Distribution of atrial cardiomyopathy markers and association with atrial fibrillation detected after ischaemic stroke in the SAFAS study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial cardiomyopathy (AC) is an emerging concept explaining the pathophysiology of cardioembolic strokes in absence of atrial fibrillation (AF). A definition based on the presence of electrical abnormality (P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) >5000 µV×ms), N-Terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro BNP) >250 pg/mL and/or indexed left atrial diameter (LADI) >3 cm/m² is currently tested in the ARCADIA (AtRial Cardiopathy and Antithrombotic Drugs In prevention After cryptogenic stroke) trial. We set out to estimate the prevalence of AC as defined in the ARCADIA trial, its determinants and its association with AF detected after stroke (AFDAS). METHODS: Stepwise screening for silent Atrial Fibrillation After Stroke (SAFAS) study prospectively included 240 ischaemic stroke patients. AC markers were complete for 192 of them and 9 were not included in this analysis because AF had been diagnosed on admission. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients were analysed, of whom 57% (104 patients) met the AC criteria (79 NT-proBNP, 47 PTFV1, 4 LADI). In the multivariate logistic regression, C reactive protein >3 mg/L (OR (95% CI) 2.60 (1.30 to 5.21), p=0.007) and age (OR (95% CI) 1.07 (1.04 to 1.10), p<0.001) were found to be independently associated with AC. After 6 months of follow-up, AFDAS was detected in 33% of AC patients and in 14% of the remaining ones (p=0.003). However, AC was not independently associated with AFDAS, contrary to left atrial volume index (>34 mL/m2, OR 2.35 (CI 1.09 to 5.06) p=0029). CONCLUSION: AC as defined in ARCADIA is mostly based on NT pro BNP elevation (76% of patients) and is associated with age and inflammation. Moreover, AC was not independently associated with AFDAS at follow-up. The ARCADIA trial, which compares aspirin to apixaban in patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source with AC markers and must, therefore be analysed in the light of these limitations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03570060.

Incidence and predictors of pacemaker implantation at follow-up after reversible high-degree sinus node dysfunction or atrioventricular block.

BACKGROUND: A pacemaker implantation is not indicated in cases of reversible high-degree symptomatic sinus node dysfunction (SND) and atrioventricular block (AVB). However, it remains uncertain whether these reversible automaticity/conduction disorders may recur in some patients at follow-up, in the absence of reversible cause. This retrospective study aimed to determine the incidence and predictive factors of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation at follow-up and after reversible high-degree SND/AVB. METHODS: Based on medical electronic files codes, we identified patients who were hospitalized in our cardiac intensive care unit between January 2003 and December 2020 due to reversible high-degree SND/AVB and who were discharged from the hospital alive and without PPM implantation. Acute myocardial infarction and post-cardiac surgery patients were excluded. We categorized the patients according to the need for PPM at follow-up due to non-reversible high-degree SND/AVB. RESULTS: Of the 93 patients included, 26 patients (28%) were readmitted for PPM implantation at follow-up after hospital discharge. Among baseline characteristics, compared with patients who did not have high-degree SND/AVB recurrence, those who had subsequent PPM implantation had less frequent previous hypertension (70% vs. 46%, p = .031). Regarding the initial causes of reversible SND/AVB, isolated hyperkalemia was found more often in the patients readmitted for PPM (19% vs. 3% vs. p = .017). Moreover, recurrence of high-degree SND/AVB was significantly associated with the presence of intraventricular conduction disorders (either bundle branch block or left bundle branch hemiblock) on ECG at discharge (36% in patients without PPM vs. 68% in PPM patients, p = .012). CONCLUSION: Almost one third of the patients discharged alive from the hospital after a reversible high-degree SND/AVB needed a pacemaker implantation at follow-up. Complete bundle branch block or left bundle branch hemiblock on discharge ECG after recovery of atrioventricular conduction and/or sinus automaticity was associated with a greater risk of recurrence leading to pacemaker implantation.

Heart transplantation as a rescue strategy for patients with refractory electrical storm.

AIMS: Heart transplantation (HT) can be proposed as a therapeutic strategy for patients with severe refractory electrical storm (ES). Data in the literature are scarce and based on case reports. We aimed at determining the characteristics and survival of patients transplanted for refractory ES. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients registered on HT waiting list during the following days after ES and eventually transplanted, from 2010 to 2021, were retrospectively included in 11 French centres. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Forty-five patients were included [82% men; 55.0 (47.8-59.3) years old; 42.2% and 26.7% non-ischaemic dilated or ischaemic cardiomyopathies, respectively]. Among them, 42 (93.3%) received amiodarone, 29 received (64.4%) beta blockers, 19 (42.2%) required deep sedation, 22 had (48.9%) mechanical circulatory support, and 9 (20.0%) had radiofrequency catheter ablation. Twenty-two patients (62%) were in cardiogenic shock. Inscription on wait list and transplantation occurred 3.0 (1.0-5.0) days and 9.0 (4.0-14.0) days after ES onset, respectively. After transplantation, 20 patients (44.4%) needed immediate haemodynamic support by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In-hospital mortality rate was 28.9%. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were serum creatinine/urea levels, need for immediate post-operative ECMO support, post-operative complications, and surgical re-interventions. One-year survival was 68.9%. CONCLUSION: Electrical storm is a rare indication of HT but may be lifesaving in those patients presenting intractable arrhythmias despite usual care. Most patients can be safely discharged from hospital, although post-operative mortality remains substantial in this context of emergency transplantation. Larger studies are warranted to precisely determine those patients at higher risk of in-hospital mortality.

Recurrences of Atrial Fibrillation Despite Durable Pulmonary Vein Isolation: The PARTY-PVI Study.

BACKGROUND: Recurrences of atrial fibrillation (AF) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are mainly due to pulmonary vein reconnection. However, a growing number of patients have AF recurrences despite durable PVI. The optimal ablative strategy for these patients is unknown. We analyzed the impact of current ablation strategies in a large multicenter study. METHODS: Patients undergoing a redo ablation for AF and presenting durable PVI were included. The freedom from atrial arrhythmia after pulmonary vein-based, linear-based, electrogram-based, and trigger-based ablation strategies were compared. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2020, 367 patients (67% men, 63±10 years, 44% paroxysmal) underwent a redo ablation for AF recurrences despite durable PVI at 39 centers. After durable PVI was confirmed, linear-based ablation was performed in 219 (60%) patients, electrogram-based ablation in 168 (45%) patients, trigger-based ablation in 101 (27%) patients, and pulmonary vein-based ablation in 56 (15%) patients. Seven patients (2%) did not undergo any additional ablation during the redo procedure. After 22±19 months of follow-up, 122 (33%) and 159 (43%) patients had a recurrence of atrial arrhythmia at 12 and 24 months, respectively. No significant difference in arrhythmia-free survival was observed between the different ablation strategies. Left atrial dilatation was the only independent factor associated with arrhythmia-free survival (HR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.13-2.23]; P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with recurrent AF despite durable PVI, no ablation strategy used alone or in combination during the redo procedure appears to be superior in improving arrhythmia-free survival. Left atrial size is a significant predictor of ablation outcome in this population.

Machine learning-based scoring system to predict in-hospital outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The evolution of patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still hard to predict, even after several months of dealing with the pandemic. AIMS: To develop and validate a score to predict outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. METHODS: All consecutive adults hospitalized for COVID-19 from February to April 2020 were included in a nationwide observational study. Primary composite outcome was transfer to an intensive care unit from an emergency department or conventional ward, or in-hospital death. A score that estimates the risk of experiencing the primary outcome was constructed from a derivation cohort using stacked LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator), and was tested in a validation cohort. RESULTS: Among 2873 patients analysed (57.9% men; 66.6±17.0 years), the primary outcome occurred in 838 (29.2%) patients: 551 (19.2%) were transferred to an intensive care unit; and 287 (10.0%) died in-hospital without transfer to an intensive care unit. Using stacked LASSO, we identified 11 variables independently associated with the primary outcome in multivariable analysis in the derivation cohort (n=2313), including demographics (sex), triage vitals (body temperature, dyspnoea, respiratory rate, fraction of inspired oxygen, blood oxygen saturation) and biological variables (pH, platelets, C-reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, estimated glomerular filtration rate). The Critical COVID-19 France (CCF) risk score was then developed, and displayed accurate calibration and discrimination in the derivation cohort, with C-statistics of 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.75-0.80). The CCF risk score performed significantly better (i.e. higher C-statistics) than the usual critical care risk scores. CONCLUSIONS: The CCF risk score was built using data collected routinely at hospital admission to predict outcomes in patients with COVID-19. This score holds promise to improve early triage of patients and allocation of healthcare resources.

Multimodal Approach for the Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation Detected After Stroke: SAFAS Study.

Background: Intensive screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) has led to a better recognition of this cause in stroke patients. However, it is currently debated whether AF Detected After Stroke (AFDAS) has the same pathophysiology and embolic risk as prior-to-stroke AF. We thus aimed to systematically approach AFDAS using a multimodal approach combining clinical, imaging, biological and electrocardiographic markers. Methods: Patients without previously known AF admitted to the Dijon University Hospital (France) stroke unit for acute ischemic stroke were prospectively enrolled. The primary endpoint was the presence of AFDAS at 6 months, diagnosed through admission ECG, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, long-term external Holter during the hospital stay, or implantable cardiac monitor if clinically indicated after discharge. Results: Of the 240 included patients, 77 (32%) developed AFDAS. Compared with sinus rhythm patients, those developing AFDAS were older, more often women and less often active smokers. AFDAS patients had higher blood levels of NT-proBNP, osteoprotegerin, galectin-3, GDF-15 and ST2, as well as increased left atrial indexed volume and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. After multivariable analysis, galectin-3 ≧ 9 ng/ml [OR 3.10; 95% CI (1.03-9.254), p = 0.042], NT-proBNP ≧ 290 pg/ml [OR 3.950; 95% CI (1.754-8.892, p = 0.001], OPG ≥ 887 pg/ml [OR 2.338; 95% CI (1.015-5.620), p = 0.046) and LAVI ≥ 33.5 ml/m2 [OR 2.982; 95% CI (1.342-6.625), p = 0.007] were independently associated with AFDAS. Conclusion: A multimodal approach combining imaging, electrocardiography and original biological markers resulted in good predictive models for AFDAS. These results also suggest that AFDAS is probably related to an underlying atrial cardiopathy. Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT03570060].

Prognostic value of right ventricular dilatation in patients with COVID-19: a multicentre study.

AIMS: Although cardiac involvement has prognostic significance in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is associated with severe forms, few studies have explored the prognostic role of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We investigated the link between TTE parameters and prognosis in COVID-19. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted to 24 French hospitals were retrospectively included. Comprehensive data, including clinical and biological parameters, were recorded at admission. Focused TTE was performed during hospitalization, according to clinical indication. Patients were followed for a primary composite outcome of death or transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) during hospitalization. Among 2878 patients, 445 (15%) underwent TTE. Most of these had cardiovascular risk factors, a history of cardiovascular disease, and were on cardiovascular treatments. Dilatation and dysfunction were observed in, respectively, 12% (48/412) and 23% (102/442) of patients for the left ventricle, and in 12% (47/407) and 16% (65/402) for the right ventricle (RV). Primary composite outcome occurred in 44% (n = 196) of patients [9% (n = 42) for death without ICU transfer and 35% (n = 154) for admission to ICU]. RV dilatation was the only TTE parameter associated with the primary outcome. After adjustment, male sex [hazard ratio (HR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09 - 2.25; P = 0.02], higher body mass index (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.18; P = 0.01), anticoagulation (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 - 0.86; P = 0.01), and RV dilatation (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05 - 2.64; P = 0.03) remained independently associated with the primary outcome. CONCLUSION: Echocardiographic evaluation of RV dilatation could be useful for assessing risk of severe COVID-19 developing in hospitalized patients.

Cardiovascular Characteristics and Outcomes of Young Patients with COVID-19.

Although 18-45-year-old (y-o) patients represent a significant proportion of patients hospitalized for COVID-19, data concerning the young population remain scarce. The Critical COVID France (CCF) study was an observational study including consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in 24 centers between 26 February and 20 April 2020. The primary composite outcome included transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) or in-hospital death. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular (CV) complications. Among 2868 patients, 321 (11.2%) patients were in the 18-45-y-o range. In comparison with older patients, young patients were more likely to have class 2 obesity and less likely to have hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. The primary outcome occurred less frequently in 18-45-y-o patients in comparison with patients > 45 years old (y/o) (16.8% vs. 30.7%, p < 0.001). The 18-45-y-o patients presented with pericarditis (2.2% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.003) and myocarditis (2.5% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.002) more frequently than patients >45 y/o. Acute heart failure occurred less frequently in 18-45-y-o patients (0.9% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.001), while thrombotic complications were similar in young and older patients. Whereas both transfer to the ICU and in-hospital death occurred less frequently in young patients, COVID-19 seemed to have a particular CV impact in this population.

Safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage occlusion with the ACP or Watchman device guided by intracardiac echocardiography from the left atrium.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of randomized data regarding the safety and efficacy of the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) from the left atrium (LA) to guide left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures under local anesthesia using either of the available devices. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ICE from the LA with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for guidance during transcatheter LAAO procedures. METHODS: Single-center, cohort study of patients undergoing LAAO with the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug or Watchman device. Procedures were guided by ICE from the LA with local anesthesia (n = 175) or TEE under general anesthesia (n = 49). Efficacy outcomes were procedural success and peri-device leaks 6 weeks after LAAO. The safety outcome was a composite of procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Procedural success was similar between groups: 100% in the TEE-guided group, and 98% in the ICE-guided group. Procedure-related complications such as death, embolism, migration, or major vascular complications occurred similarly between groups (p = 0.590). The rate and degree of peri-device leaks or presence of a thrombus on the device did not differ between groups on follow-up CT. Turnover time in the catheter laboratory and use of contrast agent were reduced with ICE. CONCLUSIONS: ICE in the left atrium to guide LAAO procedures appears to be as effective and safe as TEE. There was no increase in procedure-related complications, whatever the device used. ICE resulted in similar procedural success while decreasing procedure time and requiring only local anesthesia.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in France: The Critical COVID-19 France (CCF) study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a public health crisis. Only limited data are available on the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in France. AIMS: To investigate the characteristics, cardiovascular complications and outcomes of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in France. METHODS: The Critical COVID-19 France (CCF) study is a French nationwide study including all consecutive adults with a diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) infection hospitalized in 24 centres between 26 February and 20 April 2020. Patients admitted directly to intensive care were excluded. Clinical, biological and imaging parameters were systematically collected at hospital admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital death. RESULTS: Of 2878 patients included (mean±SD age 66.6±17.0 years, 57.8% men), 360 (12.5%) died in the hospital setting, of which 7 (20.7%) were transferred to intensive care before death. The majority of patients had at least one (72.6%) or two (41.6%) cardiovascular risk factors, mostly hypertension (50.8%), obesity (30.3%), dyslipidaemia (28.0%) and diabetes (23.7%). In multivariable analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.06; P<0.001), male sex (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.11-2.57; P=0.01), diabetes (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.12-2.63; P=0.01), chronic kidney failure (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02-2.41; P=0.04), elevated troponin (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.11-2.49; P=0.01), elevated B-type natriuretic peptide or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.0004-2.86; P=0.049) and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≥2 (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.12-2.60; P=0.01) were independently associated with in-hospital death. CONCLUSIONS: In this large nationwide cohort of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in France, cardiovascular comorbidities and risk factors were associated with a substantial morbi-mortality burden.

Characteristics and impact of cardiovascular comorbidities on coronavirus disease 2019 in women: A multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although women account for up to half of patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), no specific data have been reported in this population. AIMS: To assess the burden and impact of cardiovascular comorbidities in women with COVID-19. METHODS: All consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 across 24 hospitals from 26 February to 20 April 2020 were included. The primary composite outcome was transfer to an intensive care unit or in-hospital death. RESULTS: Among 2878 patients, 1212 (42.1%) were women. Women were older (68.3±18.0 vs. 65.4±16.0 years; P<0.001), but had less prevalent cardiovascular comorbidities than men. Among women, 276 (22.8%) experienced the primary outcome, including 161 (13.3%) transfers to an intensive care unit and 115 (9.5%) deaths without transfer to intensive care unit. The rate of in-hospital death or transfer to an intensive care unit was lower in women versus men (crude hazard ratio [HR]: 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.72). Age (adjusted HR: 1.05 per 5-year increase, 95% CI: 1.01-1.10), body mass index (adjusted HR: 1.06 per 2-unit increase, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10), chronic kidney disease (adjusted HR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.11-2.22) and heart failure (adjusted HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.04-2.22) were independently associated with the primary outcome in women. Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide/N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (adjusted HR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.70-3.44) and troponin (adjusted HR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.39-2.88) concentrations at admission were also associated with the primary outcome, even in women free of previous coronary artery disease or heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: Although female sex was associated with a lower risk of transfer to an intensive care unit or in-hospital death, COVID-19 remained associated with considerable morbimortality in women, especially in those with cardiovascular diseases.

Association of diabetes and outcomes in patients with COVID-19: Propensity score-matched analyses from a French retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with and without diabetes admitted to hospital with COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective multicentre cohort study comprised 24 tertiary medical centres in France, and included 2851 patients (675 with diabetes) hospitalized for COVID-19 between 26 February and 20 April 2020. A propensity score-matching (PSM) method (1:1 matching including patients' characteristics, medical history, vital statistics and laboratory results) was used to compare patients with and without diabetes (n = 603 per group). The primary outcome was admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and/or in-hospital death. RESULTS: After PSM, all baseline characteristics were well balanced between those with and without diabetes: mean age was 71.2 years; 61.8% were male; and mean BMI was 29 kg/m2. A history of cardiovascular, chronic kidney and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases were found in 32.8%, 22.1% and 6.4% of participants, respectively. The risk of experiencing the primary outcome was similar in patients with or without diabetes [hazard ratio (HR): 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-1.41; P = 0.14], and was 1.29 (95% CI: 0.97-1.69) for in-hospital death, 1.26 (95% CI: 0.9-1.72) for death with no transfer to an ICU and 1.14 (95% CI: 0.88-1.47) with transfer to an ICU. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study cohort of patients hospitalized for COVID-19, diabetes was not significantly associated with a higher risk of severe outcomes after PSM. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04344327.

New Perspective in Atrial Fibrillation.

Despite a large number of publications on this subject, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in atrial fibrillation (AF) onset and recurrence are uncertain [...].

Involvement of Autonomic Nervous System in New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation during Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and associated with in-hospital and long-term mortality. However, the pathophysiology of AF in AMI is poorly understood. Heart rate variability (HRV), measured by Holter-ECG, reflects cardiovascular response to the autonomic nervous system and altered (reduced or enhanced) HRV may have a major role in the onset of AF in AMI patients. Objective: We investigated the relationship between autonomic dysregulation and new-onset AF during AMI. Methods: As part of the RICO survey, all consecutive patients hospitalized for AMI at Dijon (France) university hospital between June 2001 and November 2014 were analyzed by Holter-ECG <24 h following admission. HRV was measured using temporal and spectral analysis. Results: Among the 2040 included patients, 168 (8.2%) developed AF during AMI. Compared to the sinus-rhythm (SR) group, AF patients were older, had more frequent hypertension and lower left ventricular ejection fraction LVEF. On the Holter parameters, AF patients had higher pNN50 values (11% vs. 4%, p < 0.001) and median LH/HF ratio, a reflection of sympathovagal balance, was significantly lower in the AF group (0.88 vs 2.75 p < 0.001). The optimal LF/HF cut-off for AF prediction was 1.735. In multivariate analyses, low LF/HF <1.735 (OR(95%CI) = 3.377 (2.047-5.572))was strongly associated with AF, ahead of age (OR(95%CI) = 1.04(1.01-1.06)), mean sinus-rhythm rate (OR(95%CI) = 1.03(1.02-1.05)) and log NT-proBNP (OR(95%CI) = 1.38(1.01-1.90). Conclusion: Our study strongly suggests that new-onset AF in AMI mainly occurs in a dysregulated autonomic nervous system, as suggested by low LF/HF, and higher PNN50 and RMSSD values.

Silent atrial fibrillation: clinical management and perspectives.

Silent atrial fibrillation (AF) is an asymptomatic atrial arrhythmia that can be diagnosed by chance during a systematic electrocardiogram, an external Holter, or from implanted cardiac devices. There is a significant body of the literature around silent AF, yet it remains largely underdiagnosed in everyday clinical practice. Meanwhile, new diagnostic tools have significantly improved the detection of silent AF, creating a potential for mass screening via new technologies and the promise of a major step forward in e-health progress. However, it is not yet known whether silent AF is associated with the same thromboembolic risk as symptomatic AF, and whether these asymptomatic and often short-lasting episodes therefore require anticoagulation therapy and rhythm management.

High rate of recurrence at long-term follow-up after new-onset atrial fibrillation during acute myocardial infarction.

Aims: Silent and symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) are common during acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and associated with higher in-hospital and 1-year mortality. Are silent and symptomatic AF associated with higher rates of AF recurrence after hospitalization for AMI? Methods and results: All consecutive patients admitted for AMI between January 2012 and August 2015 were prospectively analysed by continuous electrocardiogram monitoring <48 h after admission. Silent AF was defined as asymptomatic episodes lasting at least 30 s. The population was divided into three groups: no-AF, silent AF, and symptomatic AF. Altogether, 1621 patients were included in the prospective study and discharged alive from hospital. After excluding those with previous AF, permanent AF since the AMI and coronary artery bypass grafting surgeries and those lost to follow-up, 1282 remained. During the AMI, 1058 patients (83%) had a persistent sinus rhythm (SR), 168 (13%) had silent AF, and 55 (4%) had symptomatic AF. After a median follow-up of 1037 days (interquartile range 583-1342), new AF episodes were recorded in 59 patients (6%) of the SR group, 21 (13%) in the silent AF group, and 13 (24%) in the symptomatic AF group (P < 0.001). After Cox multivariate analysis, AF during AMI, indexed left atrial volume, age, and creatinine at discharge were identified as independent risk factors of AF after AMI. Conclusion: The results of our large-scale study suggest that patients experiencing paroxysmal new-onset AF (silent or symptomatic) during AMI are at higher risk of AF at follow-up. Our data raise the question of implementing anticoagulation therapy following these brief and often neglected episodes.