Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Cardiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2025) | Viewed by 1136

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Internal Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: cardiology; clinical cardiac electrophysiology; ventricular arrhythmias
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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Clinical Internal Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: atrial fibrillation; catheter ablation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Medicina, entitled "Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation," addresses the pressing need for the prompt identification and management of atrial fibrillation (AF), a prevalent and significant form of cardiac arrhythmia. AF is characterized by irregular and often rapid heart rates that increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other severe cardiovascular complications. The early diagnosis of AF is crucial in preventing these adverse outcomes and improving patient prognosis.

This Special Issue brings together cutting-edge research and expert reviews on the latest diagnostic advancements, including the use of wearable technology, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, and novel biomarkers that enhance the early detection of AF. Additionally, it explores innovative treatment modalities such as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which offer safer and more effective anticoagulation therapy, and catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that can significantly reduce AF recurrence. The role of lifestyle modifications and comprehensive patient education in managing AF is also emphasized, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to treatment.

By presenting a thorough examination of these advancements, this Special Issue aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to implement early diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life for those affected by atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Carlo Lavalle
Guest Editor

Dr. Nicola Pierucci
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • atrial fibrillation
  • remote monitoring
  • atrial cardiomyopathy
  • anticoagulants
  • catheter ablation
  • biomarkers
  • wearable device
  • imaging techniques
  • tailored therapy

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

11 pages, 467 KiB  
Article
An Evaluation of Neuron-Specific Enolase as a Biomarker of Neurological Impact in Pacemaker-Implanted Patients with Atrial High-Rate Episodes: An Observational Study from Turkey
by Ahmet Cinar, Omer Gedikli, Muhammet Uyanik, Bahattin Avci and Ozlem Terzi
Medicina 2025, 61(2), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020324 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 746
Abstract
Background and Objectives: An atrial high-rate episode (AHRE) is defined according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines as a heart rate of ≥175 bpm lasting at least 5 min. This study aimed to evaluate whether neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels, an indicator [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: An atrial high-rate episode (AHRE) is defined according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines as a heart rate of ≥175 bpm lasting at least 5 min. This study aimed to evaluate whether neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels, an indicator of neurological impact, could serve as a surrogate biomarker for silent neurological ischemia in patients with atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs). Materials and Methods: Patients with AHRE detected in a pacemaker analysis and a control group without any arrhythmias were included. Patients with AHRE were divided into subgroups according to AHRE duration—Group 1: AHRE < 5 min, Group 2: AHRE ≥ 5 min–<1 h, Group 3: AHRE ≥ 1 h–<24 h, Group 4: AHRE ≥ 24 h. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were measured using a double-antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a sensitivity of 0.05 ng/mL. Imaging techniques were not employed in this study, and NSE was used as an indirect measure of potential neurological impact. Results: There were 160 patients, including 80 (50.0%) in the AHRE group and 80 (50.0%) in the control group. According to AHRE duration, there were 24 (30.0%) patients in Group 1, 33 (41.2%) in Group 2, 19 (23.8%) in Group 3, and 4 (5.0%) in Group 4. Patients with AHRE had statistically significant differences in age, sPAP, transmitral E/A ratio, and NSE levels. The mean NSE levels of all groups were significantly different (p < 0.001). A correlation analysis in patients with AHRE showed a very strong positive correlation between AHRE duration and NSE values as well as correlations with age, virtual CHA2DS2-VASc score, and LA diameter. NSE levels were positively correlated with AHRE duration and LA diameter. AHRE duration was an independent predictor of elevated NSE levels. Conclusions: It was shown that AHRE is associated with silent neurological ischemia and that NSE levels can be used to demonstrate these neurological effects. Future studies can contribute to the development of more effective treatment strategies based on these findings by investigating the neurological effects of AHRE in more detail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation)
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