Blood Clotting Markers and Heart Ultrasound in People Over 50 with Device-Detected Atrial Fibrillation to Improve Stroke Risk Assessment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating blood clotting markers and heart ultrasound features in people over 50 who have irregular heart rhythms detected by implanted cardiac devices, known as device-detected atrial fibrillation DDAF. This observational study aims to understand how blood tests related to clotting connect with stroke risk scores, the amount of atrial fibrillation detected by devices, and heart ultrasound findings. The goal is to improve stroke risk assessment and better predict future health outcomes for these patients. The study includes 222 participants, half with device-detected atrial fibrillation and half matched controls without it. At the start, all participants undergo blood sampling, heart ultrasound, and device data review to measure atrial fibrillation burden. Researchers will analyze the associations between clinical risk scores, clotting biomarkers, heart structure and function, and atrial fibrillation levels. The study focuses on primary clotting markers like endogenous thrombin potential and von Willebrand factor antigen as well as additional blood clotting indicators. Participants will then be followed for 10 years through health records and device data to see if initial blood clotting markers, atrial fibrillation burden, heart ultrasound results, and stroke risk scores relate to future events such as stroke, hospitalization, death, progression to diagnosed atrial fibrillation, and use of blood-thinning medication. This long-term follow-up aims to provide insights for more personalized stroke risk evaluation and treatment decisions in people with device-detected atrial fibrillation.

Blood Clotting Markers and Heart Ultrasound in People With Device-Detected Atrial Fibrillation