Prior atrial fibrillation episodes were associated with conduction slowing throughout both atria (14.9% vs. 12.8%; p<0.001) and more severe conduction disorders at Bachmann's bundle.
Observational (n=447)
Does underlying heart disease or prior atrial fibrillation impact intra-atrial conduction heterogeneity during sinus rhythm?
Prior atrial fibrillation, but not the type of underlying heart disease, is associated with increased intra-atrial conduction heterogeneity and severe conduction disorders at Bachmann's bundle.
Absolute Event Rate: 14.9% vs 12.8%
p-value: p=<0.001
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of various underlying heart diseases (UHDs) and prior atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes on conduction heterogeneity. BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether intra-atrial conduction during sinus rhythm differs between various UHD or is influenced by AF episodes. METHODS: Epicardial sinus rhythm mapping of the right atrium, Bachmann's bundle (BB), left atrium and pulmonary vein area was performed in 447 participants (median age: 67 interquartile range (IQR): 59 to 73 years) with or without AF undergoing cardiac surgery for ischemic heart disease, (ischemic and) valvular heart disease, or congenital heart disease. Conduction times (CTs) were defined as Δ local activation time between 2 adjacent electrodes and used to assess frequency (CTs ≥ 4 ms) and magnitude of conduction disorders (in increments of 10 ms). RESULTS: When comparing the 3 types of UHD, there were no differences in frequencies and magnitude of CTs at all locations (p ≥ 0.017 and p ≥ 0.005, respectively). Prior AF episodes were associated with conduction slowing throughout both atria (14.9% IQR: 11.8 to 17.0 vs. 12.8% IQR: 10.9 to 14.6; p < 0.001). At BB, CTs with magnitudes ≥30 ms were more common in patients with AF (n = 56.2% vs. n = 36.0%; p < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: UHD has no impact on the frequency and severity of conduction disorders. AF episodes are associated with more conduction disorders throughout both atria and with more severe conduction disorders at BB. The next step will be to determine the relevance of these conduction disorders for AF development and maintenance.
Heida et al. (Tue,) conducted a observational in Underlying heart diseases and atrial fibrillation (n=447). Prior atrial fibrillation episodes vs. No prior atrial fibrillation episodes was evaluated on Conduction slowing throughout both atria (p=<0.001). Prior atrial fibrillation episodes were associated with conduction slowing throughout both atria (14.9% vs. 12.8%; p<0.001) and more severe conduction disorders at Bachmann's bundle.