Heart rate variability and trans-esophageal atrial stimulation data in predicting recurrent atrial fibrillation paroxysms

Abstract

In 34 women with stable coronary heart disease (CHD), heart rate variability (HVR) and trans-esophageal atrial stimulation parameters were examined after the first atrial fibrillation (AF) paroxysm. Prognostic value of these parameters in recurrent AFparoxysm risk assessment was investigated. In patients with recurrent AF paroxysm developed in the next 6 months (Group 1), HRV parameters were significantly increased, and AF paroxysm >15 s was induced by trans-esophageal stimulation in 50 % of the subjects. In Group 2 (sinus rhythm lasting for 6 months), this rate was 14, 3 % only. HRV parameters and AF paroxysm induction in trans-esophageal stimulation could be used for recurrent AF paroxysm risk assessment.

Keywords

• coronary heart disease
• atrial fibrillation
• heart rate variability
• trans-esophageal atrial stimulation
• first atrial fibrillation paroxysm
• recurrent paroxysm risk prognosis