Browsing by Author "Kalman, Jonathan M. (7103034404)"

[No abstract available]

Asymptomatic arrhythmias are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Although studies specifically dedicated to these asymptomatic arrhythmias are lacking, many arrhythmias still require proper diagnostic and prognostic evaluation and treatment to avoid severe consequences, such as stroke or systemic emboli, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. The present document reviews the evidence, where available, and attempts to reach a consensus, where evidence is insufficient or conflicting. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author(s) 2019. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

BackgroundThe association between atrial fibrillation and dementia has been described. Whether a specific association exists between atrial fibrillation and Alzheimer's disease remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the association between atrial fibrillation and Alzheimer's disease through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.MethodsAn exhaustive search of electronic databases up to October 2018 was conducted. Studies that identified patients with and without atrial fibrillation as well as patients with and without Alzheimer's disease and reported results of at least one relevant outcome, including hazard ratio of the association between atrial fibrillation and Alzheimer's disease were included in this analysis. The hazard ratios and their confidence interval were then pooled using a DerSimonian and Laird random effects model.ResultsSix studies enrolling a total of 56 370 patients were included. At baseline, the mean or median ages ranged from 50 to 78 years with a subsequent follow-up of 3 to 25 years. The random-effect pooled analysis showed a hazard ratio of 1.30 (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.59) and the heterogeneity was not significant, I2 48.1%. All of the included studies were rated as good quality.ConclusionPooled analysis suggest that patients with atrial fibrillation may be exposed to an increased risk of developing new onset of Alzheimer's disease. Given the relevant clinical implications, further studies are required to corroborate these findings. © 2019 Italian Federation of Cardiology-I.F.C. All rights reserved.