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Aims Randomized data on the efficacy/safety of cardiac resynchronization therapy with vs. without defibrillator (CRT-D,-P) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are scarce. We aimed to evaluate survival associated with use of CRT-D vs. CRT-P in a contemporary cohort with HFrEF. Methods and results Patients from Swedish HF Registry treated with CRT-D/CRT-P and fulfilling criteria for primary prevention defibrillator use were included. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of CRT-D non-use. All-cause mortality was compared in CRT-D vs. CRT-P by Cox regression in a 1 : 1 propensity-score-matched cohort. Of 1988 patients with CRT, 1108 (56%) had CRT-D and 880 (44%) CRT-P. Older age, higher ejection fraction (EF), female sex, and the lack of referral to HF nurse-led outpatient clinic were major determinants of CRT-D non-use. After matching, 645 CRT-D patients were compared with 645 with CRT-P. The CRT-D use was associated with lower 1- and 3-year all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR):0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.58–0.98; HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.99, respectively]. Results were consistent in all pre-specified subgroups except for CRT-D use being associated with lower 3-year mortality in patients with an EF Conclusion In a contemporary HFrEF cohort, CRT-D was associated with lower mortality compared with CRT-P. The CRT-D use was less likely in older patients, females, and in patients not referred to HF nurse-led outpatient clinic. Our findings support the use of CRT-D vs. CRT-P in HFrEF, in particular with severely reduced EF.

Aims Iatrogenic cardiac tamponades are a rare but dreaded complication of invasive electrophysiology procedures (EPs). Their long-term impact on clinical outcomes is unknown. This study analysed the risk of death or serious cardiovascular events in patients suffering from EP-related cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis during long-term follow-up. Methods and results Out of 19 997 invasive EPs at the Karolinska University Hospital between January 1998 and September 2018, all patients with EP-related periprocedural cardiac tamponade were identified (n = 60) and matched (1:3 ratio) to a control group (n = 180). After a follow-up of 5 years, the composite primary endpoint — death from any cause, acute myocardial infarction, transitory ischaemic attack (TIA)/stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure — occurred in significantly more patients in the tamponade than in the control group [12 patients (20.0%) vs. 19 patients (10.6%); hazard ratio (HR) 2.53 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.15–5.58); P = 0.021]. This was mainly driven by a higher incidence of TIA/stroke in the tamponade than in the control group [HR 3.75 (95% CI 1.01–13.97); P = 0.049]. Death from any cause, acute myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure did not show a significant difference between the groups. Hospitalization for pericarditis occurred in significantly more patients in the tamponade than in the control group [HR 36.0 (95% CI 4.68–276.86); P = 0.001]. Conclusion Patients with EP-related cardiac tamponade are at higher risk for cerebrovascular events during the first 2 weeks and hospitalization for pericarditis during the first months after index procedure. Despite the increased risk for early complications tamponade patients have a good long-term prognosis without increased risk for mortality or other serious cardiovascular events.

Aims To analyse 90-day mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients after a stroke or a severe bleed and assess associations with the type of antithrombotic treatment at the event. Methods and results From the Stockholm Healthcare database, we selected 6017 patients with a known history of AF who were diagnosed with ischaemic stroke, 3006 with intracranial haemorrhage, and 4291 with a severe gastrointestinal bleed (GIB). The 90-day mortality rates were 25.1% after ischaemic stroke, 31.6% after intracranial haemorrhage, and 16.2% after severe GIB. We used Cox regression and propensity score-matched analyses to test the association between antithrombotic treatment at the event and 90-day mortality. After intracranial haemorrhage, there was a significantly higher mortality rate in warfarin compared to non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC)-treated patients [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.78]. After an ischaemic stroke and a severe GIB, patients receiving antiplatelets or no antithrombotic treatment had significantly higher mortality rates compared to patients on NOACs, but there was no difference comparing warfarin to NOACs (aHR 0.84, CI 0.63–1.12 after ischaemic stroke, aHR 0.91, CI 0.66–1.25 after severe GIB). Propensity score-matched analysis yielded similar results. Conclusion Mortality rates were high in AF patients suffering from an ischaemic stroke, an intracranial haemorrhage, or a severe GIB. NOAC treatment was associated with a lower 90-day mortality after intracranial haemorrhage than warfarin.

Background/Introduction Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a complication risk. It is common practice to monitor patients overnight post-procedurally which is resource craving. Purpose To evaluate the incidence of procedural complications related to catheter ablation of AF to assess the potential feasibility and safety of same day discharge in a large cohort. Methods We performed an analysis of prospectively collected data of complications of all patients staying overnight after undergoing AF ablation between 2001 and 2020 at a tertiary centre. By studying medical records, we analysed complications occurring intraprocedurally until six hours post-ablation, and between six hours post-ablation until discharge the day after ablation procedure (up to 24 hours post-procedure). Results In 5414 AF ablations we identified a total of 108 (2.0%) major complications occurring intraprocedural or until discharge the day after procedure. Most major complications occurred early and were detected intraprocedurally or within six hours after completed procedure (n=96, 1.8%). Twelve (0.2%) major complications occurred between six hours post-ablation and until discharge the day after procedure. The most common of these were congestive heart failure (n=6) and transient ischemic attack (TIA, n=4). In addition, there were 61 (1.1%) minor complications which occurred in this time span. Factors independently associated with major complications intraprocedurally or within 24 hours were age (p=0.046), body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 (p=0.009), significant valvular disease (p=0.001), cardiomyopathy (p Conclusion Very few complications occurred between six hours and until discharge after ablation of atrial fibrillation. Therefore, same-day discharge may be a safe option for a large proportion of patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Region Stockholm funding

Background Many patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) experience severe or disabling symptoms and suffer from impaired quality of life (QoL). AF symptoms are often not sufficiently alleviated by current treatments. Symptom preoccupation (fear of AF episodes, hypervigilance towards cardiac symptoms, worry about complications, avoidance of physical and social activities) plays an important role in AF disability and can be targeted by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating internet-delivered CBT in patients with AF. Methods We randomized patients to 10 weeks of CBT or routine care with AF-education (EDU) only. Inclusion criteria were ECG documented paroxysmal AF (≥1 episode/month); AF-care according to ESC guidelines; symptoms ≥EHRA IIb. Exclusion criteria were recent or planned ablation and severe medical or psychiatric illness. CBT was delivered over the internet by clinical psychologists. Main components were exposure to cardiac-related physical sensations and reduction of AF-related avoidance behavior. Patients were evaluated at baseline, post-CBT and 3 months (3M) post-CBT. The primary endpoint was AF-specific QoL (AFEQT) at 3M. Secondary endpoints were symptom preoccupation (CAQ), symptom frequency (SCL), symptom severity (SCL), general QoL (WHODAS) and AF-specific healthcare (AFSS) (abbreviations: see table legend). AF burden was measured by 5-day continuous ECG recording. After 3M, patients in the EDU group were offered CBT. The CBT group was further evaluated at 6M and 12M. Results 127 patients (age 65.4±8.3; 58% female; AF duration 5.6±6.1 years) were randomized to CBT (n=65) or EDU (n=62). CBT significantly improved AF-specific QoL. The AFEQT score was 62.5±16.7 at baseline and increased by 21.0 in the CBT group compared to 6.0 in the EDU group resulting in an 15.0 points improvement (95% CI: 10.1–19.8; P Conclusion Internet delivered CBT significantly improved AF-specific QoL in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF already receiving routine AF care. The magnitude of QoL improvement was comparable to that obtained in recent rhythm control trials and the effects were sustained over 12 months. AF-specific CBT delivered via the internet has the potential to improve the well-being of a large group of patients who do not sufficiently improve from current treatment methods. Our data support the integration of psychological evaluation and treatment in a multifactorial approach to AF management. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The study was supported by grants from theSwedish Research Council (2016-01379), RegionStockholm (ALF project). Change in AFEQT score over study periodBetween group improvements

Background Electrical cardioversion (ECV) is routinely used to restore sinus rhythm in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation. The European guidelines have been updated in recent years. Current information on differences in the risk for stroke after acute versus elective ECV is lacking. Methods And Results All patients with a first‐time acute or elective ECV in the Stockholm regional health care data warehouse from 2011 to 2018 were included. Cox regression analyses were performed evaluating ischemic or unspecified stroke within 30 days after ECV with adjustments for the CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score, medical treatment, and year of inclusion. The study included 9139 patients, 3094 after acute and 6045 after elective ECV. The mean age was 65.9±11.3 years, 69.5% were men, and the mean CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score was 2.4±1.7. Before the intervention, 49.6% of patients with an acute ECV and 96.4% of those with an elective ECV had claimed an oral anticoagulant prescription. Ischemic or unspecified stroke occurred in 26 (0.28%) patients within 30 days. The unadjusted risk was higher after acute compared with elective ECV (hazard ratio [HR], 2.29; 95% CI, 1.06–4.96), whereas there was no difference after multivariable adjustments (adjusted HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.36–2.72). Both non–vitamin K oral anticoagulants (adjusted HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08–0.98) and warfarin (adjusted HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05–0.53) were associated with a lower risk for stroke compared with no anticoagulation. Conclusions Acute ECV was associated with a higher unadjusted risk for stroke than elective ECV, but the risk was similar after adjustment for anticoagulant treatment. This study indicates the importance of anticoagulation before ECV according to recent European guidelines.

Aim Data on ablation for atypical recurrent atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) and long-term follow-up are generally sparse. Furthermore, the rate of recurrence and safety of cryoablation for atypical AVNRT has not been established. We compared patients cryoablated for atypical AVNRT and typical AVNRT during long-term follow-up. Methods All patients (n = 2612) who underwent catheter ablation for AVNRT at the Karolinska University Hospital between January 2009 and August 2019 were analyzed. A total of 91 patients undergoing first-time cryoablation for atypical AVNRT were included. A control group with first-time cryoablation for typical AVNRT was matched in a 1:1 ratio. Patients were followed-up for recurrences for a median of 5.0 years (interquartile range: 3.1-7.5 years). Results After 5 years, AVNRT recurrence occurred in 10 patients (11.0%) in the atypical AVNRT group and in 8 patients (8.8%) in the typical AVNRT group (hazard ratio: 1.31 [95% confidence interval: 0.52-3.32]; p = 0.568). The duration of the index procedure was significantly longer for atypical compared to typical AVNRT ablation (132.1 ± 49.2 min vs. 110.1 ± 38.8 min; p = 0.001). Transient AV blocks occurred in a similar fashion in the atypical compared to typical group (11 [12.1%] vs. 4 [4.9%]; p = 0.103). However, no ablation induced persistent AV block developed in either group. Conclusion Cryoablation for atypical AVNRT showed similar rate of recurrences and safety compared to typical AVNRT during long-term follow-up.

IntroductionSudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and can be prevented by the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Currently, risk stratification for SCD and decision on ICD implantation are based solely on impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, this strategy leads to over- and under-treatment of patients because LVEF alone is insufficient for accurate assessment of prognosis. Thus, there is a need for better risk stratification. This is the study protocol for developing and validating a prediction model for risk of SCD in patients with prior MI.Methods and AnalysisThe EU funded PROFID project will analyse 23 datasets from Europe, Israel and the US (∼225,000 observations). The datasets include patients with prior MI or ischemic cardiomyopathy with reduced LVEFEthics and disseminationLocal ethical approval was obtained. The final model will be disseminated through scientific publications and a web-calculator. Statistical code will be published through open-source repositories.

PURPOSE: We evaluated whether the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) pandemic was associated with changes in the pattern of acute cardiovascular admissions across European centers.METHODS: We set-up a multicenter, multinational, pan-European observational registry in 15 centers from 12 countries. All consecutive acute admissions to emergency departments and cardiology departments throughout a 1-month period during the COVID-19 outbreak were compared with an equivalent 1-month period in 2019. The acute admissions to cardiology departments were classified into 5 major categories: acute coronary syndrome, acute heart failure, arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, and other.RESULTS: Data from 54,331 patients were collected and analyzed. Nine centers provided data on acute admissions to emergency departments comprising 50,384 patients: 20,226 in 2020 compared with 30,158 in 2019 (incidence rate ratio [IRR] with 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.66 [0.58-0.76]). The risk of death at the emergency departments was higher in 2020 compared to 2019 (odds ratio [OR] with 95% CI: 4.1 [3.0-5.8], P < 0.0001). All 15 centers provided data on acute cardiology departments admissions: 3007 patients in 2020 and 4452 in 2019; IRR (95% CI): 0.68 (0.64-0.71). In 2020, there were fewer admissions with IRR (95% CI): acute coronary syndrome: 0.68 (0.63-0.73); acute heart failure: 0.65 (0.58-0.74); arrhythmia: 0.66 (0.60-0.72); and other: 0.68(0.62-0.76). We found a relatively higher percentage of pulmonary embolism admissions in 2020: odds ratio (95% CI): 1.5 (1.1-2.1), P = 0.02. Among patients with acute coronary syndrome, there were fewer admissions with unstable angina: 0.79 (0.66-0.94); non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: 0.56 (0.50-0.64); and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: 0.78 (0.68-0.89).CONCLUSION: In the European centers during the COVID-19 outbreak, there were fewer acute cardiovascular admissions. Also, fewer patients were admitted to the emergency departments with 4 times higher death risk at the emergency departments. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Inc.

The authors stopped a case of left atrial appendage occlusion because of miscolored brownish devices. The investigation demonstrated that devices may show a range of colors from a typical blue to a brownish hue, depending on oxide layer thickness, and this does not appear to have any impact on the performance of the device. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.), Central Illustration

Aims The clinical effectiveness of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy is under debate. The EUropean Comparative Effectiveness Research to Assess the Use of Primary ProphylacTic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (EU-CERT-ICD) aims to assess its current clinical value. Methods and results The EU-CERT-ICD is a prospective investigator-initiated non-randomized, controlled, multicentre observational cohort study performed in 44 centres across 15 European Union countries. We will recruit 2250 patients with ischaemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and a guideline indication for primary prophylactic ICD implantation. This sample will include 1500 patients at their first ICD implantation and 750 patients who did not receive a primary prevention ICD despite having an indication for it (non-randomized control group). The primary endpoint is all-cause mortality; the co-primary endpoint in ICD patients is time to first appropriate shock. Secondary endpoints include sudden cardiac death, first inappropriate shock, any ICD shock, arrhythmogenic syncope, revision procedures, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. At baseline (and prior to ICD implantation if applicable), all patients undergo 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter ECG analysis using multiple advanced methods for risk stratification as well as detailed documentation of clinical characteristics and laboratory values. Genetic biobanking is also organized. As of August 2018, baseline data of 2265 patients are complete. All subjects will be followed for up to 4.5 years. Conclusions The EU-CERT-ICD study will provide a necessary update about clinical effectiveness of primary prophylactic ICD implantation. This study also aims for improved risk stratification and patient selection using clinical and ECG risk markers.

ObjectiveIt is not fully understood whether and how socioeconomic status (SES) has a prognostic impact in patients with heart failure (HF). We assessed SES and its association with patient characteristics and outcomes in a contemporary and well-characterised HF cohort.MethodsSocioeconomic risk factors (SERF) were defined in the Swedish HF Registry based on income (low vs high according to the annual median value), education level (no degree/compulsory school vs university/secondary school) and living arrangement (living alone vs cohabitating).ResultsOf 44 631 patients, 21% had no, 33% one, 30% two and 16% three SERF. Patient characteristics strongly and independently associated with lower SES were female sex and no specialist referral. Additional independent associations were older age, more severe HF, heavier comorbidity burden, use of diuretics and less use of HF devices. Lower SES was associated with higher risk of HF hospitalisation/mortality, and overall cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular events. These associations persisted after extensive adjustment for patient characteristics, treatments and care. The magnitude of the association increased linearly with the increasing number of coexistent SERF: HR (95% CI) 1.09 (1.05 to 1.13) for one, 1.16 (1.12 to 1.20) for two and 1.22 (1.18 to 1.28) for three SERF (pConclusionsIn a contemporary and well-characterised HF cohort and after comprehensive adjustment for confounders, lower SES was linked with multiple factors such as less use of HF devices and age, but most strongly with female sex and lack of specialist referral; and associated with greater risk of morbidity/mortality.

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 triggers an immune response with local inflammation in the lung, which may extend to a systemic hyperinflammatory reaction. Excessive inflammation has been reported in severe cases with respiratory failure and cardiovascular complications. In addition to the release of cytokines, referred to as cytokine release syndrome or “cytokine storm,” increased pro-inflammatory lipid mediators derived from the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) arachidonic acid may cause an “eicosanoid storm,” which contributes to the uncontrolled systemic inflammation. Specialized pro-resolving mediators, which are derived from omega-3 PUFA, limit inflammatory reactions by an active process called resolution of inflammation. Here, the rationale for omega-3 PUFA supplementation in COVID-19 patients is presented along with a brief overview of the study protocol for the trial “Resolving Inflammatory Storm in COVID-19 Patients by Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids - A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility study” (COVID-Omega-F). EudraCT: 2020-002293-28; clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04647604.

Contains fulltext : 238765.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) With the global increase in device implantations, there is a growing need to train physicians to implant pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Although there are international recommendations for device indications and programming, there is no consensus to date regarding implantation technique. This document is founded on a systematic literature search and review, and on consensus from an international task force. It aims to fill the gap by setting standards for device implantation.

Aims Iatrogenic cardiac tamponades are a rare but dreaded complication of invasive electrophysiology procedures (EPs). Their long-term impact on clinical outcomes is unknown. This study analyzed the risk of death or serious cardiovascular events in patients suffering from EP related cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis during long-term follow-up. Methods and results Out of 19997 invasive EPs at our university hospital between January 1998 and September 2018, all patients with EP related periprocedural cardiac tamponade were identified (n=60) and matched (1:3 ratio) to a control group (n=180). After a follow-up of 5 years, the composite primary end point - death from any cause, acute myocardial infarction, TIA/stroke and hospitalization for heart failure – occurred in significantly more patients in the tamponade than in the control group (12 patients (20.0%) vs 19 patients (10.6%); Hazard ratio (HR) 2.53 (95% CI, 1.15–5.58); p=0.021). This was mainly driven by a higher incidence of TIA/stroke in the tamponade than in the control group (HR 3.75 (95% CI, 1.01–13.97); p=0.049). Death from any cause, acute myocardial infarction and hospitalization for heart failure did not show a significant difference between the groups. Hospitalization for pericarditis occurred in significantly more patients in the tamponade than in the control group (HR 36.0 (95% CI, 4.68–276.86); p=0.001). Conclusion Patients with EP related cardiac tamponade are at higher risk for cerebrovascular events during the first two weeks and hospitalization for pericarditis during the first months after index procedure. Despite the increased risk for early complications tamponade patients have a good long-term prognosis without increased risk for mortality or other serious cardiovascular events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): German Research Foundation

Background Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are often aimed at the culprit vessel in acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) followed by revascularisation of other stenoses later in the index hospitalisation or shortly after discharge. PCI delay of non-culprit coronary vessels stenoses is supported by lower contrast fluid use and thrombocyte aggregation. Distinct coronary interventions increase the risk of both non- and coronary artery complications, e.g. acute abdominal and periphery artery bleeding, suggesting undertaking all PCIs at the same time. Purpose To assess the effect on mortality and re-myocardial infarction (MI) of immediate versus staged revascularisation in multivessel coronary disease, with the latter constrained to initial PCI of the culprit coronary vessel. Methods The syntax of “randomised controlled trial (RCT) & acute coronary syndrome & complete revascularisation” was undertaken in PubMed. Clinical characteristics were gathered at the index hospitalisation. The intervention scenario was acute coronary syndrome or not. Meta-analyses calculated relative risk (RR) reductions on outcomes of 1) mortality and 2) re-MI. Meta-regression assessed linear difference between interventional treatment benefits and baseline characteristics. Results A total of 148 studies was found. Of those, 8 was found eligible for further analyses and their baseline characteristics are shown in Table 1. Comparison of immediate versus staged revascularisation on mortality was nonsignificant (RR, 1.19; 95% CI: 0.78–1.81, p=0.43) (Figure 1). The impact of Immediate vs staged revascularisation on re-MI was also nonsignificant (RR, 0.83; 95% CI: 0.44–1.55, p=0.56). Meta-regression found no associations between the outcomes and study characteristics (not shown). Conclusion The intervention of immediate compared to staged revascularisation assessed on outcomes of all-cause mortality and re-MI were nonsignificant. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Aim To investigate the association of sinus heart rate pre- and post-ablation and recurrence rates in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Methods Between January 2012 and December 2017, data of 482 patients undergoing their first pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) were included. All patients were followed-up for 12 months and were screened for any atrial tachyarrhythmia. Sinus heart rate measurements were recorded before (PRE), directly post ablation (POST) and 3 months post ablation (3M). Results In the total study population, the mean resting sinus heart rate at PRE (mean 57.9 bpm (95% CI, 57.1–58.7 bpm)) increased by over 10 bpm to POST (mean 69.4 bpm (95% CI, 68.5–70.3 bpm); p Conclusion Our study confirms the impact of PVI on cardiac autonomic function with a significant heart increase post-ablation. A heart rate ≥60bpm at 3M and a heart rate change ≥11 bpm (PRE to 3M) are associated with a favorable outcome in terms of recurrences. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): German Research Foundation

Cryoablation (CRYO) of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent atrial flutter (AFL) has been shown to be non-inferior to radiofrequency ablation (RF) in terms of ablation success and is associated with less pain. However, procedural time has been significantly longer with CRYO compared to RF. A possible explanation for this could be that operators had less experience with CRYO than with RF. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that in the hands of experienced operators, cryoablation of CTI-dependent AFL is effective with procedure-time similar to what is reported for RF.This prospective 2-center study included 184 patients with CTI-dependent AFL - median age 66 years (range 28-83), 159 men (86%). Cryoablation was performed using a 9 F, 8 mm tip catheter (Freezor MAX, Medtronic, Inc, MN, USA). Ablation endpoint was bidirectional CTI-block. Pain was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-10). All operators had experience of at least 25 previous CTI-ablations with CRYO.The acute success rate was 89%. Procedural time including an observation period of 30 min, was 115 ± 36 min which is similar to procedural times for RF in previous studies. Fluoroscopy time was 11 ± 9 min. Cryoablation was perceived as almost pain- free by the patients, VAS (mean) 1.8 ± 1.2. Success rate at 12-month follow-up (FU) was 88% in patients with primary success. No major adverse events occurred.Cryoablation of CTI-dependent AFL is effective, with a low level of procedure-related pain. In experienced hands, the procedure time in this prospective non-randomised trial seems to be in the level of reported procedure times for RF. The long-term relapse rate appears to be higher than for RF.

Symptoms attributable to arrhythmias are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Cardiologists and sport physicians are required to identify high-risk individuals harbouring such conditions and provide appropriate advice regarding participation in regular exercise programmes and competitive sport. The three aspects that need to be considered are: (a) the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias by participating in sports; (b) control of symptoms due to arrhythmias that are not life-threatening but may hamper performance and/or reduce the quality of life; and (c) the impact of sports on the natural progression of the underlying arrhythmogenic condition. In many cases, there is no unequivocal answer to each aspect and therefore an open discussion with the athlete is necessary, in order to reach a balanced decision. In 2006 the Sports Cardiology and Exercise Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology published recommendations for participation in leisure-time physical activity and competitive sport in individuals with arrhythmias and potentially arrhythmogenic conditions. More than a decade on, these recommendations are partly obsolete given the evolving knowledge of the diagnosis, management and treatment of these conditions. The present document presents a combined effort by the Sports Cardiology and Exercise Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology and the European Heart Rhythm Association to offer a comprehensive overview of the most updated recommendations for practising cardiologists and sport physicians managing athletes with supraventricular arrhythmias, and provides pragmatic advice for safe participation in recreational physical activities, as well as competitive sport at amateur and professional level. A companion text on recommendations in athletes with ventricular arrhythmias, inherited arrhythmogenic conditions, pacemakers and implantable defibrillators is published as Part 2 in Europace.

Objective: The preferential sites for focal atrial tachycardia (FAT) are mainly in the right atrium in both sexes. However, a limited number of studies have indicated that sex differences in the localization of FAT. This study investigated possible sex differences in the distribution of FAT in a large cohort of patients referred for ablation. Methods: From 2004 to 2019, 487 patients (298 women) were referred to our institution for ablation of FAT. A standard electrophysiological study was conducted, and isoproterenol or atropine was given when needed. Conventional catheter mapping, electroanatomic contact mapping, and noncontact mapping were used to assess the origin of ectopic atrial tachycardia. Results: Overall, 451 foci were successfully ablated in 436 patients (90%). Although the foci located along the crista terminalis were more common in women than in men (42% vs. 29%; p=0.023), the opposite were found in the foci located along the tricuspid annulus (5% vs. 11%; p=0.032) and the right atrial appendage (RAA) (1% vs. 3%; p=0.032). Other locations were similarly distributed in men and women. In addition, the presence of persistent FAT was more frequent in men than in women (22% vs. 5%; p

BACKGROUND: A small proportion of patients undergoing primary prophylactic implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) experiences malignant arrhythmias. We postulated that periodic repolarisation dynamics, a novel marker of sympathetic-activity-associated repolarisation instability, could be used to identify electrically vulnerable patients who would benefit from prophylactic implantation of ICDs by way of a reduction in mortality. METHODS: We did a prespecified substudy of EUropean Comparative Effectiveness Research to Assess the Use of Primary ProphylacTic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (EU-CERT-ICD), a prospective, investigator-initiated, non-randomised, controlled cohort study done at 44 centres in 15 EU countries. Patients aged 18 years or older with ischaemic or non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (≤35%) were eligible for inclusion if they met guideline-based criteria for primary prophylactic implantation of ICDs. Periodic repolarisation dynamics from 24-h Holter recordings were assessed blindly in patients the day before ICD implantation or on the day of study enrolment in patients who were conservatively managed. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Propensity scoring and multivariable models were used to assess the interaction between periodic repolarisation dynamics and the treatment effect of ICDs on mortality. FINDINGS: Between May 12, 2014, and Sept 7, 2018, 1371 patients were enrolled in our study. 968 of these patients underwent ICD implantation, and 403 were treated conservatively. During follow-up (median 2·7 years [IQR 2·0-3·3] in the ICD group and 1·2 years [0·8-2·7] in the control group), 138 (14%) patients died in the ICD group and 64 (16%) patients died in the control group. We noted a 43% reduction in mortality in the ICD group compared with the control group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0·57 [95% CI 0·41-0·79]; p=0·0008). Periodic repolarisation dynamics significantly predicted the treatment effect of ICDs on mortality (adjusted p=0·0307). The mortality benefits associated with ICD implantation were greater in patients with periodic repolarisation dynamics of 7·5 deg or higher (n=199; adjusted HR 0·25 [95% CI 0·13-0·47] for the ICD group vs the control group; p

Background Anticoagulation treatment reduces the risk of stroke but increases the risk of bleeding in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. There is little data on survival after a stroke or a severe bleed. Objective To analyze 90-day mortality in AF patients after an ischemic stroke, an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or a gastrointestinal bleed (GIB) and assess associations with the type of antithrombotic treatment preceding the event. Methods From the Stockholm Healthcare database (n=2.3 million inhabitants) we selected all AF patients suffering from an ischemic stroke, an intracranial bleed, or a severe GIB requiring acute hospital care between July 2011 and August 2018 and assessed 90-day mortality rates. We assessed current use of warfarin, non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC), or antiplatelet agents at the time of the event. We used a Cox regression to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs), adjusting for components of the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the CHADsVASc score, the HAS-BLED score, comedication, and year of inclusion, for the association between treatment preceding the event and mortality. In addition, we performed log-rank tests in propensity score matched cohorts. Results Of 105 313 patients with AF, 6 017 were included after an ischemic stroke, 3 006 after an ICH, and 4 291 after a GIB. 90-day mortality rates were 25.1%, 31.6% and 16.2%, respectively. Patients suffering from an ischemic stroke were the oldest at 81.6±9.8 (S.D:) years of age followed by patients suffering from an ICH (80.2±9.8 years) or a GIB (78.7±10.5 years). A large proportion of patients suffering ischemic stroke (72%) had no anticoagulant treatment preceding the event. After ICH, there was a significantly increased risk of mortality in warfarin compared to NOAC treated patients after adjusting for confounders (aHR: 1.36 CI: 1.04–1.78). Patients receiving antiplatelets or no treatment had significantly higher mortality rates than patients on NOAC treatment, both after an ischemic stroke and a GIB, but there was no significant difference between warfarin and NOACs (aHR 0.84 CI: 0.63–1.12 after ischemic stroke, aHR 0.91 CI: 0.66–1.25 after GIB). Propensity score matched analyses yielded similar results. Survival curves after event Conclusion Mortality rates are high in AF patients suffering from an ischemic stroke, an ICH, or a GIB. NOAC treatment was associated with a lower 90-day mortality after ICH than warfarin, but no such difference was found after ischemic stroke or GIB. After ischemic stroke and GIB, mortality rates were higher in antiplatelet treated and untreated patients compared to NOAC treated patients. Acknowledgement/Funding Swedish Heart Lung Foundation

Background Trastuzumab and anthracyclines are conventional chemotherapies used in breast cancer. Unfortunately, they are associated with a decrease in left ventricular function potentially leading to heart failure (HF). In order to prevent this, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assess the preventive effect of concomitant beta-blocker (BB), angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) therapy during chemotherapy. Purpose To assess the preventive effect of BB, ARB or ACEIs on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during trastuzumab and anthracycline treatment in patients without HF. Methods Our primary outcomes were the effect of BBs or ARB/ACEIs during 1) trastuzumab and 2) anthracycline treatment. Secondary outcomes were the distinct effects of 1) BBs and 2) ARB/ACEIs in either trastuzumab or anthracycline treatments. Through the search term “(RCTs), prevention, cancer chemotherapy and cardiotoxicity” in PubMed, studies were selected, excluding those without randomising to a BB, ARB/ACEI and a placebo control group during chemotherapy. Means of the LVEF and the standard deviation (SD) post-chemotherapy were applied. Meta-analyses estimated the standardised mean difference (SMD) in the LVEF. Heterogeneity was calculated as the I2. Results A total of 7 studies (Table 1) were included in the analysis. Between 93 and 100% were woman. Age varied from 41 to 51 years. Treatment time varied from 12 to 52 weeks. Concomitant BB or ARB/ACEI therapy during trastuzumab treatment was not associated with the LVEF, significantly (Fig. 1A; p=0.07). Oppositely, in the anthracycline regime the LVEF remained significant higher in the concomitant BB and ARB/ACEI groups as compared to controls (Fig. 1B). BB and ARB/ACEI separation in the analysis showed both to influence the LVEF positively independent of chemotherapy (P=0.03 & p=0.005). Table 1 Study reference Year Chemotherapies Preventive drugs Pituskin et al., “Multidisciplinary Approach to Novel Therapies in Cardio-Oncology Research (MANTICORE 101-Breast): A Randomized Trial for the Prevention of Trastuzumab-Associated Cardiotoxicity.” 2017 Trastuzumab Perindopril. bisoprolol Gulati et al., “Prevention of Cardiac Dysfunction during Adjuvant Breast Cancer Therapy (PRADA).” 2016 Trastuzumab Candesartan, metoprolol Boekhout et al., “Angiotensin II-Receptor Inhibition With Candesartan to Prevent Trastuzumab-Related Cardiotoxic Effects in Patients With Early Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” 2016 Trastuzumab Candesartan Janbabai et al., “Effect of Enalapril on Preventing Anthracycline-Induced Cardiomyopathy.” 2017 Anthracycline Enalapril Nabati et al., “Cardioprotective Effects of Carvedilol in Inhibiting Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity.” 2017 Anthracycline Carvedilol Tashakori Beheshti et al., “Carvedilol Administration Can Prevent Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial.” 2016 Anthracycline Carvedilol Kaya et al., “Protective Effects of Nebivolol against Anthracycline-Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Randomized Control Study.” 2013 Anthracycline Nebivolol Figure 1 Conclusions Concomitant BB and ARB/ACEI therapy both favoured maintenance of the LVEF during trastuzumab and anthracyclines regimens as compared to controls.

Background Troponin levels may be elevated after long-distance running, probably due to increased membrane permeability of cardiomyocytes. It is believed that elevated troponin post exercise, in contrast to acute coronary syndromes, normalize within 24 (−48) hours. This phenomenon has been mainly studied in young and elite athletes. However, participation in endurance exercise is increasingly popular among elderly and recreational sportsmen. Purpose To assess troponin levels in master athletes before and up to 7 days after long-distance running. Method We studied 97 participants (56 males and 41 females, matched for age) in the world's largest cross-country race (30 km, Lidingöloppet). They were ≥45 years (53±5 years). Baseline evaluation included a physical exam, blood pressure, BMI, NT-proBNP and an ECG. Blood tests were taken at baseline, immediately after as well as 1d, 4d and 7d after the race, including high sensitive troponin T (TnT), creatinine and high sensitive CRP. Elevated TnT was defined as ≥15 ng/l. Results After the race TnT had increased from 5±3 ng/l at baseline to 46±32 ng/l (range 11–180; p Conclusion TnT is elevated in the vast majority of male and female master athletes after participation in a 30 km cross country race. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that TnT levels can be still significantly elevated four days after endurance running. Prolonged TnT values above the diagnostic threshold for myocardial infarction were predominantly seen in males. Our findings are relevant to the clinical management of patients with increased troponin values after endurance exercise. Acknowledgement/Funding Hjärt och lungfonden (Swedish heart- and lung fund). Governmental grants.

Background Daily body weight (BW) is a mainstay in the management of patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Guidelines recommend to take action if BW increases more than 2kg within 3 days. However, the evidence behind the 2kg/3d rule is unclear and studies have shown poor diagnostic performance of this algorithm. Purpose To assess the diagnostic value of different BW thresholds and time intervals to alert for imminent HF decompensation. Methods We studied 184 patients with HF (age 71±10 yr, EF 26±11%). 43% had been hospitalized for HF during the preceding year. They were assessed by daily BW using digital scales with direct data transfer to a central data base. The mean follow-up was 286 days. To decrease day-to-day variability, BW was analysed based on a daily moving average over 3 days. We retrospectively calculated the sensitivity and false-positive rate of BW thresholds at 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 kg and time intervals between 2 and 30 days. Threshold crossings occurring within 30 days prior to a hospitalization for decompensated HF were deemed a positive alert. Results The sensitivity of 2kg/3d was poor (13%). Prolonging the time interval of weight changes markedly improved sensitivity. Increasing the weight threshold decreased the false positive rate. Greatest sensitivity (60%) was achieved using a 14 day interval at a weight threshold of 1.5 kg. However, this was associated with a high rate of false alerts (3.1 per patient/year). A weight threshold of 3.5 kg resulted in excellent specificity (0.3 false alerts per patient/year), however sensitivity was low (20%, 20 day time interval). Conclusion Monitoring daily BW using a 2kg/3d algorithm is associated with poor diagnostic performance. Generally, by analyzing stable trends over time (moving average) and using prolonged time intervals, BW monitoring with digital scales can achieve a clinically meaningful diagnostic performance. This new approach to BW monitoring may improve early detection of imminent HF decompensation.

AIMS: Therapy with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is established for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in high risk patients. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of primary prevention ICD therapy by analysing registry data from 14 centres in 11 European countries compiled between 2002 and 2014, with emphasis on outcomes in women who have been underrepresented in all trials. METHODS AND RESULTS: Retrospective data of 14 local registries of primary prevention ICD implantations between 2002 and 2014 were compiled in a central database. Predefined primary outcome measures were overall mortality and first appropriate and first inappropriate shocks. A multivariable model enforcing a common hazard ratio for sex category across the centres, but allowing for centre-specific baseline hazards and centre specific effects of other covariates, was adjusted for age, the presence of ischaemic cardiomyopathy or a CRT-D, and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤25%. Of the 5033 patients, 957 (19%) were women. During a median follow-up of 33 months (IQR 16-55 months) 129 women (13%) and 807 men (20%) died (HR 0.65; 95% CI: [0.53, 0.79], P-value

The objective of this pilot study was to describe the impact of paced heart rate on left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony in synchronous compared to dyssynchronous pacing modes in patients with heart failure.Echocardiography was performed in 14 cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patients at paced heart rates of 70 and 90 bpm in synchronous- (CRT), and dyssynchronous (atrial pacing + wide QRS activation) pacing modes. LV dyssynchrony was quantified using the 12-segment standard deviation model (Ts-SD) derived from Tissue Doppler Imaging. In addition, cardiac cycle intervals were assessed using cardiac state diagrams and stroke volume (SV) and filling pressure were estimated.Ts-SD decreased significantly with CRT at 90 bpm (25 ± 12 ms) compared to 70 bpm (35 ± 15 ms, p = .01), but remained unchanged with atrial pacing at different paced heart rates (p = .96). The paced heart rate dependent reduction in Ts-SD was consistent when Ts-SD was indexed to average Ts and systolic time interval. Cardiac state diagram derived analysis of cardiac cycle intervals demonstrated a significant reduction of the pre-ejection interval and an increase in diastole with CRT compared to atrial pacing. SV was maintained at the higher paced heart rate with CRT pacing but decreased with atrial pacing.Due to the small sample size in this pilot study general and firm conclusions are difficult to render. However, the data suggest that pacing at higher heart rates acutely reduces remaining LV dyssynchrony during CRT, but not during atrial pacing with dyssynchronous ventricular activation. These results need confirmation in a larger patient cohort.

Background Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) reduces sympathetic activity in animal models of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF) but limited data exist of SCS in patients with HF. The aim of the present study was to test the primary hypothesis that SCS reduces cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in HF patients. Secondary hypotheses were that SCS improves left ventricular function and dimension, exercise capacity, and clinical variables relevant to HF. Methods HF patients with a SCS device previously participating in the DEFEAT-HF trial were included in this crossover study with 6-week intervention periods (SCS-ON and SCS-OFF). SCS (50 Hz, 210-μs pulse duration, aiming at T2–T4 segments) was delivered for 12 hours daily. Indices of myocardial sympathetic neuronal function (heart-to-mediastinum ratio, HMR) and activity (washout rate, WR) were assessed using 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. Echocardiography, exercise testing, and clinical data collection were also performed. Results We included 13 patients (65.3 ± 8.0 years, nine males) and MIBG scintigraphy data were available in 10. HMR was not different comparing SCS-ON (1.37 ± 0.16) and SCS-OFF (1.41 ± 0.21, P = 0.46). WR was also unchanged comparing SCS-ON (41.5 ± 5.3) and SCS-OFF (39.1 ± 5.8, P = 0.30). Similarly, average New York Heart Association class (2.4 ± 0.5 vs 2.3 ± 0.6, P = 0.34), quality of life score (24 ± 16 vs 24 ± 16, P = 0.94), and left ventricular dimension and function as well as exercise capacity were all unchanged comparing SCS-ON and SCS-OFF. Conclusion In patients with HF, SCS (12 hours daily, targeting the T2–T4 segments of the spinal cord) does not appear to influence cardiac sympathetic neuronal activity or function as assessed by MIBG scintigraphy.

Aims The transseptal approach is used for left atrial access during the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) and other left-sided arrhythmia substrates. Transseptal puncture (TP) is commonly performed with fluoroscopic guidance, contrast injection, and pressure monitoring. In many centres, additional techniques [intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE), radiofrequency needle] are used to facilitate TP but its use adds costs. In this retrospective study, we studied the safety and complication rate when TP was routinely done with fluoroscopic guidance, contrast injection, and pressure monitoring using ICE or TEE only in selected cases. Methods and results This study analysed 4690 consecutive TP performed between 2000 and 2015: 3408 (72.6%) were ablation of AF, left-sided atrial flutter, or left-sided atrial tachycardia (non-AP group); 1153 (24.6%) were ablation of left-sided accessory pathway, AP group; and 129 (2.8%) were ablation of ventricular tachycardia. Transseptal puncture was done under fluoroscopy, pressure monitoring, and commonly using contrast media injection. In 27 procedures, ICE or TEE was used to guide the TP. We found 34 tamponades (Tx) that required pericardial drainage of which 28 (0.59%) could possibly be TP related and six could not. The total complication rate for all Tx was 0.72%. A higher rate of tamponades was observed in the AF (non-AP) group than in the AP group (0.88 vs. 0.17%, P

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is increasingly used in heart failure treatment and management of these patients imposes significant challenges. Remote monitoring is becoming essential for CRT follow-up and allows close surveillance of device function and patient condition. It is helpful to reduce clinic visits, increase device longevity and provide early detection of device failure. Clinical effects include prevention of appropriate and inappropriate shocks and early detection of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. For modification of heart failure the addition of monitoring to CRT by means of device-based multiparameters may help to modify disease progression and improve survival.

Background: Most randomized trials on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) use for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction enrolled patients >20 years ago. We investigated the association between ICD use and all-cause mortality in a contemporary heart failure with reduced ejection fraction cohort and examined relevant subgroups. Methods: Patients from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry fulfilling the European Society of Cardiology criteria for primary-prevention ICD were included. The association between ICD use and 1-year and 5-year all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality was assessed by Cox regression models in a 1:1 propensity score–matched cohort and in prespecified subgroups. Results: Of 16 702 eligible patients, only 1599 (10%) had an ICD. After matching, 1305 ICD recipients were compared with 1305 nonrecipients. ICD use was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality risk within 1 year (hazard ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.60–0.90]) and 5 years (hazard ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.78–0.99]). Results were consistent in all subgroups including patients with versus without ischemic heart disease, men versus women, those aged Conclusions: In a contemporary heart failure with reduced ejection fraction population, ICD for primary prevention was underused, although it was associated with reduced short- and long-term all-cause mortality. This association was consistent across all the investigated subgroups. These results call for better implementation of ICD therapy.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the adult population. AF is associated with a poor quality of life (QoL) and, in many patients, current medical treatments are inadequate in alleviating AF symptoms (eg, palpitations). Patients often present with symptom preoccupation in terms of symptom fear, avoidance, and control behaviors. Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy is effective for treating other somatic disorders but has never been evaluated in patients with AF. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of AF-specific internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy. Methods We conducted an uncontrolled pilot study in which 19 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF underwent internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy. Participants completed self-assessments at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at a 6-month follow-up along with handheld electrocardiogram measurements with symptom registration. The treatment lasted 10 weeks and included exposure to physical sensations, reduction in avoidance behavior, and behavioral activation. Results We observed large within-group improvements in the primary outcome, AF-specific QoL (Cohen d=0.80; P Conclusions This study presents preliminary evidence for the potential efficacy and feasibility of a novel approach in treating patients with symptomatic AF with internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02694276; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02694276

Aims Symptom severity assessed by NYHA functional class and QRS duration are essential criteria for selection of heart failure (HF) patients for CRT. This study assessed the relationship between NYHA class, QRS duration, and survival in a nationwide HF registry. Methods and results We studied 13 423 patients with HF in NYHA class II–IV and LVEF

Background Decompensation is frequent in heart failure (HF) patients and predicts poor prognosis. Hypothesis Volume-overload events in HF patients are preceded by changes in intrathoracic impedance (Z) and body weight (BW); monitoring these parameters may be useful to predict decompensation. Methods Forty-three HF patients (LVEF 25% ± 12%) with a recent HF event and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator providing daily Z were equipped with telemonitoring scales submitting daily BW. Changes in BW and Z 30 days prior to major (HF hospitalization) and minor (ambulatory adjustment of diuretics) were analyzed. Results During median of 427 days follow-up 25 major and 41 minor events occurred. Z decreased by −4.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: CI −6.7 to −3.0) and −4.3 (95% CI: −5.5 to −3.2) within 30 days prior to major and minor events respectively (P

Aims Implantable device telemonitoring (DTM) is a diagnostic adjunct to traditional face-to-face hospital visits. Remote device follow-up and earlier diagnoses facilitated by DTM should reduce healthcare utilization. We explored whether DTM reduces healthcare utilization over standard of care (SoC), without compromising patient outcomes. Methods and results This systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials on DTM in patients with heart failure consisted of 5702 patients, with a median of 117 [interquartile range (IQR) 76–331] patients per study [age 65 years (IQR 63–67)] and follow-up range of 12–36 months. DTM was associated with a reduction in total number of visits [planned, unplanned, and emergency room (ER)] [relative risk (RR) 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43–0.73, P < 0.001]. Rates of cardiac hospitalizations (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.82–1.12, P = 0.60) and the composite endpoints of ER, unplanned hospital visits, or hospitalizations (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.68–1.43, P = 0.96) was similar between the DTM and the SoC groups. An increase in the total number of ER or unscheduled visits (RR 1.37; 95% CI 1.11–1.70, P = 0.004) was observed. This effect was consistent and statistically significant for all studies. Total and cardiac mortality were similar between the groups (DTM RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.69–1.16, P = 0.41; and DTM RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.51–1.69, P = 0.80). Monetary costs favoured DTM (10–55% reduction in five studies). Conclusions Compared with SoC, DTM is associated with a marked reduction in planned hospital visits. In addition, DTM was associated with lower monetary costs, despite a modest increase in unplanned hospital and ER visits. DTM did not compromise survival.

Aims: To investigate the significance of early recurrence (ER) of atrial tachyarrhythmias after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) on the development of late recurrence (LR) and to redefine the blanking period during which an ER is considered nonspecific. Methods: Data of 713 patients undergoing their first PVI for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation between January 2012 and December 2017 were included. All patients were followed-up for 12 months according to clinical and outpatient routine and were screened for any atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting >30 seconds occurring during the first 3 months postablation (ER) and after the 3 months blanking period (LR). Results: Patients with ER compared to those without ER had significantly more LR (74.5% vs 16.5% vs, P

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death may be underused in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Aim was to investigate predictors of ICD non-use in a contemporary HFrEF cohort. Patients from the Swedish Heart Failure

Remote monitoring (RM) has become a new standard of care in the follow-up of patients with implantable pacemakers and defibrillators. While it has been consistently shown that RM enables earlier detection of clinically actionable events compared with traditional in-patient evaluation, this advantage did not translate into improved patient outcomes in clinical trials of RM except one study using daily multiparameter telemonitoring in heart failure (HF) patients. Therefore, this review, focusing on RM studies of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators in patients with HF, discusses possible explanations for the differences in trial outcomes. Patient selection may play an important role as more severe HF and concomitant atrial fibrillation have been associated with improved outcomes by RM. Furthermore, the technical set-up of RM may have an important impact as a higher level of connectivity with more frequent data transmission can be linked to better outcomes. Finally, there is growing evidence as to the need of effective algorithms ensuring a fast and well-structured clinical response to the events detected by RM. These factors re-emphasize the potential of remote management of device patients with HF and call for continued clinical research and technical development in the field.

Background and Purpose— The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of improved antithrombotic treatment in atrial fibrillation after the introduction of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants on the incidence of stroke and bleeding in a real-life total population, including both primary and secondary care. Methods— All resident and alive patients with a recorded diagnosis for atrial fibrillation during the preceding 5 years in the Stockholm County Healthcare database (Vårdanalysdatabasen) were followed for clinical outcomes during 2012 (n=41 008) and 2017 (n=49 510). Results— Pharmacy claims for oral anticoagulants increased from 51.6% to 73.8% (78.7% among those with CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc ≥2). Non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant claims increased from 0.4% to 34.4%. Ischemic stroke incidence rates decreased from 2.01 per 100 person-years in 2012 to 1.17 in 2017 (incidence rate ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.52–0.65). The largest increases in oral anticoagulants use and decreases in ischemic strokes were seen in patients aged ≥80 years who had the highest risk of stroke and bleeding. The incidence rates for major bleeding (2.59) remained unchanged (incidence rate ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.92–1.09) even in those with a high bleeding risk. Poisson regression showed that 10% of the absolute ischemic stroke reduction was associated with increased oral anticoagulants treatment, whereas 27% was related to a generally decreased risk for all stroke. Conclusions— Increased oral anticoagulants use contributed to a marked reduction of ischemic strokes without increasing bleeding rates between 2012 and 2017. The largest stroke reduction was seen in elderly patients with the highest risks for stroke and bleeding. These findings strongly support the adoption of current guideline recommendations for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation in both primary and secondary care.

Current optimization of atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular (VV) intervals in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is time consuming and subject to noise. We aimed to prove the principle that the best hemodynamic effect of CRT is achieved by cancelation of opposing electrical forces, detectable from the QRS morphology in the 3D vectorcardiogram (VCG). Different degrees of left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) pre-excitation were induced, using variation in AV intervals during LV pacing in 20 patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and variation in VV intervals during biventricular pacing in 18 patients with complete AV block or atrial fibrillation. The smallest QRS vector area identified stimulation intervals with minimal systolic stretch (median difference [IQR] 20 ms [-20, 20 ms] and maximal hemodynamic response (10 ms [-20, 40 ms]). Reliability of VCG measurements was superior to hemodynamic measurements. This study proves the principle that VCG analysis may allow easy and reliable optimization of stimulation intervals in CRT patients.

Aims To test the hypothesis that acute increased biventricularly (BiV) paced heart rate (pHR) results in decreased muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and that dyssynchronous pacing (AAI) attenuates this effect, in heart failure patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Methods and results Fourteen CRT patients (NYHA II–III, 12 males, mean EF 28 ± 14%) were recruited. Three different pHRs (50–90 b.p.m.) were randomly programmed in BiV- and AAI-pacing modes. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (total sympathetic nerve activity/min (units) and number of bursts/100 RR) were recorded from the peroneal nerve using a microelectrode. In addition, cardiac output (CO) and mean blood pressure (mBP) were measured. With BiV pacing, the total MSNA/min was lower at 70 b.p.m. (−7 ± 21%, P = 0.18) and 90 b.p.m. (−29 ± 18%, P = 0.01) compared with at 50 b.p.m. (280 ± 180 U). Similarly, bursts/100RR decreased with increased BiV pHR. Cardiac output (3.7 L/min at 50 b.p.m., +12 ± 12% at 70 b.p.m., and +18 ± 19% at 90 b.p.m.) and mBP (78 ± 11 mmHg at 50 b.p.m., +6 ± 6% at 70 b.p.m. and +11 ± 8% at 90 b.p.m.) increased significantly at elevated pHRs in BiV-pacing mode. The effect on MSNA, CO, and mBP was less pronounced in AAImode but we found no significant differences between the pacing modes. Conclusion Increased pHR acutely reduces MSNA and improves haemodynamics in HF patients treated with CRT with no evident differences between BiV- and AAI-pacing modes. Further studies are warranted to guide the programming of basic pHR in CRT patients.

When, in October 1958, the Swedish patient Arne Larsson was expected to die in a desperate scenario of progressive atrioventricular (AV) conduction block with accelerating Stokes-Adams attacks and resuscitation attempts, a team of courageous scientists ventured to implant a pacemaker device to

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Patients often experience a range of symptoms resulting in a markedly reduced quality of life, and commonly show symptom preoccupation in terms of avoidance and control behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been shown to improve symptom burden and quality of life in other somatic disorders, but has never been evaluated in patients with AF. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy and feasibility of an AF-specific CBT protocol in an uncontrolled pilot study. The study included 19 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal (intermittent) atrial fibrillation who were assessed pre- and posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up. The CBT lasted 10 weeks and included exposure to physical sensations similar to AF symptoms, exposure to avoided situations or activities, and behavioral activation. We observed large within-group improvements on the primary outcome AF-specific quality of life measurement AFEQT posttreatment (Cohen's d = 1.54; p < . 001) and at 6-month follow-up (d = 1.15; p < . 001). We also observed improvements in self-reported frequency and severity of AF symptoms. All participants completed the treatment and treatment satisfaction was high. This study demonstrates the potential efficacy and feasibility of a novel CBT approach to reduce symptoms and increase quality of life in AF patients.