, mimicking a left atrial mass. Echocardiographic features suggestive of a hiatus hernia are discussed.

Approach to the difficult transseptal: diathermy facilitated left atrial access.

Percutaneous transseptal left atrial (LA) access is increasingly becoming a routine procedure in the electrophysiology and cardiac catheterisation laboratories. Our aim was to review an unselected large series of this procedure performed over a period of five years. We clinically characterised difficult cases and presented a method of safe and expeditious LA access. Overall, 543 transseptal punctures were performed. Of those, 10 were classified as difficult, with failure to access the LA in three or more attempts. In all 10 cases, surgical electrocautery was successfully used to facilitate needle puncture of the septum. All patients subsequently underwent an uncomplicated procedure. In conclusion, we describe a method to trouble-shoot the difficult transseptal access procedure, outlining the clinical characteristics, echocardiographic features and special precautions that need to be considered when utilising this method.

Atrial Fibrillation and Obesity: Reverse Remodeling of Atrial Substrate With Weight Reduction.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the effect of weight loss on the atrial substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND: Whether weight loss can reverse the atrial substrate of obesity is not known. METHODS: Thirty sheep had sustained obesity induced by ad libitum calorie-dense diet over 72 weeks. Animals were randomized to 3 groups: sustained obesity and 15% and 30% weight loss. The animals randomized to weight loss underwent weight reduction by reducing the quantity of hay over 32 weeks. Eight lean animals served as controls. All were subjected to the following: dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance, electrophysiological study, and histological and molecular analyses (fatty infiltration, fibrosis, transforming growth factor ß1, and connexin 43). RESULTS: Sustained obesity was associated with increased left atrium (LA) pressure (p < 0.001), inflammation (p < 0.001), atrial transforming growth factor ß1 protein (p < 0.001), endothelin-B receptor expression (p = 0.04), atrial fibrosis (p = 0.01), epicardial fat infiltration (p < 0.001), electrophysiological abnormalities, and AF burden (p = 0.04). Connexin 43 expression was decreased in the obese group (p = 0.03). In this obese ovine model, 30% weight reduction was associated with reduction in total body fat (p < 0.001), LA pressure (p = 0.007), inflammation (p < 0.001), endothelin-B receptor expression (p = 0.01), atrial fibrosis (p = 0.01), increase in atrial effective refractory period (cycle length: 400 and 300 ms; p < 0.001), improved conduction velocity (cycle length: 400 and 300 ms; p = 0.01), decreased conduction heterogeneity (p < 0.001), and decreased AF inducibility (p = 0.03). Weight loss was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in epicardial fat infiltration in posterior LA (p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss in an obese ovine model is associated with structural and electrophysiological reverse remodeling and a reduced propensity for AF. This provides evidence for the direct role of obesity in AF substrate and the role of weight reduction in patients with AF.

Long-term mechanical consequences of permanent right ventricular pacing: effect of pacing site.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing has been associated with adverse effects on left ventricular systolic function; however, the comparative effects of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) pacing are unknown. Our aim was therefore to examine the long-term effects of septal RVOT versus RVA pacing on left ventricular and atrial structure and function. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients who were prospectively randomized to long-term pacing either from the right ventricular apex or RVOT septum were studied echocardiographically. Left ventricular (LV) and atrial (LA) volumes were measured. LV 2D strain and tissue velocity images were analyzed to measure 18-segment time-to-peak longitudinal systolic strain and 12-segment time-to-peak systolic tissue velocity. Intra-LV synchrony was assessed by their respective standard deviations. Interventricular mechanical delay was measured as the difference in time-to-onset of systolic flow in the RVOT and LV outflow tract. Septal A' was measured using tissue velocity images. RESULTS: Following 29 ± 10 months pacing, there was a significant difference in LV ejection fraction (P < 0.001), LV end-systolic volume (P = 0.007), and LA volume (P = 0.02) favoring the RVOT-paced group over the RVA-paced patients. RVA-pacing was associated with greater interventricular mechanical dyssynchrony and intra-LV dyssynchrony than RVOT-pacing. Septal A' was adversely affected by intra-LV dyssynchrony (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term RVOT-pacing was associated with superior indices of LV structure and function compared with RVA-pacing, and was associated with less adverse LA remodeling. If pacing cannot be avoided, the RVOT septum may be the preferred site for right ventricular pacing.

Feasibility of high-density electrophysiological study using multiple-electrode array in isolated small animal atria.

1. High-density cardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) of small animal atria has been limited to optical mapping techniques, which require complex and expensive equipment setup. We aim to evaluate the feasibility of carrying out EPS in isolated atrial tissues using a custom made high-density multiple-electrode array (MEA). 2. Isolated rat atrial preparations were studied. The MEA (4 × 5 mm) consisted of 90 silver chloride coated electrodes (0.1 mm diameter, 0.5 mm pitch) and was connected to a conventional EP system yielding 80 bipolar signals. Atrial tissues were placed over the MEA in a dish bubbled with 100% oxygen and superfused with modified HEPES solution at pH 7.35 and 37°C. Then, 1 mmol of 2,3-butanedione monoxime was added to suppress motion artifacts from muscle contractions. Custom plaque analysis software was used for offline conduction analysis. 3. Isolated atrial tissues showed good viability of > 30 min, allowing ample time for complete EPS. High quality electrograms with excellent signal to noise ratio were obtained. All electrophysiological parameters showed good reproducibility: effective refractory period, conduction velocity and heterogeneity index. Tachycardia was also inducible in these normal atria. 4. The present study shows the feasibility of performing high-density EPS of small isolated atrial tissues with a conventional electrode-based technique. The MEA system is compatible with standard electrophysiology recording systems and provides a novel, inexpensive option for detailed EPS in small animal models. In particular, it presents new research avenues to further explore the mechanisms of atrial arrhythmias in various transgenic and knockout rodent models.

Left ventricular outflow tract ventricular tachycardia originating from the noncoronary cusp: electrocardiographic and electrophysiological characterization and radiofrequency ablation.

Noncoronary cusp (NCC) ventricular tachycardia is a rare form of monomorphic outflow tract tachycardia, and its electrocardiographic and electrophysiological characteristics have not been well described previously. The NCC should be considered for catheter ablation if attempts to eliminate ventricular tachyarrhythmia were unsuccessful in the other common anatomical sites of the left ventricular outflow tract.

Thrombogenic Risk in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Importance of Comorbid Conditions and Intracardiac Changes.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the differences between the prothrombotic properties and chamber characteristics in patients with lone atrial fibrillation (AF) and those with AF and comorbidities. BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic risk is increased in patients with AF; however, whether this is due to AF per se or its comorbidities remains unclear. METHODS: A total of 87 patients undergoing ablation were prospectively recruited for the study, including 30 patients with lone AF, 30 patients with AF and comorbidities in sinus rhythm, and 27 patients with left-sided accessory pathways as controls. Blood samples were obtained from the left atrium (LA), right atrium (RA), and femoral vein (FV) after transseptal puncture. Platelet activation (P-selectin) was measured by flow cytometry. Thrombin generation (thrombin-antithrombin [TAT] complex), endothelial dysfunction (asymmetric-dimethylarginine [ADMA]), and platelet-derived inflammation (soluble CD40 ligand [sCD40L]) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Platelet activation in the LA was significantly elevated compared to that in the FV in patients with lone AF and those with AF and comorbidities compared with that in the FV (p < 0.05 respectively). Thrombin generation was significantly elevated in the LA compared with RA in AF patients (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in P-selectin, TAT, and sCD40L among the 3 groups. However, there was a significant stepwise increase in endothelial dysfunction measured by ADMA from controls to lone AF and then to patients with AF and comorbidities (p < 0.001 between the 2 groups). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lone AF and those with AF and comorbidities had a greater propensity for atrial thrombogenesis than controls. Prothrombotic risk is greatest in those with comorbid conditions, in whom enhanced thrombogenesis occurs predominantly through increase in endothelial dysfunction.

Successful catheter ablation decreases platelet activation and improves endothelial function in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) confers a five-fold increased risk of stroke. Whether catheter ablation (CA) subsequently decreases prothrombotic risk is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term effects of CA for AF on prothrombotic risk. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients undergoing CA for AF were prospectively studied. Platelet activation (CD62P [platelet P-selectin] and PAC-1 [glycoprotein IIb/IIIa] expression) and endothelial function (asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA] levels) were measured at baseline and 6-months postablation. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (65%) patients remained in sinus rhythm (SR group) and 20 (35%) sustained AF recurrence (AF recurrence group) at 6-months. Patients with AF-recurrence were older, had a higher proportion of hypertension and long-standing persistent AF. There were no significant differences in CD62P (P = .3), PAC-1 (P = .1) and ADMA (P = .7) levels at baseline between the two groups. In the SR group, markers of platelet activation decreased significantly at 6-month follow-up compared to baseline; log CD62P % 0.79 ± 0.28 vs 1.03 ± 0.27 (P <.05) and log PAC-1 % 0.22 ± 0.58 vs 0.89 ± 0.31 (P <.01). This was not significant in the AF-recurrence group (P = .8, log CD62P; P = .1, log PAC-1). For endothelial function, ADMA levels decreased significantly at 6-months compared to baseline in the SR group (log ADMA µM/L 0.15 ± 0.02 vs 0.17 ± 0.04; P <.05), but did not alter significantly in the AF-recurrence group (P = .4, log ADMA). CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation and successful maintenance of SR leads to a decrease in platelet activation and improvement in endothelial function in patients with AF. These findings suggest that AF is an important determinant of the prothrombotic state and that this may be reduced by successful catheter ablation.

Time course of inflammation, myocardial injury, and prothrombotic response after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation has been linked to the genesis of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) and is implicated in early recurrent arrhythmia after AF ablation. We aimed to define the time course of inflammation, myocardial injury, and prothrombotic markers after radiofrequency ablation for AF and its relation to AF recurrence. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety consecutive AF patients (53% paroxysmal) undergoing radiofrequency ablation were recruited. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Troponin-T, creatine kinase-MB, fibrinogen, and D-Dimer concentrations were measured at baseline, at 1, 2, 3, 7 days, and at 1 month after ablation. AF recurrence was documented at 3 days and at 1, 3, and 6 months follow-up. Troponin-T and creatine kinase-MB peaked at day 1 after procedure (both P<0.05). Hs-CRP peaked at day 3 after procedure (P<0.05). Fibrinogen (P<0.05) and D-Dimer (P<0.05) concentrations were significantly elevated at 1 week after procedure. Ln hs-CRP elevation correlated with Ln Troponin-T and fibrinogen elevation. The extent of Ln hs-CRP, Ln Troponin-T, and fibrinogen elevation predicted early AF recurrence within 3 days after procedure (P<0.05, respectively), but not at 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for AF exhibit an inflammatory response within 3 days. The extent of inflammatory response predicts early AF recurrence but not late recurrence. Prothrombotic markers are elevated at 1 week after ablation and may contribute to increased risk of early thrombotic events after AF ablation.

Aggressive risk factor reduction study for atrial fibrillation and implications for the outcome of ablation: the ARREST-AF cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The long-term outcome of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation demonstrates attrition. This outcome may be due to failure to attenuate the progressive substrate promoted by cardiovascular risk factors. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of risk factor and weight management on AF ablation outcomes. METHODS: Of 281 consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation, 149 with a body mass index ≥27 kg/m(2) and ≥1 cardiac risk factor were offered risk factor management (RFM) according to American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. After AF ablation, all 61 patients who opted for RFM and 88 control subjects were assessed every 3 to 6 months by clinic review and 7-day Holter monitoring. Changes in the Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale scores were determined. RESULTS: There were no differences in baseline characteristics, number of procedures, or follow-up duration between the groups (p = NS). RFM resulted in greater reductions in weight (p = 0.002) and blood pressure (p = 0.006), and better glycemic control (p = 0.001) and lipid profiles (p = 0.01). At follow-up, AF frequency, duration, symptoms, and symptom severity decreased more in the RFM group compared with the control group (all p < 0.001). Single-procedure drug-unassisted arrhythmia-free survival was greater in RFM patients compared with control subjects (p < 0.001). Multiple-procedure arrhythmia-free survival was markedly better in RFM patients compared with control subjects (p < 0.001), with 16% and 42.4%, respectively, using antiarrhythmic drugs (p = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, type of AF (p < 0.001) and RFM (hazard ratio 4.8 [95% confidence interval: 2.04 to 11.4]; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of arrhythmia-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive RFM improved the long-term success of AF ablation. This study underscores the importance of therapy directed at the primary promoters of the AF substrate to facilitate rhythm control strategies.

Accuracy and clinical outcomes of CT image integration with Carto-Sound compared to electro-anatomical mapping for atrial fibrillation ablation: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Carto-Sound integrates 2D intra-cardiac ultrasound imaging into a 3D environment to allow left atrial mapping from the right atrium without fluoroscopic assistance. We conducted an open randomized controlled study to compare procedural, clinical and accuracy parameters between CT integrated Carto-Sound and electro-anatomic mapping (EAM) for AF ablation. METHODS: Sixty index AF ablation patients were randomized equally to either the Carto-Sound or EAM mapping/navigation for their procedure performed at a single institution. Procedure and X-ray times, X-ray dose, navigational accuracy and clinical success were assessed. The study was powered to the primary outcome of fluoroscopy time. RESULTS: Total procedure (232 ± 60 vs 223 ± 48 min; p = 0.51), ablation (p = 0.84) and mapping times (p = 0.11) were similar in each group. In contrast, Carto-Sound reduced total X-ray time (65 ± 18 vs 51 ± 12 min; p = 0.001), via a reduction in both mapping (p<0.001) and remaining procedure X-ray time (p = 0.03). Left atrial access time (p = 0.03) was also reduced using Ultra-sound assisted 3D mapping compared to the EAM group. Carto-Sound maps demonstrated equivalent mean navigational accuracy (p>0.17) compared to EAM. Ultra-sound assisted 3D mapping did not improve single procedure drug free clinical success (EAM: 13/30 [43%] vs Carto-Sound: 15/30 [50%]) at a mean of 13 ± 5 months (p = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: In the context of long left atrial procedures with high radiation doses, reduced X-ray and left atrial access times using CT integrated Carto-Sound mapping/navigation may have implications for patients and laboratory staff, albeit at an extra financial cost and the requirement of an additional access site for a right sided catheter. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12612000089831.

Effect of atrial fibrillation on atrial thrombogenesis in humans: impact of rate and rhythm.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on atrial thrombogenesis in humans by determining the impact of rate and rhythm. BACKGROUND: Although AF is known to increase the risk of thromboembolic stroke from the left atrium (LA), the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHODS: We studied 55 patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation while in sinus rhythm; 20 patients were induced into AF, 20 patients were atrial paced at 150 beats/min, and 15 were control patients. Blood samples were taken from the LA, right atrium, and femoral vein at baseline and at 15 min in all 3 groups. Platelet activation (P-selectin) was measured by flow cytometry. Thrombin generation (thrombin-antithrombin [TAT] complex), endothelial dysfunction (asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA]), and platelet-derived inflammation (soluble CD40 ligand [sCD40L]) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Platelet activation increased significantly in both the AF (p < 0.001) and pacing (p < 0.05) groups, but decreased in control patients (p < 0.001). Thrombin generation increased specifically in the LA compared with the periphery in both the AF (p < 0.01) and pacing (p < 0.01) groups, but decreased in control patients (p < 0.001). With AF, ADMA (p < 0.01) and sCD40L (p < 0.001) levels increased significantly at all sites, but were unchanged with pacing (ADMA, p = 0.5; sCD40L, p = 0.8) or in control patients (ADMA, p = 0.6; sCD40L, p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid atrial rates and AF in humans both result in increased platelet activation and thrombin generation. Prothrombotic activation occurs to a greater extent in the human LA compared with systemic circulation. AF additionally induces endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. These findings suggest that although rapid atrial rates increase the thrombogenic risk, AF may further potentiate this risk.

Myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation: importance of atrial ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to characterize the atrial abnormalities because of MI and determine the role of ischemia to the AF substrate. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-four sheep were studied. MI was induced by occlusion of the left circumflex artery (LCX) or left anterior descending artery (LAD). Excluding 11 with fatal arrhythmias, equal groups of animals (LCX; LAD; and sham-operated) underwent sequential electrophysiology study for 45 minutes to determine atrial effective refractory periods, conduction velocity, conduction heterogeneity index, and AF inducibility. Postmortem evaluation was performed with 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. MI resulted in greater left ventricular dysfunction (P<0.05), LA pressure (P<0.0003), and reduction in atrial effective refractory periods (P<0.0001) compared with control. 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining demonstrated that the left circumflex artery, and not the LAD, group had atrial infarction. The left circumflex artery group demonstrated the following compared with the LAD or control groups: greater slowing in atrial conduction velocity (P<0.0001 and P<0.001); increased absolute range of conduction phase delay (P<0.001 and P<0.001); increased conduction heterogeneity index (P<0.0001 and P<0.001); greater AF vulnerability (P<0.05 for both); and longer AF duration (P<0.05 for both). LAD group had modest but significant slowing in conduction velocity (P<0.01) but no change in conduction heterogeneity index or AF duration compared with control. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular infarction, which is known to result in atrial stretch, hemodynamic change, and neurohumoral activation, contributes partially to the atrial abnormalities in MI. Atrial ischemia/infarction results in greater atrial electrophysiological changes and propensity for AF forming the dominant substrate for AF in MI.

Obesity results in progressive atrial structural and electrical remodeling: implications for atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the mechanisms by which it induces AF are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of progressive weight gain on the substrate for AF. METHODS: Thirty sheep were studied at baseline, 4 months, and 8 months, following a high-calorie diet. Ten sheep were sampled at each time point for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and hemodynamic studies. High-density multisite biatrial epicardial mapping was used to quantify effective refractory period, conduction velocity, and conduction heterogeneity index at 4 pacing cycle lengths and AF inducibility. Histology was performed for atrial fibrosis, inflammation, and intramyocardial lipidosis, and molecular analysis was performed for endothelin-A and -B receptors, endothelin-1 peptide, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor ß1, and connective tissue growth factor. RESULTS: Increasing weight was associated with increasing left atrial volume (P = .01), fibrosis (P = .02), inflammatory infiltrates (P = .01), and lipidosis (P = .02). While there was no change in the effective refractory period (P = .2), there was a decrease in conduction velocity (P<.001), increase in conduction heterogeneity index (P<.001), and increase in inducible (P = .001) and spontaneous (P = .001) AF. There was an increase in atrial cardiomyocyte endothelin-A and -B receptors (P = .001) and endothelin-1 (P = .03) with an increase in adiposity. In association, there was a significant increase in atrial interstitial and cytoplasmic transforming growth factor ß1 (P = .02) and platelet-derived growth factor (P = .02) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is associated with atrial electrostructural remodeling. With progressive obesity, there were changes in atrial size, conduction, histology, and expression of profibrotic mediators. These changes were associated with spontaneous and more persistent AF.

Importance of the underlying substrate in determining thrombus location in atrial fibrillation: implications for left atrial appendage closure.

CONTEXT: The left atrial appendage (LAA) has been suggested to be the dominant location of thrombus in atrial fibrillation (AF) and has led to the development of LAA occlusion as a therapeutic modality to reduce stroke risk. However, the patient populations that would benefit most from this therapy are not well defined. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review was performed to better define subgroups amenable to appendage closure. DATA SOURCES: The English scientific literature was searched using Pubmed through to March 1, 2011. Reference lists of relevant and review articles were screened to retrieve additional articles. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were only included if they described the location of thrombus in left atrium. Case reports and case series describing less than 10 thrombi were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality of each study. RESULTS: A total of 34 studies reporting on the location of atrial thrombus in patients with AF were included: 17 in valvular AF, 10 non-valvular AF and 8 in mixed valvular and non-valvular AF. Atrial thrombi were located outside the LAA in 56% (95% CI 53, 60) of valvular AF, 22% (95% CI 19, 25) in mixed cohorts and 11% (95% CI 6, 15) non-valvular AF. In non valvular AF, the studies with higher proportion of thrombi in the left atrial cavity had non-anticoagulated patients and a greater proportion of ventricular dysfunction and history of stroke. CONCLUSION: The location of atrial thrombus in patients with AF is dependent on the underlying substrate. In valvular AF, more than half the thrombi are located in the left atrial cavity. In the non-valvular AF group, a smaller proportion of thrombi were located outside the appendage. However, in certain subgroups (ie. non anti-coagulated, left ventricular dysfunction or prior stroke) the chances of left atrial cavity thrombus are higher.

Coronary artery disease affecting the atrial branches is an independent determinant of atrial fibrillation after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: During acute myocardial infarction (MI), the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is 6% to 22%, and its occurrence in this setting is associated with increased short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case control study was evaluate the characteristics associated with the development of new-onset AF. METHODS: Of 2,460 consecutive patients with acute MI, 149 (6%) were identified as having AF within 7 days of MI. After excluding patients with prior AF, previously documented heart failure, reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, valvular heart disease, LV hypertrophy, AF after coronary artery bypass grafting, or pericarditis; we identified 42 AF patients in whom coronary anatomy was assessed by invasive angiography and cardiac structure and function was evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography. Another 42 patients from the same cohort with MI but no AF matched for age, gender, and LV ejection fraction were studied as controls. RESULTS: AF patients were more likely to present with an inferior MI (P = .002) but less likely to present with ST-segment elevation MI (P = .02). Univariate associations with AF included indexed left atrial volume (P <.001), LV filling pressure (E/e'; P = .001), right atrial branch disease (P <.001), left atrial branch disease (P = .009), sinoatrial branch disease (P <.001), left main stem disease (P = .02), and time from onset of symptoms to coronary intervention (P = .002). In multivariable analysis, right and left coronary artery atrial branch disease (P = .02) were predictors of AF post-MI. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery disease affecting the atrial branches is an independent predictor for the development of AF after MI.

New-onset atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome.

Despite advances in the diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a commonly encountered complication leading to adverse short- and long-term outcomes across the whole spectrum of ACS. At present, the underlying mechanisms of AF in myocardial ischemia remain incompletely understood. This article evaluates the incidence and trends of new-onset AF in ACS, its impact on ACS management and the associated prognostic significance in patients with acute ischemic heart disease. The safety and use of oral anticoagulation treatment in ACS patients on multiple antiplatelet agents are also explored. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to improve current understanding and management of new-onset AF in ACS patients.