Signal-averaged P wave duration and the long-term risk of permanent atrial fibrillation

TY - JOUR

T1 - Signal-averaged P wave duration and the long-term risk of permanent atrial fibrillation

AU - Dixen, Ulrik

AU - Larsen, Mette Vang

AU - Ravn, Lasse Steen

AU - Parner, Jan

AU - Jensen, Gorm B

PY - 2008

Y1 - 2008

N2 - OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term risk of developing permanent AF in relation to the signal-averaged P wave duration (SAPWD) and clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. DESIGN: In an observational study design we studied 131 patients with earlier ECG-documented AF and successfully restored sinus rhythm attending a long-term, follow-up visit at hospital or at home. Established permanent AF was examined in relation to primary clinical, echocardiographic, and electrophysiological parameters. RESULTS: Only prolonged SAPWD (p=0.006) was associated with an increased risk of development of permanent AF. The risk of permanent AF after 3 years follow-up was 0.72 with an SAPWD equal to 180 ms versus 0.39 with a normal SAPWD (130 ms). We found no prognostic effect of age, gender, dilated left atrium, long duration of AF history, or long duration of the most recent episode of AF. Co-existing hypertension reduced the risk of permanent AF; this could be explained by concomitant treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Prolonged SAPWD (a marker of atrial remodelling) appears to be a risk factor for long-term development of permanent AF.

AB - OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term risk of developing permanent AF in relation to the signal-averaged P wave duration (SAPWD) and clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. DESIGN: In an observational study design we studied 131 patients with earlier ECG-documented AF and successfully restored sinus rhythm attending a long-term, follow-up visit at hospital or at home. Established permanent AF was examined in relation to primary clinical, echocardiographic, and electrophysiological parameters. RESULTS: Only prolonged SAPWD (p=0.006) was associated with an increased risk of development of permanent AF. The risk of permanent AF after 3 years follow-up was 0.72 with an SAPWD equal to 180 ms versus 0.39 with a normal SAPWD (130 ms). We found no prognostic effect of age, gender, dilated left atrium, long duration of AF history, or long duration of the most recent episode of AF. Co-existing hypertension reduced the risk of permanent AF; this could be explained by concomitant treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Prolonged SAPWD (a marker of atrial remodelling) appears to be a risk factor for long-term development of permanent AF.

U2 - 10.1080/14017430701652282

DO - 10.1080/14017430701652282

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 17943628

SN - 1401-7431

VL - 42

SP - 31

EP - 37

JO - Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal

JF - Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal

IS - 1

ER -