The AI-ECG probability of atrial fibrillation progressively increased from 19.8% at 2-5 years prior to the first episode to 34.0% at 0-3 months prior, and reached 42.2% at 2-5 years after (P<0.001).
Cohort (n=59,212)
How does the AI-ECG probability of atrial fibrillation change before and after the first documented AF episode in adults?
AI-ECG probability of AF progressively increases years prior to the first clinical episode, suggesting its utility in early detection and monitoring of latent AF.
p-value: p=<0.001
Abstract Aims Artificial intelligence (AI) enabled electrocardiography (ECG) can detect latent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with sinus rhythm (SR). However, the change of AI-ECG probability before and after the first AF episode is not well characterized. We sought to characterize the temporal trend of AI-ECG AF probability around the first episode of AF. Methods and results We retrospectively studied adults who had at least one ECG in SR prior to an ECG that documented AF. An AI network calculated the AF probability from ECGs during SR (positive defined 8.7%, based on optimal sensitivity and specificity). The AI-ECG probability was reported prior to and after the first episode of AF and stratified by age and CHA2DS2-VASc score. Mixed effect models were used to assess the rate of change between time points. A total of 59 212 patients with 544 330 ECGs prior to AF and 413 486 ECGs after AF were included. The mean time between the first positive AI-ECG and first AF was 5.4 ± 5.7 years. The mean AI-ECG probability was 19.8% 2–5 years prior to AF, 23.6% 1–2 years prior to AF, 34.0% 0–3 months prior to AF, 40.9% 0–3 months after AF, 35.2% 1–2 years after AF, and 42.2% 2–5 years after AF (P 0.001). The rate of increase prior to AF was higher for age 50 years CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥4. Conclusion The AI-ECG probability progressively increases with time prior to the first AF episode, transiently decreases 1–2 years following AF and continues to increase thereafter.
Christopoulos et al. (Mon,) conducted a cohort in Atrial fibrillation (n=59,212). Time relative to first atrial fibrillation episode was evaluated on Mean AI-ECG probability of atrial fibrillation (p=<0.001). The AI-ECG probability of atrial fibrillation progressively increased from 19.8% at 2-5 years prior to the first episode to 34.0% at 0-3 months prior, and reached 42.2% at 2-5 years after (P<0.001).