Construction of a Cohort of Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in Rural China

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in aging populations and is strongly associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF) and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, early detection of HF among patients with AF remain inadequate in rural settings. This study aims to screen for HF among older adults with AF in rural China and to conduct long-term follow-up in order to observe the disease progression in patients with AF.

This study will recruit at least 2,500 elderly individuals aged between 65 and 80 years, with confirmed diagnoses of AF, residing in rural areas. Participants will undergo HF screening using NT-proBNP testing and echocardiographic assessment. Additionally, data will be collected on electrocardiographic signals, seismocardiography, voice, and demographic characteristics. Following data collection, participants will be followed up every three months to monitor the incidence and progression of HF as well as the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events.

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Key information

Conditions

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Arrhythmias, Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Cardiovascular Diseases Disease Attributes Disease Progression Heart Diseases Heart Failure Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Progression Screening

Age range

65 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Department of Cardiology

Taizhou, Jiangsu, 225300, China

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Jun Ye

CONTACT

[email protected]

+86 13625171902

Ming Chu, Dr.

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Permanent residents with local household registration in rural China.
Aged 65-80 years.
Electrocardiogram confirmation of AF or possession of a diagnostic certificate for AF issued by a specialist.
Willing to participate in HF screening.
Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Expected life expectancy of less than 3 months.
Severe renal insufficiency (Ccr < 30ml/min) or ongoing dialysis treatment.
Cardiac insufficiency secondary to correctable causes, including hyperthyroid heart disease, anemic heart disease, or uncorrected congenital heart disease.
Indications for pacemaker implantation without having undergone implantation.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated by type II respiratory failure.
Special populations, including patients with mental illnesses.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Composite endpoint

Time frame: through study completion, an average of 3 years

a composite of cardiovascular mortality, all strokes (ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke), hospitalization due to worsening of HF or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and emergency visits due to AF

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Chuanmeng Zhang, Dr.

CONTACT

[email protected]

+8615996000626

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Jiangsu Taizhou People's Hospital

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2029
Study completion: 2029
First posted: May 28, 2026
Registry last updated: May 28, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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