Risk Profile for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality.Identification of patients with AF that is difficult to treat may improve the outcome of rhythm control therapy. Left atrial size or volume could be a useful tool to select patients that will benefit from rhythm control therapy.Beside echocardiographic parameters,atrial fibrillation has been also associated with circulating biomarkers in blood like collagen metabolism, inflammatory mediators,neurohumoral factors and proteins/proteomic profiles. Beside more accepted risk factors (myocardial ischemia, diabetes and pulmonary disease)other less well-known clinical factors (sleep apnea, alcohol or other intoxication abuse, excessive physical activity, esophageal problems and increased body mass index) may also predict the outcome of rhythm control.It seems also plausible that recurrent atrial fibrillation within one month after start of rhythm control is associated with a different risk profile than late atrial fibrillation recurrences.During this study we will try to identify patients with atrial fibrillation who are more or less likely to respond to rhythm control therapy.

Inclusion criteria

• Short-lasting symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF;
• Rhythm control strategy is preferred;
• No contra-indication for oral anticoagulation;
• Age > 18 years;
• Written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Total history of heart failure and/ or of severe valvular disease > 3 years;
• Severe valvular disease;
• Acute coronary syndrome/ myocardial infarction/ percutaneous coronary intervention/ coronary artery bypass surgery within the past one month;
• Post-operative AF.