Actively Recruiting
Genetic Susceptibility to AF-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Led by Barts & The London NHS Trust · Updated on 2026-05-08
299
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm problem affecting many adults over 45. While most tolerate AF well, some develop heart failure due to weakened heart pumping. This research aims to understand why some people with AF develop heart failure by studying specific genetic differences in patients who develop heart failure triggered by AF compared to those who do not. The study will analyze genetic variants linked to heart muscle disease in three groups: patients with AF-induced heart failure who recover after treatment, patients with AF who do not develop heart failure, and patients with AF-related heart failure who do not recover after treatment. The study will include 92 patients with AF-induced heart failure who improve after treatments such as catheter ablation or cardioversion, 184 patients with AF but preserved heart function, and 23 patients with AF and heart failure who do not improve after treatment. Researchers will test a selected set of genetic variants known to cause heart muscle disease to find differences among these groups. This focused approach aims to be cost-effective and avoid unclear genetic results. Participants will undergo baseline genetic testing on one day to identify these genetic variants. The main measure is the prevalence of these gene variants in the AF-induced heart failure group compared to controls. The findings could help doctors identify patients at risk for heart failure during AF, guide treatment decisions, and suggest family screening when needed. The study is sponsored by Barts & The London NHS Trust and will collect data until May 2027.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
AIC Genotyping Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Persistent atrial fibrillation before catheter ablation or cardioversion
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 40% or less during rate-controlled AF for cases
- LVEF 55% or higher during rate-controlled AF for negative controls
- LVEF 40% or less during rate-controlled AF with persistent LV dysfunction for positive controls
- LVEF improvement to 55% or higher in sinus rhythm after treatment for cases
- No atrial fibrillation detected after treatment beyond the blanking period
- No new or increased heart failure medication after treatment
You will not qualify if you...
- Alternative causes for left ventricular dysfunction such as ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy before AF diagnosis, primary valve disease, or inherited cardiomyopathy
- Pregnancy during atrial fibrillation or in the 12 months before left ventricular dysfunction onset
- Alcohol intake exceeding 21 units per week
- History of cardiotoxic chemotherapy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo baseline genetic testing and heart function assessments to identify specific genetic variations and heart status.
1 baseline visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to several years until study completion
Participants are observed over time to monitor heart function and the presence of atrial fibrillation after treatment.
Follow-up visits as scheduled depending on participant group
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust
London, United Kingdom, EC1A 7BE
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nikhil Ahluwalia, MBBS, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
3
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