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Keywords = new onset atrial fibrillation

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16 pages, 544 KiB  
Article
Cardiovascular Events and Preoperative Beta-Blocker Use in Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Holter-Based Analysis
by Alexandru Cosmin Palcău, Liviu Ionuț Șerbanoiu, Livia Florentina Păduraru, Alexandra Bolocan, Florentina Mușat, Daniel Ion, Dan Nicolae Păduraru, Bogdan Socea and Adriana Mihaela Ilieșiu
Medicina 2025, 61(7), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61071300 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The perioperative use of beta-blockers remains controversial due to conflicting evidence of their risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between chronic beta-blocker (bb) therapy and perioperative cardiac events in non-cardiac surgeries using [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The perioperative use of beta-blockers remains controversial due to conflicting evidence of their risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between chronic beta-blocker (bb) therapy and perioperative cardiac events in non-cardiac surgeries using 24 h continuous Holter monitoring. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing elective or emergency non-cardiac surgery at a Romanian tertiary care hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: G1 (not receiving Bb) and G2 (on chronic Bb). The incidences of perioperative cardiac events, such as severe bradycardia (<40 b/min), new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), extrasystolic arrhythmia (Ex), and sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) and arterial hypotension, were compared between the two groups using clinical, electrocardiography (ECG), and Holter ECG data. Beta-blocker indications, complications, and outcomes were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression. Results: A total of 100 consecutive patients (63% men, mean age of 53.7 years) were enrolled in the study. G2 included 30% (n = 30) of patients on chronic beta-blocker therapy. The indications included atrial fibrillation (46.7%, n = 14), arterial hypertension (36.7%, n = 11), extrasystolic arrhythmias (10%, n = 3), and chronic coronary syndrome (6.6%, n = 2). Beta-blocker use was significantly associated with severe bradycardia (n = 6; p < 0.001) in G2, whereas one patient in G1 had bradycardia, and 15 and 1 patients had hypotension (p < 0.001) in G1 and G2, respectively. The bradycardia and arterial hypotension cases were promptly treated and did not influence the patients’ prognoses. The 14 patients with AF in G2 had a 15-fold higher odds of requiring beta-blockers (p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 15.145). No significant associations were found between beta-blocker use and the surgery duration (p = 0.155) or sustained ventricular tachycardia (p = 0.857). Ten patients developed paroxysmal postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), which was related to longer surgery durations (165 (150–180) vs. 120 (90–150) minutes; p = 0.002) and postoperative anemia [hemoglobin (Hg): 10.4 (9.37–12.6) vs. 12.1 (11–13.2) g/dL; p = 0.041]. Conclusions: Patients under chronic beta-blocker therapy undergoing non-cardiac surgery have a higher risk of perioperative bradycardia and hypotension. Continuous Holter monitoring proved effective in detecting transient arrhythmic events, emphasizing the need for careful perioperative surveillance of these patients, especially the elderly, in order to prevent cardiovascular complications These findings emphasize the necessity of tailored perioperative beta-blocker strategies and support further large-scale investigations to optimize risk stratification and management protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease)
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16 pages, 1361 KiB  
Review
Cardiovascular Remodeling and Potential Controversies in Master Endurance Athletes—A Narrative Review
by Othmar Moser, Stefan J. Schunk, Volker Schöffl, Janis Schierbauer and Paul Zimmermann
Life 2025, 15(7), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071095 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 550
Abstract
While the interest and participation in general endurance training and recreational sports competitions have continuously increased in recent decades, the number of recreational master-level endurance athletes has additionally multiplied. Athletes, active men and women older than 40 years of age, who participate in [...] Read more.
While the interest and participation in general endurance training and recreational sports competitions have continuously increased in recent decades, the number of recreational master-level endurance athletes has additionally multiplied. Athletes, active men and women older than 40 years of age, who participate in competitive athletics are usually referred to by the term master athletes (MAs). Previous research revealed the significant benefits of regular moderate physical activity, i.e., its positive influence on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular health; however, recent data have raised concerns that long-term endurance exercise participation is associated with cardiac remodeling and potential adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Previous research also indicated potential structural, functional, and electrical remodeling in MAs due to prolonged and repeated exposure to high-intensity endurance exercise—a condition known as athlete’s heart. In this review, we focus on the association between extreme levels of endurance exercise and potential cardiovascular controversies, such as arrhythmogenesis due to new-onset atrial fibrillation, accelerated coronary artery atherosclerosis, and exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. Additionally, the exercise-dependent modulation of immunological response, such as proteomic response and cytokine alterations, is discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of nutritional supplements in MAs and their potential benefits and harmful interactions. We aim to provide sports medicine practitioners with knowledge of these contemporary longevity controversies in sports cardiology and to highlight the importance of shared decision making in situations of clinical uncertainty. Full article
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9 pages, 920 KiB  
Article
Characterisation of Ventricular Nucleotide Metabolism and Clinical Predictors Associated with the Onset of Atrial Fibrillation Following Cardiac Surgery
by Daniel Paul Fudulu, Arnaldo Dimagli, Marco Moscarelli, Rahul Kota, Tim Dong, Marco Gemelli, Manraj Sandhu, Saadeh Suleiman and Gianni D. Angelini
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4777; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134777 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 396
Abstract
Introduction: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after heart surgery, adversely impacting clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. Little is known about the dynamics of nucleotide metabolism associated with the development of POAF at a ventricular level. We conducted a post hoc [...] Read more.
Introduction: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after heart surgery, adversely impacting clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. Little is known about the dynamics of nucleotide metabolism associated with the development of POAF at a ventricular level. We conducted a post hoc trial analysis to investigate the changes in ventricular adenine nucleotides and the clinical predictors associated with the development of AF. Methods: Using data from a randomised trial, we analysed ATP/ADP, ATP/AMP, and energy charges in left and right ventricular biopsies of patients who developed AF compared to non-AF patients. A logistic regression model was used to understand the predictors associated with the development of atrial fibrillation in this cohort. Results: We analysed adenine nucleotide levels available in 88 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n = 65) and aortic valve replacement (AVR) (n = 23), out of which 27 (31%) developed a new onset of AF. Seventeen (43.4%) patients in the CABG group and ten (26.15%) in the AVR group developed AF. The patients who developed postoperative AF had longer cross-clamp times for CABG (p = 0.013) and AVR (p = 0.002). The most significant predictors for AF development were age (p = 0.003) and cross-clamp time (p = 0.012). In patients undergoing CABG who developed AF, we found a significant drop in post-reperfusion ATP/ADP and ATP/AMP ratios compared to pre-reperfusion. This was not significant for the patients who underwent AVR. Furthermore, the patients who underwent CABG and developed AF had higher pre- and post-reperfusion ATP/ADP ratios and energy charges than non-AF patients, suggesting a higher reserve of cardiac nucleotides. Conclusions: The development of postoperative atrial fibrillation is associated with intraoperative changes in the ventricular adenine nucleotide metabolism of patients undergoing CABG. In the clinical analysis, age and cross-clamp time were significant predictors of AF development. Full article
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15 pages, 1186 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Anticoagulation After Cardioversion in New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and Low Thromboembolic Risk: A Real-World International Investigation
by Alan Poggio, Andrew P. Sullivan, Lorenzo Rampa, Jason G. Andrade and Matteo Anselmino
Medicina 2025, 61(7), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61071200 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 545
Abstract
Background and Objectives: International guidelines differ on short-term (4-week) oral anticoagulation (OAC) indication after acute cardioversion for recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF < 12–48 h) in low-risk patients (CHA2DS2-VA = 0). While Canadian and Chinese guidelines recommend OAC for [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: International guidelines differ on short-term (4-week) oral anticoagulation (OAC) indication after acute cardioversion for recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF < 12–48 h) in low-risk patients (CHA2DS2-VA = 0). While Canadian and Chinese guidelines recommend OAC for all, European, Australian and New Zealand, and American guidelines state that such treatment is optional due to the absence of high-quality evidence supporting its indication in this specific scenario. This study aimed to assess physicians’ management of a simple clinical case at an international level, focusing on how they balance ischemic and bleeding risks in a setting lacking any strong evidence-based recommendations. Materials and Methods: Six different AF guidelines were evaluated regarding the recommendation for and scientific evidence justifying short-term OAC in this specific setting. Following review, an international questionnaire was developed with Google Forms 2024 (Mountain View, CA, USA) and circulated among physicians working in the fields of cardiology, internal medicine, intensive care unit, geriatrics, and emergency medicine at 17 centres in Italy, France, and Canada. Results: A total of 78 responses were obtained. Younger physicians and cardiologists appeared to administer OAC more frequently compared to older physicians or those working in other specialties (95% CI Fisher’s Exact Test p = 0.049 and 0.029, respectively). Significant differences were observed in the use of periprocedural imaging, with transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) prior to cardioversion being performed more often in Europe vs. Canada (p = 0.006) and in long-term rhythm control, with first-line pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) being offered more frequently by European cardiologists (p = 0.013). No statistically significant association was found regarding guideline adherence for OAC administration (p = 0.120). Conclusions: The real-world antithrombotic management of low-risk (CHA2DS2-VA = 0), acutely cardioverted AF patients varies significantly among different healthcare systems. Particularly in cardiology departments, reducing the time limit for safely not prescribing OAC to < 12 h, ensuring local access to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and considering regional stroke risk profiles, as well as actively preventing haemorrhage in patients receiving short-term OAC could all limit cardioversion-related complications in this low-risk population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges and Prospects in Clinical Cardiology and Angiology)
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16 pages, 2383 KiB  
Article
Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Prevents New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and Improves Echocardiographic Parameters Compared with Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients with Bradyarrhythmias
by Adrian-Ionuț Ungureanu, Georgică Târtea, Eugen Țieranu, Cristina Elena Negroiu, Gianina Cristiana Moise, Radu Mitruț, Victor Raicea, Radu-Gabriel Vătășescu and Paul Mitruț
Biomedicines 2025, 13(6), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13061374 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 626
Abstract
Background/Objectives:Pacing treatment of bradyarrhythmias is both to reduce symptoms and to prevent syncope and sudden cardiac death. The aim of our study was to analyze left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) in the prevention of new-onset AF and the improvement of echocardiographic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives:Pacing treatment of bradyarrhythmias is both to reduce symptoms and to prevent syncope and sudden cardiac death. The aim of our study was to analyze left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) in the prevention of new-onset AF and the improvement of echocardiographic parameters in patients with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared to patients with bradyarrhythmias but preserved LVEF who underwent mid-septal right ventricular pacing. Methods: This research was structured as a retrospective observational cohort study that included 186 patients with LBBAP and 186 patients with RVP, enrolled for 3 years until March 2024 with a follow-up time of 1 year. The primary endpoint of our study was new-onset atrial fibrillation after pacemaker implantation. The secondary endpoint was the improvement of echocardiographic parameters. Results: We observed in the LBBAP group a mean QRS complex duration of 108.7 ± 8.83 ms (after pacemaker implantation), compared to a much longer duration in the RVP group (143.8 ± 9.851 ms, p = <0.0001). At 1 year of follow-up, 22 (11.82%) patients in the RVP group were diagnosed with new-onset atrial fibrillation, compared to 6 (3.22%) patients out of 186 included in the LBBAP group (p = 0.0017). Regarding LVEF, at follow-up, RVP patients had a decrease in LVEF compared to those in the LBBAP group who had an improved LVEF (54.54 ± 3.77%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: LBBAP both prevents the onset of atrial fibrillation and improves echocardiographic parameters, especially left ventricular ejection fraction, thus contributing to significantly reducing the risk of developing/worsening advanced heart failure through pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Full article
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17 pages, 270 KiB  
Article
Thromboembolic Episodes in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Without Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter Are Related to the Presence of at Least 3 Points in the CHA2DS2-VA Score: A Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis of 787 Patients
by Radosław Dziedzic, Michał Węgiel, Andżelika Siwiec-Koźlik, Magdalena Spałkowska, Lech Zaręba, Stanisława Bazan-Socha, Mariusz Korkosz and Joanna Kosałka-Węgiel
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(11), 3920; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113920 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 573
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with an increased prevalence of cardiac and cerebrovascular events. Despite advancements in management, no validated tools exist that can predict the risk of ischemic stroke in SLE patients. However, several studies have demonstrated [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with an increased prevalence of cardiac and cerebrovascular events. Despite advancements in management, no validated tools exist that can predict the risk of ischemic stroke in SLE patients. However, several studies have demonstrated an association between a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score and an enhanced risk of ischemic stroke in autoimmune diseases without atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL). Recently, the European Society of Cardiology suggested the use of a revised score of CHA2DS2-VASc without taking sex into account (CHA2DS2-VA). Therefore, we sought to check if the new CHA2DS2-VA score might predict stroke or other cardiovascular events in SLE patients without AF/AFL. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients with SLE treated at the University Hospital in Kraków, Poland, from 2012 to 2022. Patients with a history of AF/AFL were excluded. Results: This study enrolled 787 SLE patients without AF/AFL (aged 49 (38–60) years) with a predominance of women (n = 705, 89.58%). Common comorbidities included arterial hypertension (n = 376, 47.78%) and hypercholesterolemia (n = 345, 43.84%). Most non-AF/AFL SLE patients had 0–1 points in the CHA2DS2-VA score (n = 514, 65.31%). Overall, ischemic stroke occurred in 47 cases during a median follow-up of 8 (4–17) years regarding time from the SLE diagnosis to the stroke, with the incidence rising from 0% (n = 0/297) to 28% (n = 14/50) as the CHA2DS2-VA score increased from 0 to ≥5 points. No ischemic strokes or other thromboembolic events occurred among the 575 (73.06%) patients with a CHA2DS2-VA score of 0–2 points. In the whole cohort, patients with ≥3 points in the CHA2DS2-VA score (n = 212, 26.94%) were older at the last visit, had longer disease duration, were more commonly of the male sex, and were diagnosed more frequently with ischemic stroke or other thromboembolic events in their medical history (p < 0.05, for all) compared to those with 0–2 points (n = 575, 73.06%). However, in multivariable logistic regression, among the CHA2DS2-VA components, only older age (≥50 years) was related to the increased risk of thromboembolic complications (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.36–3.22). Other determining factors included the presence of lupus anticoagulant (OR = 3.39, 95% CI: 2.20–5.27) and neurological SLE symptoms (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.19–4.02). Interestingly, male sex (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.22–0.52) and general SLE symptoms (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28–0.67) were associated with a decreased risk of thromboembolic events in this model (p = 0.034, for the model). Conclusions: SLE-related factors seem important for the onset of thromboembolic episodes. However, a higher CHA2DS2-VA score may also help to identify SLE patients with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke. Prospective studies with a long-term analysis need to be validated using the CHA2DS2-VA score to predict stroke risk in SLE patients. Full article
11 pages, 493 KiB  
Article
Improving Prediction of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery Using Multiple Pathophysiological Biomarkers: A Prospective Double-Centre Study
by Peter G. Noordzij, Maaike S. Y. Thio, Ted Reniers, Ineke Dijkstra, Gabriele Mondelli, Marloes Langelaan, Henk J. T. Ruven and Thijs C. D. Rettig
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(11), 3737; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113737 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 580
Abstract
Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common and serious complication after cardiac surgery. Existing clinical prediction models show limited discriminative ability. We hypothesize that incorporating biomarkers that reflect key pathophysiological pathways of POAF can enhance preoperative risk stratification. Methods: Adult cardiac surgery [...] Read more.
Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common and serious complication after cardiac surgery. Existing clinical prediction models show limited discriminative ability. We hypothesize that incorporating biomarkers that reflect key pathophysiological pathways of POAF can enhance preoperative risk stratification. Methods: Adult cardiac surgery patients without a history of atrial fibrillation from the BIGPROMISE cohort—a prospective, observational, two-centre perioperative biobank study—were included to investigate whether biomarkers of myocardial injury, systemic inflammation, haematological status, and metabolic and neuroendocrine dysregulation improved prediction of new-onset POAF when compared with an established clinical model, the POAF Score. We evaluated the incremental value of a 13-biomarker panel added to the POAF Score using multivariable logistic regression with shrinkage (lasso), assessing model discrimination, calibration, reclassification, and net clinical benefit. Results: Among 959 cardiac surgery patients, POAF occurred in 35% (n = 339). Inflammatory, metabolic, and neuro-endocrine biomarkers remained independently associated with POAF after applying lasso regression. Adding these biomarkers to the POAF Score improved discrimination, with the C-statistic increasing from 0.60 (95% CI: 0.60–0.60) to 0.63 (95% CI: 0.63–0.64; p < 0.01). Calibration was good in both models. At a threshold of 40% for high risk of POAF, the addition of biomarkers correctly reclassified 16% of patients with POAF as high risk. However, only 2% of the patients without POAF were reclassified as low risk, while 13% were incorrectly reclassified as high risk, resulting in a net reclassification index of 0.05. Conclusions: The addition of pathophysiological biomarkers significantly improves the performance of an established risk model for POAF after cardiac surgery, although the incremental clinical benefit is small. Full article
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17 pages, 641 KiB  
Article
Effect of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Implementation on Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Surgery
by Romain Niessen, Valentina Rancati, Mario Verdugo-Marchese, Ziyad Gunga, Anna Nowacka, Valentine Melly, Christophe Abellan, Karima Alouazen, Tamila Abdurashidova, Caroline Botteau, Matthias Kirsch and Zied Ltaief
Biomedicines 2025, 13(5), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051212 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 626
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most frequent arrhythmic complication following cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and prolonged recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on the incidence of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most frequent arrhythmic complication following cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and prolonged recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on the incidence of POAF and broader perioperative outcomes. Methods: In this monocentric, observational cohort study, we compared a retrospective pre-ERAS cohort (n = 162) with a prospective ERAS cohort (n = 321). The primary outcome was the incidence of POAF, assessed using two definitions: (1) the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 2014 clinical definition, identifying POAF as atrial fibrillation requiring treatment; and (2) the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2024 definition, describing new-onset atrial fibrillation occurring immediately after surgery. Secondary outcomes included compliance with POAF prophylaxis measures, length of hospital stay, and the occurrence of postoperative complications. Statistical analyses included propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of POAF. Results: ERAS implementation was associated with a significant reduction in POAF incidence across both definitions. According to the AATS 2014 definition, POAF occurred in 20% of ERAS patients vs. 39% in the pre-ERAS group (p = 0.001), and 23% vs. 39% in the matched cohort (p = 0.004). Using the ESC 2024 definition, POAF was observed in 21% vs. 37% (p = 0.001) in unmatched and 20% vs. 36% (p = 0.005) in matched populations. Compliance with POAF prophylaxis improved markedly in the ERAS group (70% vs. 21%, p = 0.001). ERAS patients also experienced shorter hospital stays and fewer postoperative complications (26% vs. 38% in the matched cohort, p = 0.033). Conclusions: The implementation of a structured ERAS protocol significantly reduced POAF incidence, improved compliance with preventive strategies, and enhanced key aspects of postoperative recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Atrial Fibrillation)
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7 pages, 245 KiB  
Article
Oxidative Stress in Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation: Does Malondialdehyde Hold Predictive Value?
by Urska Intihar, Arta Krasniqi, Anze Djordjevic, Jan Zmazek, Harun Avdagic, Jus Ksela and Miha Antonic
Medicina 2025, 61(5), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61050778 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 427
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery, associated with increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stays. Oxidative stress has been implicated in POAF pathogenesis, with malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, proposed as a potential [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery, associated with increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stays. Oxidative stress has been implicated in POAF pathogenesis, with malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, proposed as a potential biomarker. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding its predictive value. This study aimed to assess the association between serum MDA levels and POAF incidence in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 99 consecutive patients undergoing elective on-pump cardiac surgery. Patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis, or emergency surgery were excluded. Blood samples for MDA measurement were collected at six perioperative time points: preoperatively, intraoperatively after aortic clamp release, and at 8, 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively. Patients were monitored for new-onset POAF during the first three postoperative days. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, Mann–Whitney U-tests, and Fisher’s exact tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: POAF occurred in 33 (33%) patients. Patients who developed POAF were significantly older (p = 0.017) and had higher EuroSCORE II values (p = 0.019). No significant differences were observed in serum MDA concentrations between POAF and non-POAF patients at any measured time point. The incidence of POAF was higher in patients undergoing valvular surgery (p = 0.014). Conclusions: Serum MDA levels were not associated with POAF development, suggesting that lipid peroxidation alone may not play a central role in POAF pathogenesis. These findings challenge the predictive value of MDA for POAF risk stratification. Future research should explore alternative oxidative stress markers and their potential therapeutic implications in POAF prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Cardiovascular Medicine and Interventional Radiology)
10 pages, 1682 KiB  
Article
The Application of Deep Learning Tools on Medical Reports to Optimize the Input of an Atrial-Fibrillation-Recurrence Predictive Model
by Alain García-Olea, Ane G Domingo-Aldama, Marcos Merino, Koldo Gojenola, Josu Goikoetxea, Aitziber Atutxa and José Miguel Ormaetxe
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2297; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072297 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 655
Abstract
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, particularly Deep Learning (DL) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), have seen exponential growth in the biomedical field. This study focuses on enhancing predictive models for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence by extracting valuable data from electronic health records [...] Read more.
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, particularly Deep Learning (DL) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), have seen exponential growth in the biomedical field. This study focuses on enhancing predictive models for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence by extracting valuable data from electronic health records (EHRs) and unstructured medical reports. Although existing models show promise, their reliability is hampered by inaccuracies in coded data, with significant false positives and false negatives impacting their performance. To address this, the authors propose an automated system using DL and NLP techniques to process medical reports, extracting key predictive variables, and identifying new AF cases. The main purpose is to improve dataset reliability so future predictive models can respond more accurately Methods and Results: The study analyzed over one million discharge reports, applying regular expressions and DL tools to extract variables and identify AF onset. The performance of DL models, particularly a feedforward neural network combined with tf-idf, demonstrated high accuracy (0.986) in predicting AF onset. The application of DL tools on unstructured text reduced the error rate in AF identification by 50%, achieving an error rate of less than 2%. Conclusions: This work underscores the potential of AI in optimizing dataset accuracy to develop predictive models and consequently improving the healthcare predictions, offering valuable insights for research groups utilizing secondary data for predictive analytics in this particular setting. Full article
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12 pages, 571 KiB  
Article
Readmissions for Cardiac Disease Within 30 Days of Hospitalization for Cerebral Infarction: An Evaluation of the Stroke–Heart Syndrome Using the Nationwide Readmission Database
by Chun Shing Kwok, Adnan I. Qureshi, Josip Andelo Borovac, Maximilian Will, Konstantin Schwarz, Mark Hall, Paul Mann, Eric Holroyd and Gregory Y. H. Lip
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(4), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12040116 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 638
Abstract
Background: The stroke–heart syndrome refers to incident cardiac complications post stroke. This study aims to evaluate the stroke–heart syndrome by determining the rate and predictors of readmission for cardiac disease within 30 days of hospitalization for cerebral infarction. Methods: Data from the United [...] Read more.
Background: The stroke–heart syndrome refers to incident cardiac complications post stroke. This study aims to evaluate the stroke–heart syndrome by determining the rate and predictors of readmission for cardiac disease within 30 days of hospitalization for cerebral infarction. Methods: Data from the United States Nationwide Readmissions Database (2018 to 2020) were analyzed to identify rates and factors associated with 30-day readmissions for heart disease following cerebral infarction, excluding patients with atrial fibrillation, heart failure and myocardial infarction during admission with cerebral infarction. Results: There were 3,115,850 hospital admissions for cerebral infarction, and 75,440 admissions (2.4%) were readmitted with new onset cardiac events within 30 days of discharge. This included 36,310 (1.4%) readmissions for heart failure, 35,900 (1.1%) readmissions for atrial fibrillation, 17,465 (0.5%) readmissions for acute myocardial infarction, 810 (0.03%) readmissions for ventricular arrhythmias and 700 (0.02%) readmissions for Takotsubo syndrome. Readmitted patients were older (median age of 73 years vs. 68 years, p < 0.001) and had a longer length of stay for initial admission (median of 4 days vs. 3 days, p < 0.001). The most significant predictors of readmission were elective admission (OR 2.00, 95%CI 1.89–2.13, p < 0.001), cancer (OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.81–2.01, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.73–1.87, p < 0.001), previous myocardial infarction (OR 1.59, 95%CI 1.50–1.69, p < 0.001) and liver failure (OR 1.34, 95%CI 1.06–1.68, p = 0.013). Palliative care was linked to a reduced odds of readmission (OR 0.36, 95%CI 0.31–0.41, p < 0.001). Conclusions: New cardiac-related hospital readmissions within 30 days after ischemic stroke occur in 2.4% of patients, with elective admission and cancer being a strong predictor of readmissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Identifying Mechanisms and Patterns in Cardiovascular Disease)
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19 pages, 1440 KiB  
Review
Predicting New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Review
by Marco Maria Dicorato, Paolo Basile, Maria Ludovica Naccarati, Maria Cristina Carella, Ilaria Dentamaro, Alessio Falagario, Sebastiano Cicco, Cinzia Forleo, Andrea Igoren Guaricci, Marco Matteo Ciccone and Vincenzo Ezio Santobuono
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 2018; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14062018 - 16 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1270
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, with physiopathological remodeling that predisposes patients to atrial fibrillation (AF). The electrocardiogram is a basic diagnostic tool for evaluating heart electrical activity. Key electrocardiographic features that correlate with AF onset are P-wave [...] Read more.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, with physiopathological remodeling that predisposes patients to atrial fibrillation (AF). The electrocardiogram is a basic diagnostic tool for evaluating heart electrical activity. Key electrocardiographic features that correlate with AF onset are P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, and electromechanical delay in left atrium (LA). Clinical markers, including age, body mass index, New York Heart Association functional class, and heart failure symptoms, are also strong predictors of AF in HCM. Risk scores have been created using multiple variables to better predict AF development. Increasing knowledge of genetic subsets in HCM and cardiovascular pathology in general has provided novel insight in this context. Structural and mechanical LA remodeling, including fibrosis, altered LA function, and changes in atrial size, further contribute to AF risk prediction. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and echocardiographic measures provide accurate information about atrial structure and function. Machine learning models are increasingly being utilized to refine risk prediction, incorporating a wide range of variables. This review highlights the multifaceted approach required to understand and predict AF development in HCM. Such an approach is imperative to enhance prognostic accuracy and improve the quality of life of these patients. Further research is necessary to refine patient outcomes and develop customized management strategies for HCM-associated AF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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12 pages, 498 KiB  
Article
Inflammatory Markers and Postoperative New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: Prognostic Predictions of Neutrophil Percent to Albumin Ratio in Patients with CABG
by Faruk Serhatlioglu, Yucel Yilmaz, Oguzhan Baran, Halis Yilmaz and Saban Kelesoglu
Diagnostics 2025, 15(6), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15060741 - 16 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 689
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) (PNOAF) is the most common complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and its incidence has been reported as up to 50% in studies. In this study, we investigated whether there was a relationship between PNOAF and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) (PNOAF) is the most common complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and its incidence has been reported as up to 50% in studies. In this study, we investigated whether there was a relationship between PNOAF and the neutrophil percentage to albumin ratio (NPAR) levels after on-pump CABG. Methods: A total of 454 patients who underwent CABG were included in the study. NPAR was calculated by dividing the neutrophil count by the albumin value. Results: It was determined that 93 patients developed PNOAF (20.4%). When the patient groups that developed and did not develop PNOAF were compared in terms of laboratory findings, C-reactive protein (CRP) values (4.0 mg/L (2.8–7.9) vs. 2.9 mg/L (1.1–6.7), <0.001), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (2.2 (1.2–4.2) vs. 1.4 (0.7–3.1), <0.001), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (112 (72–177) vs. 92 (69–122), <0.001) and NPAR (2.29 (1.68–3.8) vs. 1.09 (0.79–1.81), <0.001), were found to be statistically significantly higher in the group that developed PNOAF. ROC analysis showed that the cut-off value for NPAR for the development of PNOAF was 1.86 with 78% sensitivity and 72% specificity (area under the ROC curve = 0.778, 95% CI (0.728–0.828), p < 0.001). Conclusions: NPAR, which can be detected by a simple venous blood test, has shown a strong predictive value for PNOAF in patients with CABG. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias 2025)
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16 pages, 11921 KiB  
Article
New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Pacemakers and the Implications of Hepatic Impairment
by Adrian-Ionuț Ungureanu, Georgică Târtea, Anca Oana Docea, Cristina Elena Negroiu, Cristina Maria Marginean, Radu Mitruț, Marina-Carmen Deutsch, Eugen Țieranu, Radu-Gabriel Vătășescu and Paul Mitruț
Life 2025, 15(3), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030450 - 13 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 756
Abstract
(1) Background: Atrial fibrillation (A Fib) is a common arrhythmia that affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats that can cause stroke. The aim of our study was to assess the importance of predictors for the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Atrial fibrillation (A Fib) is a common arrhythmia that affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats that can cause stroke. The aim of our study was to assess the importance of predictors for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiac pacemakers and to analyze their impact on these patients, especially the impact of hepatic impairment. (2) Methods: This study is an observational, retrospective study, including 182 patients who were implanted with a dual-chamber pacemaker (DDD), with no known history of A Fib. (3) Results: We identified as predictors for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiac pacemakers, DDD with rate response mode, NYHA class III of heart failure, as well as the presence of hepatic impairment (HI). Analysis of echocardiographic parameters of the left atrium revealed a larger left atrial volume as well as a larger left atrial area compared to patients who had a much smaller area at baseline and who did not experience any atrial fibrillation at follow-up. The fact that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients in terms of left atrial ejection fraction at baseline was very interesting. Patients in the A Fib group had a higher percentage of atrial pacing at the 9-month follow-up (86.23 ± 22.19%) compared to patients in the group without A Fib (44.92 ± 29.99%, p < 0.0001) and had a 9-month follow-up rate of A Fib of 25.806% vs. 2.247% in those with a low percentage of atrial pacing (p < 0.0001). The percentage of ventricular pacing at the 9-month follow-up, the observations were almost similar. (4) Conclusions: The importance of pacemakers in detecting subclinical episodes of atrial fibrillation remains crucial for the prevention of embolic events in these patients. Hepatic impairment may be a risk factor for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with pacemakers, but it can also create significant problems in stroke prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)
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12 pages, 1026 KiB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous ASD Closure in Adults: Comparative Outcomes of Occluder Devices in a Single-Center Cohort
by Elham Kayvanpour, Elena Matzeit, Christoph Reich, Ziya Kaya, Sven Pleger, Norbert Frey, Benjamin Meder and Farbod Sedaghat-Hamedani
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061867 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 906
Abstract
Background: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a prevalent congenital heart condition, resulting in left-to-right shunting. Untreated ASDs may be associated with complications, including right-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and atrial arrhythmias. Percutaneous ASD closure, performed with various occluder devices, has become the preferred [...] Read more.
Background: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a prevalent congenital heart condition, resulting in left-to-right shunting. Untreated ASDs may be associated with complications, including right-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and atrial arrhythmias. Percutaneous ASD closure, performed with various occluder devices, has become the preferred approach for symptomatic patients with suitable anatomy, yet data on device-specific efficacy and safety profiles remain limited. Methods: This study was a retrospective, single-center analysis involving patients who underwent percutaneous ASD closure between January 2000 and February 2023. Data on patient characteristics, indications for the procedure, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. Endpoints included complications at the puncture site, pericardial effusion, atrial arrhythmias, device-related thrombus formation, and overall survival. Results: A total of 195 patients were included (mean age 53.6 ± 16.2 years; 60.5% female). Three different devices were used: Amplatzer ASD occluder (n = 111), Gore Septal Occluder (n = 67), and Occlutech ASD occluder (n = 17). Initial procedural success rate was 90.8%, with no significant differences observed between devices. Periprocedural complication rates were low and comparable across all devices. New-onset atrial fibrillation within the first month post-implantation occurred in 7.5% of patients with the Gore device, compared to 0.9% with the Amplatzer device (p = 0.03) and 0% with the Occlutech device. No statistically significant differences were observed among the devices regarding thrombus formation, late-onset pericardial effusion, device erosion, or stroke. Conclusions: Percutaneous ASD closure demonstrates high procedural success and low complication rates across different occluder devices, supporting its efficacy and safety as a treatment for adults. Although the Gore device showed a higher incidence of new-onset AF compared to the Amplatzer device, no significant differences were observed regarding thrombus formation, pericardial effusion, device erosion or stroke. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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