Progression of Atrial Fibrillation in the Young

100 patients with symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis are included. Diagnosis is set either at the index visit or within 12 months before inclusion. . The follow up period is 5 years. Patients presenting with AF in connection with acute infection, acute cardiac ischemia, surgery or thyroid disease are excluded. Further, AF patients with cardiomyopathies, known genetic diseases and congenital cardiac abnormalities are also excluded.

At inclusion patients undergo an in-depth interview regarding comorbidities, medication, previous treatments related to the AF diagnosis. In addition, baseline data for weight and height are collected.

In connection to inclusion the patients are asked leave venous bloodwork (Na, K, Creatinine, plasma Glucose and NTproB-Type Natriuretic Peptide). An echocardiographic exam is performed according to a prespecified protocol with special emphasis on the left atrial function and anatomy. This is followed by a continuous ECG recording for 14 days using BioTel ePatch. The ECG patch is later returned to a core facility by mail.

The patients´ are followed for five years and are asked to leave bloodwork and perform a 14-day ECG recording yearly. After these exams, a follow up phone call is placed to the patient aimed at documenting clinical progress related to symptoms, treatment and interventions. After 5 years follow up patients undergo a follow up echocardiographic exam in addition to yearly bloodwork and ECG recording. The patients´ clinical symptoms are treated at the clinician´s discretion according to current guidelines.

Inclusion criteria

• Atrial fibrillation
• Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation within one year of inclusion

Exclusion criteria

• Duration of atrial fibrillation over one year.
• Acute stressor for atrial fibrillation such as: acute ischemic heart disease or infection