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Palpitations are a frequent symptom in the general population, and if cardiac arrhythmias are the most frequent etiology, their diagnosis may be uncertain. We sought to see whether a specialized management of palpitations is associated with a high diagnostic accuracy in patients presenting with palpitations. Consecutive patients addressed for isolated palpitations in our outpatient cardiac unit were prospectively included in this observational cohort study. The initial management was standardized: 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) as early as possible, ECG monitoring, potentially followed by an individualized management. On 688 consecutive patients prospectively included, cardiac arrhythmia as the cause of palpitations was found in 81% of cases (77% of atrial arrhythmias, 15% of junctional tachycardia, and 8% of ventricular arrhythmias). A total of 96% of diagnoses were made during initial management. Prehospital ECG (92%) and ECG at admission (67%) had the best positivity rates. A specialized management of patients presenting with lone palpitations allows the diagnostic of a cardiac arrhythmia in >80% of cases. Earliness of an ECG recording remains the key element in the diagnostic approach of these patients.

Introduction Mechanisms of maintenance of both atrial fibrillation and structural left ventricular disease are known to include fibrosis. Galectin-3, a biomarker of fibrosis, is elevated both in patients with heart failure and persistent atrial fibrillation. We sought to find whether galectin-3 has a prognostic value in patients with heart failure and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction undergoing ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation. Methods Serum concentrations of galectin-3 were determined in a consecutive series of patients with an ejection fraction ≤40%, addressed for ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation. Responders to ablation were patients in sinus rhythm and with an ejection fraction ≥50% at 6 months. A combined endpoint of heart failure hospitalization, transplantation and/or death was used at 12 months. Results Seventy-five patients were included (81% male, age 63±10 years, ejection fraction 34±7%, galectin-3 21±12 ng/mL). During follow-up, eight patients were hospitalized for decompensated heart failure, 1 underwent heart transplantation, and 4 died; 50 patients were considered as responders to ablation. After adjustment, galectin-3 level independently predicted both 6-month absence of response to ablation (OR = 0.89 per unit increase, p = 0.002). Patients with galectin-3 levels

Aims We compared thromboembolic (TE) and bleeding risks in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the new ‘Evaluated Heartvalves, Rheumatic or Artificial' (EHRA) valve classification. Methods Patients were divided into 3 categories: (i) EHRA type 1 corresponds to the previous ‘valvular' AF patients, with either rheumatic mitral valve stenosis or mechanical prosthetic heart valves; (ii) EHRA type 2 includes AF patients with other valvular heart disease (VHD) and valve bioprosthesis or repair; and (iii) ‘non-VHD controls' i.e. all AF patients with neither VHD nor post-surgical valve disease. Results Among 8962 AF patients seen between 2000 and 2010, 357 (4%) were EHRA type 1, 1754 (20%) were EHRA type 2 and 6851 (76%) non-VHD controls. EHRA type 2 patients were older and had a higher CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and HAS-BLED scores than either type 1 and non-VHD patients. After a mean follow-up of 1264 ± 1160 days, the occurrence of TE events was higher in EHRA type 2 than non-VHD patients (HR (95%CI): 1.30 1.09–1.54), p = 0.003; also, p = 0.31 for type 1 vs 2, p = 0.68 for type 1 vs non-VHD controls). The rate of major BARC bleeding events for AF patients was higher in either EHRA type 1 (HR (95%CI): 3.16(2.11–4.72), p p Conclusion The EHRA valve classification of AF patients with VHD appears useful in categorizing these patients, in terms of TE and bleeding risks. This classification can be used in clinical practice for appropriate choices of oral anticoagulation therapy and follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Micra is a leadless pacemaker that is implanted in the right ventricle and provides rate response via a 3-axis accelerometer (ACC). Custom software was developed to detect atrial contraction using the ACC enabling atrioventricular (AV) synchronous pacing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to sense atrial contractions from the Micra ACC signal and provide AV synchronous pacing. METHODS: The Micra Accelerometer Sensor Sub-Study (MASS) and MASS2 early feasibility studies showed intracardiac accelerations related to atrial contraction can be measured via ACC in the Micra leadless pacemaker. The Micra Atrial TRacking Using A Ventricular AccELerometer (MARVEL) study was a prospective multicenter study designed to characterize the closed-loop performance of an AV synchronous algorithm downloaded into previously implanted Micra devices. Atrioventricular synchrony (AVS) was measured during 30 minutes of rest and during VVI pacing. AVS was defined as a P wave visible on surface ECG followed by a ventricular event

Maintenance of atrial fibrillation is a complex mechanism, including extensive electrical and structural remodeling of the atria which involves progressive fibrogenesis. Galectin-3 is a biomarker of fibrosis, and, thus, may be involved in atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation patients. We review the role of galectin-3 in AF mechanisms and its potential therapeutic implications.

Importance Life expectancy is greatly shortened in patients presenting with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most common neuromuscular disease. A reliable prediction of survival in patients with DM1 is critically important to plan personalized health supervision. Objective To develop and validate a prognostic score to predict 10-year survival in patients with DM1. Design, Setting, and Participants In this longitudinal cohort study, between January 2000 and November 2014, we enrolled 1296 adults referred to 4 tertiary neuromuscular centers in France for management of genetically proven DM1, including 1066 patients in the derivation cohort and 230 in the validation cohort. Data were analyzed from December 2016 to March 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Factors associated with survival by multiple variable Cox modeling, including 95% confidence intervals, and development of a predictive score validated internally and externally. Mean values are reported with their standard deviations. Results Of the 1296 included patients, 670 (51.7%) were women, and the mean (SD) age was 39.8 (13.7) years. Among the 1066 patients (82.3%) in the derivation cohort, 241 (22.6%) died over a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 11.7 (7.7-14.3) years. Age, diabetes, need for support when walking, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, first-degree atrioventricular block, bundle-branch block, and lung vital capacity were associated with death. Simplified score points were attributed to each predictor, and adding these points yielded scores between 0 and 20, with 0 indicating the lowest and 20 the highest risk of death. The 10-year survival rate was 96.6% (95% CI, 94.4-98.9) in the group with 0 to 4 points, 92.2% (95% CI, 88.8-95.6) in the group with 5 to 7 points, 80.7% (95% CI, 75.4-86.1) in the group with 8 to 10 points, 57.9% (95% CI, 49.2-66.6) in the group with 11 to 13 points, and 19.4% (95% CI, 8.6-30.1) in the group with 14 points or more. In 230 patients (17.7%) included in the validation cohort, the 10-year survival rates for the groups with 0 to 4, 5 to 7, 8 to 10, 11 to 13, and 14 points or more were 99.3% (95% CI, 95.0-100), 80.6% (95% CI, 67.1-96.7), 79.3% (95% CI, 66.2-95.1), 43.2% (95% CI, 28.2-66.1), and 21.6% (95% CI, 10.0-46.8), respectively. The calibration curves did not deviate from the reference line. The C index was 0.753 (95% CI, 0.722-0.785) in the derivation cohort and 0.806 (95% CI, 0.758-0.855) in the validation cohort. Conclusions and Relevance The DM1 prognostic score is associated with long-term survival.

Background Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AF) and are more likely to suffer ischemic stroke (IS)/thromboembolism (TE). Recent findings suggest that this may also be true in AF patients with no CKD at baseline but with progressive worsening renal function during follow-up (FU). Purpose We investigated the relationship of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) evolution to IS/TE, mortality and bleeding and the predictors of eGFR evolution in AF patients. Methods Patients diagnosed with AF in a four-hospital institution between 2000 and 2010 were identified. Of them, 2622 had AF and serum creatinine data, with 10,894 patient-years of FU. Worsening renal function during FU was evaluated using eGFR evolution in mL/min/1.73 m2/year. Risk factors for worsening renal function were investigated with multiple regression analysis and risk of events were investigated with Cox regression models. Results In the whole population, mean eGFR evolution during FU was −1.91 mL/’/1.73 m2/year (median −1.26, interquartile range 6.30). Older age, heart failure, diabetes and use of diuretics were independent predictors of worsening renal function during FU. Rates of events (IS/TE, bleeding, mortality) increased with worsening eGFR by quartiles. Renal impairment per se was not an independent predictor of IS/TE but was an independent predictor of bleeding, whilst eGFR worsening was an independent predictor both for IS/TE (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.17–2.16 for patients in the last quartile) and for bleeding events (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.26–2.31). Conclusions Incidence rates of IS/TE, mortality and bleeding increased with worsening eGFR. Worsening eGFR was an independent predictor of IS/TE and bleeding, and a better predictor of IS/TE than renal impairment in AF. We were able to identify predictors of worsening renal function, which may help to tag patients needing regular FU for appropriate adaptation of antithrombotic therapy.

SummaryAtrial fibrillation (AF) confers a substantial risk of stroke. Recent trials comparing vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in AF were performed among patients with so-called “non-valvular” AF. The distinction between “valvular” and “non-valvular” AF remains a matter of debate. Currently, “valvular AF” refers to patients with mitral stenosis or artificial heart valves (and valve repair in North American guidelines only), and should be treated with VKAs. Valvular heart diseases, such as mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic insufficiency, do not result in conditions of low flow in the left atrium, and do not apparently increase the risk of thromboembolism brought by AF. Post-hoc analyses suggest that these conditions probably do not make the thromboembolic risk less responsive to NOACs compared with most forms of “non-valvular” AF. The pathogenesis of thrombosis is probably different for blood coming into contact with a mechanical prosthetic valve compared with what occurs in most other forms of AF. This may explain the results of the only trial performed with a NOAC in patients with a mechanical prosthetic valve (only a few of whom had AF), where warfarin was more effective and safer than dabigatran. By contrast, AF in the presence of a bioprosthetic heart valve or after valve repair appears to have a risk of thromboembolism that is not markedly different from other forms of “non-valvular” AF. Obviously, we should no longer consider the classification of AF as “valvular” (or not) for the purpose of defining the aetiology of the arrhythmia, but for the determination of a different risk of thromboembolic events and the need for a specific antithrombotic strategy. As long as there is no better new term or widely accepted definition, “valvular AF” refers to patients with mitral stenosis or artificial heart valves. Patients with “non-valvular AF” may have other types of valvular heart disease. One should emphasize that “non-valvular AF” does not exclude patients with some types of valvular heart disease from therapy with NOACs.

Background and Purpose— A substantial part of ischemic strokes is attributed to atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that patients with ischemic stroke without prior diagnosed AF were at higher risk of having a subsequent diagnosis of AF, and this was associated with multiple risk factors. Methods— This French longitudinal cohort study was based on the national database covering hospital care from 2008 to 2012 for the entire population. Results— Of 65 807 patients with ischemic stroke in 2009, 48 992 did not have AF at baseline. A total of 4828 of these patients were diagnosed as having AF during a follow-up of 15±15 months (incidence rate 7.9 per 100 person-years). By comparison, the yearly rate of new-onset AF for the 826 416 patients with a cardiac hospitalization was 5.9%. CHADS 2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke/transient ischemic attack) and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke/transient ischemic attack [doubled], vascular disease, age 65–75 years, and sex category [female]) scores were both associated with the risk of new-onset AF during follow-up (CHADS 2 : hazard ratio [HR] 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66–1.75; CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc: HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.42–1.48). The c statistics were 0.700 (95% CI 0.696–0.706) for CHADS 2 and 0.706 (95% CI 0.702–0.710) with CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc ( P =0.003 for comparison of the 2 scores). Independent predictors of subsequent diagnosis of AF were age 65 to 74 years (HR 2.29, 95% CI 2.06–2.54), age ≥75 years (HR 3.31, 95% CI 3.02–3.64), hypertension (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13–1.32), heart failure (HR 2.56, 95% CI 2.41–2.72), and vascular disease (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.17). Conclusions— Ischemic stroke was associated with a substantially increased risk of incident AF, particularly among individuals with higher CHADS 2 or CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores. These risk scores seem to be simple tools for identifying patients at higher risk of incident AF after ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND : Diabetes mellitus is recognized as a stroke risk factor in atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with diabetes with retinopathy have an increased risk for systemic cardiovascular complications, and severe diabetic retinopathy predisposes to ocular bleeding. We hypothesized that patients with diabetes, retinopathy, and AF have increased stroke/thromboembolism (TE) and severe bleeding risks when compared with patients with diabetes and AF who do not have retinopathy or to patients with AF and without diabetes. METHODS : We tested our hypothesis in a large “real-world” cohort of individuals with AF from the Loire Valley Atrial Fibrillation project. RESULTS : Of 8,962 patients with AF in our dataset, 1,409 (16%) had documented diabetes mellitus. Of these, 163 (1.8% of the whole cohort) were patients with diabetic retinopathy. After a follow-up of 31 ± 36 months, when compared with patients without diabetes, the risk of stroke/TE in patients with diabetes with no retinopathy increased 1.3-fold (relative risk [RR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.07-1.59; P =.01); in patients with diabetes with retinopathy, the risk of stroke/TE was increased 1.58-fold (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.07-2.32; P =.02). There was no significant difference when patients with diabetes with no retinopathy were compared with patients with diabetes with retinopathy (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.80-1.84; P =.37). A similar pattern was seen for mortality and severe bleeding. On multivariate analysis, the presence of diabetic retinopathy did not emerge as an independent predictor for stroke/TE or severe bleeding. CONCLUSIONS : Crude rates of stroke/TE increased in a stepwise fashion when patients without diabetes and with AF were compared with patients with diabetes with no retinopathy and patients with diabetes with retinopathy. However, we have shown for the first time, to our knowledge, that the presence of diabetic retinopathy did not emerge as an independent predictor for stroke/TE or severe bleeding on multivariate analysis.

Background Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac complication of hyperthyroidism. The association between history of hyperthyroidism and stroke remains unclear. We sought to determine whether history of thyroid dysfunction is a thromboembolic risk factor in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods Patients with atrial fibrillation seen in an academic institution between 2000 and 2010 were identified and followed-up. Clinical events (stroke/systemic embolism, bleeding, all-cause death) were recorded and related to thyroid status and disorders. Associations were examined in time-dependent models with adjustment for relevant confounders. Results Among 8962 patients, 141 patients had a history of hyperthyroidism, 540 had a history of hypothyroidism, and 8271 had no thyroid dysfunction. Mean follow-up was 929 ± 1082 days. A total of 715 strokes/systemic embolism were recorded, with no significant difference in the rates of these events in patients with a history of thyroid dysfunction vs those without thyroid problems in either univariate or multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-1.76 for hyperthyroidism; HR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.73-1.34 for hypothyroidism). There were 791 bleeding events; history of hypothyroidism was independently related to a higher rate of bleeding events (HR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.02-1.79). No significant difference among the 3 groups was observed for the incidence of death. Conclusions History of hyperthyroidism was not an independent risk factor for stroke/systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation, whereas hypothyroidism was associated with a higher risk of bleeding events. These data suggest no additional benefit from the inclusion of thyroid dysfunction in thromboembolic prediction models in atrial fibrillation.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment of heart failure (HF), but is limited by a substantial proportion of nonresponders. We hypothesized that adding a second left ventricular (LV) lead to deliver a triple-site CRT (VWe assessed the feasibility and safety of adding a second LV lead to CRT nonresponders and its clinical impact.Eighty-four recipients of a CRT system and considered as nonresponders as per clinical composite score (CCS) were enrolled in this multicenter study. They were randomized to the VPositioning of a second LV lead was successful at first (40 of 44 - 90.9%) or second (4 of 44 - 9.09%) attempt. The perioperative complication rate (infection, system explant, pneumothorax, and hematoma) was high (procedures or system-related complications for 9 patients- 20.4%). After 24 months, 35 systems (79.5%) were working properly. The multinomial logistic regression model showed that VAlthough addition of a second LV lead in CRT nonresponders is feasible with a high success rate, this approach is associated with a significant rate of severe adverse events and does not provide significant long-term clinical benefits (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier No. NCT01059175).

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism compared with normal sinus rhythm. These strokes may efficiently be prevented in patients with risk factors using oral anticoagulant therapy, with either vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (i.e., direct thrombin inhibitors or direct factor Xa inhibitors). Owing to their specific risk profiles, some AF populations may have increased risks of both thromboembolic and bleeding events. These AF patients may be denied oral anticoagulants, whilst evidence shows that the absolute benefits of oral anticoagulants are greatest in patients at highest risk. NOACs are an alternative to VKAs to prevent stroke in patients with "non-valvular AF", and NOACs may offer a greater net clinical benefit compared with VKAs, particularly in these high-risk patients. Physicians have to learn how to use these drugs optimally in specific settings. We review concrete clinical scenarios for which practical answers are currently proposed for use of NOACs based on available evidence for patients with kidney disease, elderly patients, women, patients with diabetes, patients with low or high body weight, and those with valve disease.

International audience; BACKGROUND: Programming implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) with a high-rate therapy strategy has proven to be effective in reducing shocks and is associated with a reduced mortality. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the impact of a very high rate cutoff programming strategy on outcomes in patients with a primary indication for an ICD due to reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. METHODS: Using data from the multicenter French DAI-PP registry, this cohort-controlled study compared outcomes in 500 patients programmed with a very high rate cutoff (VH-RATE group: monitor zone 170-219 beats/min; ventricular fibrillation zone ≥220 beats/min with 13 ± 4 detection intervals) with 1500 matched control patients programmed with 1 or 2 therapy zone. All ICDs were implanted for primary prevention in patients with systolic dysfunction. Risks of events were compared after propensity score matching of sex, age, ejection fraction, New York Heart Association class, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and type of device. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 3.6 ± 2.3 years, VH-RATE programming was associated with a reduction of appropriate therapy risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.51; P < .0001) and inappropriate shock (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.27-0.63; P < .0001). It was also associated with a decreased risk of sudden cardiac death (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.17-0.99; P = .04) as compared with patients programmed with 2 therapy zones. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the groups. CONCLUSION: In patients implanted with an ICD in primary prevention with left ventricular dysfunction, very high rate cutoff programming (single therapy zone ≥220 beats/min) was associated with a 60% reduction of appropriate therapies as well as inappropriate shocks, without affecting mortality.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of remote monitoring in patients with heart failure implanted with a biventricular defibrillator (CRT-D) with advanced diagnostics.The MORE-CARE trial is an international, prospective, multicentre, randomized controlled trial. Within 8 weeks of de novo implant of a CRT-D, patients were randomized to undergo remote checks alternating with in-office follow-ups (Remote arm) or in-office follow-ups alone (Standard arm). The primary endpoint was a composite of death and cardiovascular (CV) and device-related hospitalization. Use of healthcare resources was also evaluated. A total of 865 eligible patients (mean age 66 ± 10 years) were included in the final analysis (437 in the Remote arm and 428 in the Standard arm) and followed for a median of 24 (interquartile range = 15-26) months. No significant difference was found in the primary endpoint between the Remote and Standard arms [hazard ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80-1.30, P = 0.89] or in the individual components of the primary endpoint (P0.05). For the composite endpoint of healthcare resource utilization (i.e. 2-year rates of CV hospitalizations, CV emergency department admissions, and CV in-office follow-ups), a significant 38% reduction was found in the Remote vs. Standard arm (incidence rate ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.58-0.66, P0.001) mainly driven by a reduction of in-office visits.In heart failure patients implanted with a CRT-D, remote monitoring did not reduce mortality or risk of CV or device-related hospitalization. Use of healthcare resources was significantly reduced as a result of a marked reduction of in-office visits without compromising patient safety.NCT00885677.

BACKGROUND First-in-man studies of leadless pacemakers have demonstrated high rates of implant success, and safety and efficacy objectives were achieved. Outside of the investigational setting, there are concerns, particularly over cardiac effusion and perforation, device dislodgement, infection, telemetry, and battery issues. OBJECTIVE The acute performance of the Micra transcatheter pacemaker from a worldwide Post-Approval Registry is reported. METHODS The registry is an ongoing prospective single-arm observational study designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Micra in the post-approval setting. The safety end point was systemor procedure-related major complications at 30 days post implant. We compared the major complication rate with that of the 726 patients from the investigational study. Electrical performance was also characterized. RESULTS The device was successfully implanted in 792 of 795 registry patients (99.6%) by 149 implanters at 96 centers in 20 countries. Through 30 days post implant, a total of 13 major complications occurred in 12 patients, for a major complication rate of 1.51% (95% confidence interval, 0.78%-2.62%). Major complications included cardiac effusion/ perforation (1, 0.13%), device dislodgement (1, 0.13%), and sepsis (1, 0.13%). After adjusting for baseline differences, the rate ofmajor complications in the registry trended lower than the investigational trial (odds ratio, 0.58, 95% confidence interval, 0.27-1.25; P - .16). Early pacing capture thresholds were low and stable. CONCLUSION Performance of the Micra transcatheter pacemaker in a real-world setting demonstrates a high rate (99.6%) of implant success and low rate (1.51%) of major complications through 30 days post implant. In particular, the rates of pericardial effusion, device dislodgement, and infection were low, reinforcing the positive results seen in the investigational study.

BackgroundMechanisms of maintenance of atrial fibrillation are known to include fibrosis. Galectin-3, as a biomarker of fibrosis, may be a valuable marker of atrial remodeling. We sought to find whether there was a link between clinical features and higher galectin-3 levels in patients with atrial fibrillation.MethodsSerum concentrations of Galectin-3 were determined in a consecutive series of patients addressed for ablation of atrial fibrillation.ResultsOne-hundred-and-eighty-seven patients were included, 56% having a paroxysmal type of atrial fibrillation. Mean Galectin-3 concentration was 14.5 ± 5.5 ng/mL. Age, persistent form of atrial fibrillation, underlying cardiac disease, heart failure, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), hypertension, diabetes, treatment with ACEI/ARB, enlarged left atrium and renal insufficiency were associated with higher Galectin-3 levels. Importantly, persistent form of atrial fibrillation, female sex, and LVEF < 45% were independent predictors (OR 13.9, p = 0.01, OR = 11.7, p = 0.03, and OR 54.2, p = 0.04, respectively) of higher Galectin-3 levels (≥ 15 ng/mL).ConclusionsPersistent type of atrial fibrillation is an independent predictor of higher Galectin-3 concentration. This biomarker of fibrosis may be implied in the mechanisms of atrial remodeling and maintenance of atrial fibrillation, and thus be helpful for the design of therapeutic strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation are often denied oral anticoagulation due to falls risk. The latter is variably defined, and existing studies have not compared the associated risk of bleeding with other cardiovascular events. There are no data about outcomes in individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with a prior history of (actual) falls, rather than being "at risk of falls." Our objective was to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular outcomes associated with prior history of falls in patients with atrial fibrillation in a contemporary "real world" cohort.Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in a 4-hospital institution between 2000 and 2010 were included. Stroke/thromboembolism event rates were calculated according to prior history of falls. Risk factors were investigated by Cox regression.Among 7156 atrial fibrillation patients, prior history of falls/trauma was uncommon (n = 76; 1.1%). Compared with patients without history of falls, those patients were older and less likely to be on oral anticoagulation; they also had higher risk scores for stroke/thromboembolism but not for bleeding. Compared with no prior history of falls, rates of stroke/thromboembolism (P = .01) and all-cause mortality (P.0001) were significantly higher in patients with previous falls. In multivariable analyses, prior history of falls was independently associated with stroke/thromboembolism (hazard ratio [HR] 5.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-12.6; P.0001), major bleeding (HR 3.32 [1.23-8.91]; P = .02), and all-cause mortality (HR 3.69; 95% CI, 1.52-8.95; P = .04), but not hemorrhagic stroke (HR 4.20; 95% CI, 0.58-30.48; P = .16) in patients on oral anticoagulation.In this large "real world" atrial fibrillation cohort, prior history of falls was uncommon but independently increased risk of stroke/thromboembolism, bleeding, and mortality, but not hemorrhagic stroke in the presence of anticoagulation. Prior history of (actual) falls may be a more clinically useful risk prognosticator than "being at risk of falls."

Summary Defibrillator shocks, appropriate or not, are associated with significant morbidity, as they decrease quality of life, can be involved in depression and anxiety, and are known to be proarrhythmic. Most recent data have even shown an association between shocks and overall mortality. As opposed to other defibrillator-related complications, the rate of inappropriate and unnecessary shocks can (and should) be decreased with adequate programming. This review focuses on the different programming strategies and tips available to reduce the rate of shocks in primary prevention patients with left ventricular dysfunction implanted with a defibrillator, as well as some of the manufacturers’ device specificities.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) frequently coexist and are associated with an increased mortality. This study evaluated the prognosis of permanent and nonpermanent AF in patients with both AF and HF. All AF patients seen in our institution were identified and followed up. We included 1,906 patients suffering from AF and HF: 839 patients (44%) had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 1,067 patients (56%) had decreased LVEF; 1,056 patients (55%) had nonpermanent AF and 850 patients (45%) had permanent AF. During a median follow-up of 1.9 years (interquartile range 0.3 to 5.0), 377 patients died, 462 were readmitted for HF, and 200 had stroke or thromboembolic events. In patients with decreased LVEF, the rate of death was similar in patients with permanent or nonpermanent AF. In patients with preserved LVEF, permanent AF was associated with a higher risk of death and a higher risk of HF hospitalization. Stroke risk did not differ with permanent AF whatever the LVEF. NYHA functional class was an independent predictor of death (risk ratio [RR] = 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.59, p = 0.001), as was permanent AF (RR = 1.79, 95%CI 1.32 to 2.42, p = 0.0002). Permanent AF (RR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.93, p = 0.0006) was also an independent predictor of readmission for HF. In conclusion, in patients with AF and HF, the risk of admission for HF and risk of death were higher when AF was permanent, particularly in patients with preserved LVEF. Stroke risk did not differ according to the pattern of AF, whatever the LVEF.

SummarySeveral validated risk stratification schemes for prediction of ischaemic stroke (IS)/thromboembolism (TE) and major bleeding are available for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). On the basis for multiple common risk factors for IS/TE and bleeding, it has been suggested that composite risk prediction scores may be more practical and user-friendly than separate scores for bleeding and IS/TE. In a long-term prospective hospital registry of anticoagulated patients with newly diagnosed AF, we compared the predictive value of existing risk prediction scores as well as composite risk scores, and also compared these risk scoring systems using composite endpoints. Endpoint 1 was the simple composite of IS and major bleeds. Endpoint 2 was based on a composite of IS plus intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Endpoint 3 was based on weighted coefficients for IS/TE and ICH. Endpoint 4 was a composite of stroke, cardiovascular death, TE and major bleeding. The incremental predictive value of these scores over CHADS2 (as reference) for composite endpoints was assessed using c-statistic, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Of 8,962 eligible individuals, 3,607 (40.2%) had NVAF and were on OAC at baseline. There were no statistically significant differences between the c-statistics of the various risk scores, compared with the CHADS2 score, regardless of the endpoint. For the various risk scores and various endpoints, NRI and IDI did not show significant improvement (≥1%), compared with the CHADS2 score. In conclusion, composite risk scores did not significantly improve risk prediction of endpoints in patients with NVAF, regardless of how endpoints were defined. This would support individualised prediction of IS/TE and bleeding separately using different separate risk prediction tools, and not the use of composite scores or endpoints for everyday ‘real world’ clinical practice, to guide decisions on thromboprophylaxis.Note: The review process for this paper was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.

Background The atrial flutter of common type, with more frequent typical counterclockwise form, may occasionally present with clockwise form. The latter might be induced by clockwise functional block within cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) of a premature atrial complex originating from the right atrium. Purpose As physiopathology might differ, we sought to compare long-term outcomes in patients who underwent CTI radiofrequency ablation for atrial flutter according to the electrical activation (clockwise or counterclockwise) at baseline. Methods All patients who underwent CTI radiofrequency ablation between 2000 and 2010 in the cardiology department of a four-hospital institution were included for analysis. Association with atrial fibrillation (supposed to be more frequently seen in case of left atrial origin of the arrhythmia), all-cause mortality, thromboembolic events, and atrial fibrillation occurrence were compared between patients with clockwise (group A) and counterclockwise (group B) CTI-dependant flutter. Results There was no significant difference at baseline (age, sex, heart failure, medication, hypertension, diabetes and stroke) between patients in group A (n = 41) and B (n = 831). Concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) was present in 43% of patients in group A and 37% of patients in group B (P = 0.39). Deaths (n = 38), stroke/thromboembolic events (n = 30) and evolution to permanent AF (n = 53) were recorded after a follow-up of 826 ± 1024 days. There was no significant difference between both groups for occurrence of death of any cause (hazard ratio 1.31, 95%CI 0.53–3.23 in group A compared to group B, P = 0.55), stroke and thromboembolic events (hazard ratio 2.17, 95%CI 0.65–7.14, P = 0.20) and evolution to permanent AF (hazard ratio 2.27, 95%CI 0.78–6.25, P = 0.13). Conclusion Despite very different prevalence rates, clockwise and counterclockwise forms of CTI dependent atrial flutter occur in similar populations and seem associated with relatively similar outcomes.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) may commonly be associated with sinus node disease (SND) presenting as the so-called bray-tachy syndrome (BTS). BTS and AF are known to be at risk for ischemic stroke (IS). It remains unclear whether the risk of IS is similar in patients with isolated SND. Purpose Our objective was to compare the risk of IS in AF, SND and BTS patients and to identify risk factors of stroke in patients with SND. Methods This French longitudinal cohort study was based on the national hospitalization database, the Programme de medicalisation des systemes d’information (PMSI). We included all patients over 18 y.o. in France from January 2010 to December 2015 hospitalized with a main or related diagnosis of AF or SND. Baseline characteristics were pooled into a multivariate Cox model to identify significant predictors of IS. Results Of 1,732,412 patients included after exclusion of pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator patients (PM/ICD), 1,601,435 (92.44%) had AF, 102,849 (5.94%) SND and 28,128 (1.62%) BTS. Compared to patients with AF or BTS, those with SND were younger, had a lower CHA2DS2-VASc score. Incidence of IS during follow-up was higher in AF than in BTS patients (yearly rate 4.90% vs. 2.73%, P Conclusion Patients with SND have a lower risk of thromboembolic events than those with AF or BTS. However, SND patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 had a markedly higher risk of IS during follow-up and may need specific considerations.

Background Kidney injury with renal tubular obstruction by red blood cell casts has been described in patients treated with vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and is known as anticoagulant-related nephropathy. Therefore, instable INR might play a role in favoring anticoagulant-related nephropathy. Purpose We investigated the relationship of VKA use and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) evolution in AF patients. Methods Patients diagnosed with AF in a four-hospital institution between 2000 and 2010 were identified. Renal function was evaluated using eGFR evolution in mL/min/1.73 m2/year. Risk factors for worsening renal function were investigated with multiple regression analysis. Results Two thousand six hundred and twenty-two patients had AF and serum creatinine data, with 10,894 patient-years of follow-up (FU). VKA was prescribed in 1580 (66%) patients, antiplatelet therapy for 473 (20%) and no antithrombotic treatment for 351 (14%). Non-VKA oral anticoagulants were not yet available. Mean eGFR evolution during follow-up was −1.91 mL/’/1.73 m2/year (median −1.26, interquartile range 6.30). Overall, patients with VKA use had similar eGFR evolution compared to non-users (−1.9 vs. −1.8 mL/’/1.73 m2/year, P = 0.77) and VKA use was not a predictor of eGFR evolution. Among patients with VKA use, those with labile INR (n = 60, 4%), had a similar eGFR evolution than those with no labile INR (−2.7 vs. −1.9 mL/’/1.73 m2/year, P = 0.49). Finally, patients with VKA use with SAMe-TT2R2 score > 2 (n = 293, 19%) had a similar eGFR evolution than those with SAMe-TT2R2 score ≤ 2 (−2.6 vs. −1.7 mL/’/1.73 m2/year, P = 0.20). Conclusions We found that AF patients with VKA use did not have a worse eGFR evolution during FU than those not treated with oral anticoagulation. Patients treated with VKA with labile INR or likely to have poor anticoagulation control neither had a worse eGFR evolution. These Results suggest that instable INR might not be the main determinant of anticoagulant-related nephropathy.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) may be related to acute, temporary causes such as alcohol use, myocardial ischemia, myocarditis, hyperthyroidism, etc. It remains unclear whether antithrombotic management should be different in this setting after resolution of the episode. Purpose Our objective was to describe the outcomes in patients with such a temporary cause of AF (TCAF), and to compare the specific subgroup of patients with TCAF associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to other patients with TCAF with regard to antithrombotic management. Methods All patients with AF seen in our institution between 2000 and 2010 were identified in a database. The adverse outcomes were investigated during follow-up. Results Among 8962 patients with AF, 5467 patients with non-permanent AF of whom 920 (17%) had at least one possible temporary cause of AF. TCAF patients had higher CHA2DS2VASc score than other patients (3.6 ± 1.7 versus 3.0 ± 1.7, P Conclusion In patients with a possibly TCAF, use of oral anticoagulation was independently associated with a better prognosis. Antiplatelet therapy use was also independently associated with a better prognosis when patients with TCAF had ACS.

Background Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a validated therapy for patients with symptomatic AF to prevent recurrences. However, the influence of AF catheter ablation on ischemic stroke (IS) occurrence is unclear and debated. Purpose We aimed to compare the incidence of IS in patients after AF catheter ablation versus patients not treated with AF ablation. Methods This French longitudinal cohort study was based on the national hospitalization PMSI (Programme de Medicalisation des Systemes d’Information) database covering hospital care from the entire population. We included all patients, over 18 years old, with AF from January 2010 to December 2015. Items from the baselines characteristics were pooled into a Cox model to identify predictors of IS. Results Of 1,663,284 patients identified with AF, 28,018 patients were treated with AF ablation (28% female, mean age 60 ± 10 years old, mean follow-up 700 ± 603 days) and 1,635,266 patients did not have AF ablation (48% female, mean age 77 ± 12 years old, mean follow-up 463 ± 550 days). IS during follow-up was recorded in 48,766 patients (yearly rate 2.31%). Incidence of IS was lower in the AF ablation group (0.52% person per year versus 2.33% person per year; P Conclusion Ablation may be associated with lower incidence of IS in patients with AF, independently of CHA2DS2-VASc score. This beneficial finding was similar in patients with low or higher thromboembolic risk. This suggests that AF ablation may be an adjunctive therapy, in addition to oral anticoagulation therapy, for prevention of IS in AF patients.

Background In 2017, a new definition of ‘valvular/non-valvular’ atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proposed. Purpose We compared thromboembolic (TE) and bleeding risks in patients with AF according to the new ‘Evaluated Heartvalves, Rheumatic or Artificial’ (EHRA) valve classification. Methods Patients were divided into 3 categories: (i) EHRA type 1 corresponds to the previous ‘valvular’ AF patients, including those with either rheumatic mitral valve stenosis or mechanical prosthetic heart valves; (ii) EHRA type 2 includes AF patients with other valvular heart disease (VHD) and valve bioprosthesis or repair; and (iii) ‘non-VHD controls’ i.e. all AF patients with neither VHD nor post-surgical valve disease. Results Among 8962 AF patients seen between 2000 and 2010, 357 (4%) were EHRA type 1, 1754 (20%) were EHRA type 2 and 6851 (76%) non-VHD controls. Type 2 patients were older and had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores than either type 1 and non-VHD patients. After a mean follow-up of 1264 ± 1160 days (median 922, interquartile range 234–2083), 715 stroke/TE events and 274 major bleeding (≥ 3 in BARC definition) were recorded. The occurrence of TE events was significantly higher in EHRA type 2 than non-VHD patients [HR (95% CI): 1.30 1.09–1.54], P = 0.003; also, P = 0.31 for type 1 vs. 2, P = 0.68 for type 1 vs. non-VHD controls. The rate of major BARC bleeding events for AF patients was higher in either EHRA type 1 [HR (95% CI): 3.16(2.11–4.72), P Conclusion This systematic analysis in real life conditions shows that distinguishing AF patients according to the new EHRA valve classification could be relevant for creating more homogenous groups of patients in terms of TE and bleeding risk. This clearer classification than the previous one should be useful as in clinical research for harmonization of studies, as well as in clinical practice for targeted choices of OAC therapy.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia associated with substantial morbidity and a markedly increased risk of ischemic stroke. It accounts for one third of all strokes in patients above the age of 65 and is also associated with an increased mortality.[1][1] In recent years, risk models for

Galectin-3 is a biomarker of fibrosis and atrial remodeling, involved in the mechanisms of initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to study the accuracy of galectin-3 level in predicting recurrences of AF after ablation. Serum concentrations of galectin-3 were determined in a consecutive series of patients addressed for AF ablation in our center. After a 3-month blanking period, recurrences of atrial arrhythmias were collected during the first year in all patients, using Holter monitoring at 3, 6 months and 12 months. A total of 160 patients were included, with a mean galectin-3 rate was 14.4 ± 5.6 ng/mL. At 12-month, 55 patients (34%) had reexperienced sustained atrial arrhythmia. Only higher galectin-3 level (HR = 1.07 [1.01–1.12], p = 0.02) and larger left atrial diameter (HR = 1.07 [1.03–1.12], p = 0.001) independently predicted recurrence. Patients with both galectin-3 level

Background— Atrioventricular nodal radiofrequency ablation (AVNA) with permanent ventricular pacing can be used to control rate in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, long-term outcomes after AVNA are uncertain, especially in light of irreversible pacemaker dependence. Methods and Results— We examined 9122 consecutive patients with AF. The outcomes in 453 patients with AVNA (26% of whom underwent an implantable cardiac defibrillator implant and 37% underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy implant) were compared with AF patients without AVNA after propensity score 1:1 matching. During follow-up in the propensity-matched cohort (2.41±3.23 years, median 1.23, quartiles 0.33–3.12), 100 patients died (yearly rate of death 6.6%). Mode of death was available in 86% of patients, which was cardiovascular in 67% of the patients (related to heart failure in 38%, sudden death in 5%, and other cardiovascular reason in 24%) and noncardiovascular in 33%. AVNA in patients with AF was associated with a lower risk of mortality (odds ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.77; P =0.003), a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality (odds ratio =0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.73; P =0.003), and nonsignificant lower risk of stroke and thromboembolic events (odds ratio =0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.36–1.06; P =0.08). Conclusions— In sick AF patients with multiple comorbidities, AVNA with permanent ventricular pacing for rate control seems safe during follow-up and may be associated with lower mortality.

Aims To describe the incidence and identify predictors of sudden death (SD), major conduction defects and sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Methods and results We retrospectively enrolled 1388 adults with DM1 referred to six French medical centres between January 2000 and October 2013. We confirmed their vital status, classified all deaths, and determined the incidence of major conduction defects requiring permanent pacing and sustained VTA. We searched for predictors of overall survival, SD, major conduction defects, and sustained VTA by Cox regression analysis. Over a median 10-year follow-up, 253 (18.2%) patients died, 39 (3.6%) suddenly. Analysis of the cardiac rhythm at the time of the 39 SD revealed sustained VTA in 9, asystole in 5, complete atrioventricular block in 1 and electromechanical dissociation in two patients. Non-cardiac causes were identified in the five patients with SD who underwent autopsies. Major conduction defects developed in 143 (19.3%) and sustained VTA in 26 (2.3%) patients. By Cox regression analysis, age, family history of SD and left bundle branch block were independent predictors of SD, while age, male sex, electrocardiographic conduction abnormalities, syncope, and atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of major conduction defects; non-sustained VTA was the only predictor of sustained VTA. Conclusions SD was a frequent mode of death in DM1, with multiple mechanisms involved. Major conduction defects were by far more frequent than sustained VTA, whose only independent predictor was a personal history of non-sustained VTA. ClinicalTrials.gov no: [NCT01136330][1]. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01136330&atom=%2Fehj%2Fearly%2F2016%2F12%2F02%2Feurheartj.ehw569.atom

SummaryVitamin K antagonists are currently recommended in patients with ‘valvular’ atrial fibrillation (AF), e. g. those having mitral stenosis or artificial heart valves. We compared thromboembolic risk in patients with ‘non valvular’ AF and in those with AF and biological valve replacement (valve bioprosthesis). Among 8962 AF patients seen between 2000 and 2010, a diagnosis of ‘non-valvular AF’ was found in 8053 (94 %). Among patients with ‘valvular’ AF, 549 (6 %) had a biological prosthesis. The patients with bioprosthesis were older and had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score than those with non valvular AF. After a follow-up of 876 é 1048 days (median 400 days, interquartile range 12–1483), the occurrence of thromboembolic events was similar in AF patients with bioprosthesis compared to those with ‘non valvular’ AF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.83–1.45, p=0.52, adjusted HR 0.93, 95 %CI 0.68–1.25, p=0.61). Factors independently associated with increased risk of stroke/TE events were older age (HR 1.25, 95 %CI 1.16–1.34 per 10-year increase, p> 0.0001) and higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (HR 1.35, 95 %CI 1.24–1.46, p> 0.0001) whilst female gender (HR 0.75, 95 %CI 0.62–0.90, p=0.002), use of vitamin K antagonist (HR 0.83, 95 %CI 0.71–0.98, p=0.03) were independently associated with a lower risk of stroke/TE. Neither the presence of bioprosthesis nor the location of bioprosthesis was independent predictor for TE events. In conclusion, AF patients with bioprosthesis had a non-significantly higher risk of stroke/TE events compared to patients with non-valvular AF. Second, the CHA2DS2-VASc score was independently associated with an increased risk of TE events, and was a valuable determinant of TE risk both in AF patients with non-valvular AF as well as those with bioprosthesis, whether treated or not treated with OAC.Note: The review process for this paper was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.

Background and Purpose— There is some uncertainty about treating patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with 1 nongender-related (NGR) stroke risk factor (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc [ie, congestive heart failure, hypertension, age (≥75 years; 2 points), diabetes, stroke/transient ischemic attack (2 points), vascular disease, age (65–74 years), sex (female)] score of 1 in males and 2 in females) with oral anticoagulation (OAC). Methods— We investigated adverse outcomes and calculated the net clinical benefit of OAC use in a community-based cohort of unselected AF patients with 0 compared with 1 NGR stroke risk factor (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc 0 versus 1 in males; and 1 versus 2 in females). Among 8962 patients with AF, 2208 (25%) had 0 or 1 NGR stroke risk factors, of which 45% were not prescribed OAC. Results— During a follow-up of 1028±1189 days (median, 495; interquartile range, 5–1882 days), the yearly rate of the combined end point of stroke/systemic embolism in nonanticoagulated AF patients with 1 NGR stroke risk factor was 2.09% (95% confidence interval, 1.37–3.18). This corresponded to an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.82 (95% confidence interval, 1.32–6.04) relative to the group with 0 NGR stroke risk factor. When the benefit of ischemic stroke reduction was balanced against the increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage among patients with 1 NGR stroke risk factor, the net clinical benefit was positive in favor of OAC use versus no antithrombotic therapy or antiplatelet therapy use. The net clinical benefit was negative for antiplatelet therapy use versus no antithrombotic therapy. Conclusions— Among AF patients with 1 NGR stroke risk factor (ie, CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc 1 in males or 2 in females), OAC use as indicated according to the guidelines was associated with a positive net clinical benefit for the prevention of stroke and thromboembolic events.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is associated with a higher mortality, but causes of death of atrial fibrillation patients and their specific predictors have been less well defined. We aimed to identify the causes of death among atrial fibrillation patients and secondly, clinical predictors for the different modes of deaths.METHODS: Patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in a four-hospital institution between 2000 and 2010 were identified. During a follow-up of 929±1082 days (median 456, interquartile 10-1584), 1253 deaths were recorded (yearly rate 5.5%).RESULTS: Cardiovascular deaths accounted for 54% and non-cardiovascular in 43%. The three main causes of death were heart failure (29%), infection (18%) and cancer (12%). Fatal stroke or fatal bleeding each accounted for 7% of all deaths. On multivariate analysis, the strongest predictors of death were permanent atrial fibrillation, heart failure (whether with decreased or with preserved ejection fraction), previous bleeding and renal failure, which were independently associated with an increase in the risk of all cause mortality (35%, 78%, 42% and 79% respectively), cardiovascular mortality (43%, 129%, 46% and 93%) and non-cardiovascular mortality (21%, 45%, 40% and 50%). Oral anticoagulant use was independently associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio[HR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.71, pCONCLUSIONS: The majority of deaths were related to a cardiovascular origin and heart failure was the most common cause of death in atrial fibrillation patients. Despite the high risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation, only 7% died from stroke. Optimization of management of any underlying heart disease and associated comorbidities should be a relevant therapeutic target to reduce total mortality in atrial fibrillation patients.

International audience; Despite the increasingly high rate of implantation of pacemakers (PM) and cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) in elderly patients, data supporting their clinical and cost-effectiveness in this age stratum are ambiguous and contradictory. We reviewed the data regarding the applicability, safety, and effectiveness of the conventional pacing, ICD and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in elderly patients. Although peri-procedural risk may be slightly higher in the elderly, the procedure of implantation of PMs and ICDs is still relatively safe in this age group. In older patients with sinus node disease, a general consensus is that dual chamber pacing, along with the programming of an algorithm to minimise ventricular pacing is preferred. In very old patients presenting with intermittent or suspected AV block, VVI pacing may be appropriate. In terms of correcting potentially life-threatening arrhythmias, the effectiveness of ICD therapy is comparable in older and younger individuals. However, the assumption of persistent ICD benefit in the elderly population is questionable, as any advantage of the device on arrhythmic death may be attenuated by a higher total non-arrhythmic mortality. While septuagenarians and octogenarians have higher annual all-cause mortality rates, ICD therapy may remain effective in selected patients at high risk of arrhythmic death and with minimum comorbidities despite advanced age. ICD implantation among the elderly, as a group, may not be cost-effective, but the procedure may reach cost-effectiveness in those expected to live >5-7 years after implantation. The elderly patients usually experience a significant functional improvement after CRT, similar to that observed in middle-aged patients. Management of CRT non responders remains globally the same, while considering a less aggressive approach in terms of re interventions (revision of LV lead placement, addition of a RV or LV lead, LV endocardial pacing configuration). Overall, age, comorbidities and comprehensive geriatric assessment should be the decisive factor in making a decision on device implantation selection for survival and well-being benefit in elderly patients.

Introduction Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) was initially developed to treat patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, many patients with heart failure have a widened QRS but neither left-BBB nor right-BBB; this is called non-specific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD). It is unclear whether CRT is effective in this subgroup of patients. Methods and analysis The NICD-CRT study is a prospective, double-blind, randomised (1:1), parallel-arm, multicentre trial comparing the effects of CRT in patients with heart failure, a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation, the available evidence from clinical trial data are inconclusive. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the use of DESs versus bare-metal stents (BMSs) in a consecutive real-world cohort of patients with AF. Of 8,962 unselected patients with AF seen in our institution from 2000 through 2010, 833 (9%) had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation. BMSs were used for 678 patients (81%) and DESs for 155 (19%). During follow-up (median 688 days, interquartile range 1,114), all bleeding episodes, thromboembolism, and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; i.e., death, acute myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization) were recorded. Incidence of MACEs was similar in the 2 groups as was incidence of all-cause mortality. Results remained similar even after adjustment for age and other confounding factors. Factors independently associated with an increased risk of MACEs were older age (hazard ratio 1.024, 95% confidence interval 1.004 to 1.044, p = 0.02), implantation of stent during acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (hazard ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.10 to 2.99, p = 0.02), and stent diameter (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.18, p = 0.03). Implantation of DESs was not significantly associated with a higher risk of major bleeding and we observed a similar ratio of serious events at follow-up after DES compared to BMS implantation. In conclusion, in our cohort, systematic use of DESs does not seem to be justified in most patients with AF because it was not associated with any clear advantage compared to BMSs.

Aims Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are efficient in reducing mortality in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. High-rate cut-off programming may be effective in reducing appropriate and inappropriate therapies, but as the long-term consequences on morbidity and mortality remain unclear, it is underutilized. Methods and results We prospectively studied 365 consecutive patients (mean age 60 ± 10 years), with ischaemic (63%) or non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction (mean ejection fraction 25 ± 7%), who were implanted with an ICD in primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (41% single chamber, 31% dual chamber, and 28% biventricular). All devices were programmed with a shock-only zone over 220 beats per minute (b.p.m.) and a monitoring zone between 170 and 220 b.p.m. During a median follow-up of 40 months, 41 patients received appropriate shocks (11.2%) and 24 inappropriate shocks (6.6%). Then, 306 patients never experienced any ICD shock (84%). Inappropriate discharges were related to supraventricular tachyarrhythmia in 10 patients, and noise/oversensing in 14 patients. Ventricular tachycardia episodes, sustained or not, were recorded in the monitoring zone in 43 patients (11.8%). Seven of these patients were symptomatic (1.9%), without lethal consequence. Sixty-two patients (17%) died: 35 from end-stage heart failure, 1 from unexplained sudden death, and 26 from a documented non-cardiac cause. Conclusion High-rate cut-off (220 b.p.m.) shock-only ICD programming, in primary prevention patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, appeared to be safe during a long-term follow-up. It also resulted in a very low rate of discharges, which are known to be deleterious in this population.

Recent results from the Danish trial call into question the benefits of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in primary prevention for patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), considering that a majority of these well-treated

Background Myotonic dystrophy (MD1) is a hereditary autosomal dominant disease with variable penetrance. Cardiac conduction disturbances are frequent and may be responsible for sudden death, but its progression was heretofore unknown. Aims The aim of the study was to analyse the natural history of infrahissian conduction time in patients with a normal first electrophysiological test, and to identify the predictive value of the clinical and ECG factors accompanying an alteration of infrahissian conduction. Methods Among 127 consecutive screened MD patients, 25 were enrolled and underwent a second electrophysiological testing. The second electrophysiological test was carried out on patients showing new symptoms, new atrioventricular conduction disturbances on ECG, or significant modifications of signal-averaged (SA)-ECG, and on asymptomatic patients with a follow-up of at least 60 months since the first electrophysiological test. Results Among the 25 patients, four had new clinical symptoms, four others developed new atrioventricular conduction abnormalities on ECG and six had significant modifications of the SA-ECG. The mean His-ventricle (HV) interval increased significantly between the two electrophysiological studies (initial HV interval 52.1 ms±1.6 ms, final HV interval 61.4 ms±2.2 ms, p

Myotonic dystrophy is the most frequent adult form of hereditary muscular dystrophy caused by a mutation on the DMPK gene. Myotonic dystrophy leads to multiple systemic complications related to weakness, respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac conduction disturbances. Age of death is earlier in myotonic dystrophy patients than in general population with a high frequency of sudden death. Several mechanisms are involved in sudden death: atrio-ventricular block, severe ventricular arrhythmias or non-cardiac mechanism. The high degree of atrio-ventricular block is a well-recognized indication of pacemaker implantation but the prophylactic implantation of pacemaker should be considered to prevent sudden death in asymptomatic myotonic dystrophy patients. A careful clinical evaluation needs to be done for the identification of patients at high risk of sudden death. The resting ECG and SA ECG are non-invasive tools useful to select the patients who need an electrophysiologic study. In presence of prolonged HV interval more than or equal to 70 ms one can discuss the implantation of a prophylactic pacemaker. The choice of an implantable cardiac defibrillator is preferred in presence of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia or an alteration of the left ventricular ejection fraction.