Prospective Database for Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation in Pacemaker and ICD Patients

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a five-fold increased risk of cerebrovascular stroke. While the risk of stroke in patients with known AF can be calculated via AF stroke prediction risk scores, the prediction of AF occurrence per se in individual patients remains difficult. We will recruit 250 patients with an implanted dual-chamber Pacemaker (PM) or an implantable cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) with atrial lead to ensure continuous rhythm monitoring during follow up. At baseline, we will gather clinical and device data of patients. For AF prediction based on surface Electrocardiography (ECG), 24-h Holter ECG monitoring will be performed. After 6 months, we will assess the occurrence of AF during the study period via interrogation of PM/ICD. The resulting data will be used to develop algorithms including clinical, device and ECG data for prediction of the development of AF