Markers of Oxidative Stress Present in Blood in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart beat that starts in the upper parts of the heart and can cause stroke or death, if untreated. In general, treatments are not very effective, with frequent relapses of the abnormal heart beats. One explanation for the high relapse rate is that the treatments might not address the underlying cause of atrial fibrillation. Recently, the investigators have found that atrial fibrillation is associated with increased oxidative stress. This is a condition where abnormal oxygen forms are produced. These forms harm the cells of the heart, causing them to beat abnormally. The investigators have found increased oxidative stress in pig and mouse models of atrial fibrillation. They would like to see if oxidative stress is present in humans with atrial fibrillation. In this study, they will compare blood markers of oxidative stress between patients with and without atrial fibrillation. It is the expectation that participants with atrial fibrillation will have more abnormal blood markers of atrial fibrillation. This study requires participants to visit their doctors, undergo a history and physical examination, and give blood only once.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Atrial Fibrillation Arrhythmias, Cardiac Atrial Flutter Cardiovascular Diseases Heart Diseases Inflammation Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Crawford Long Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, United States

About this study

Recently, we have found that atrial fibrillation is associated with increased oxidative stress in a particular part of the top parts of the heart, the left atrial appendage (LAA). Oxidative stress is a condition where abnormal oxygen forms are produced. These forms harm the cells of the heart, causing them to beat abnormally. Also, the inside of the heart becomes sticky and more likely to form blood clots. These clots, when they travel to the head, are thought to be the main cause of stroke in this condition. We have found increased oxidative stress and increased evidence of blood clotting in pig and mouse models of atrial fibrillation. We would like to see if these same findings are present in the human LAA.

In this study, we will compare blood and tissue markers of oxidative stress between patients with and without atrial fibrillation who are scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery. It is the expectation that participants with atrial fibrillation will have more abnormal markers of atrial fibrillation. This study requires participants to be seen during their routine preoperative visit, undergo a history and physical examination, give blood only once, and allow use of their discarded LAA. This tissue is routinely removed at surgery because its removal is thought to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who develop atrial fibrillation after the surgery. This happens in up to 50% of patients, thus providing the desire to remove the LAA.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Cases must have atrial fibrillation documented on electrocardiographic recordings at the time of enrollment.

Exclusion criteria

Atrial fibrillation

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat coming from the upper chamber of the heart). To look at the differences between people who have irregular heart beats compared to those who do not have irregular beats. Study may last up until one year.

Time frame: 1 year

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Emory University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2005
Primary completion: 2007
Study completion: 2007
First posted: Sep 2, 2005
Registry last updated: Sep 27, 2013

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.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed