Environmental Exposome and Atrial Fibrillation: Emerging Evidence and Future Directions.

There has been increased awareness of the linkage between environmental exposures and cardiovascular health and disease. Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions of people worldwide and contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Although numerous studies have explored the role of genetic and lifestyle factors in the development and progression of atrial fibrillation, the potential impact of environmental determinants on this prevalent condition has received comparatively less attention.

The Global Burden of premature cardiovascular disease, 1990-2019.

Aims: Premature cardiovascular disease (pCVD) definition varies in literature, with age cut-offs ranging from 50-65 years. While there is some literature available on pCVD in North America, comprehensive data on its global burden is still lacking which hinders the development of efficient strategies for early detection and prevention. In this study we aimed to investigate the global trends in pCVD related morbidity and mortality from 1990 to 2019.

Novel functional atrial fibrillation risk genes and pathways identified from coexpression analyses in human left atria.

Background: Genomewide association studies have associated >100 genetic loci with atrial fibrillation (AF), but establishing causal genes contributing to AF remains challenging.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine candidate novel causal genes and mechanistic pathways associated with AF risk loci by incorporating gene expression and coexpression analyses and to provide a resource for functional studies and targeting of AF-associated genes.

Methods: Cis-expression quantitative trait loci were identified for candidate genes near AF risk variants in human left atrial tissues.

Predictors of successful same-day discharge and 1-year outcomes after left atrial appendage closure.

Background: Same-day discharge (SDD) following left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is increasingly common but predictors of successful SDD and 1-year clinical outcomes have not been described.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore predictors of successful SDD and report 1-year outcomes in patients undergoing LAAC with SDD.

Methods: A prospective analysis was performed over a 20-month period of 225 consecutive patients that underwent LAAC in a large, academic hospital.

Atrial fibrillation rhythm is associated with marked changes in metabolic and myofibrillar protein expression in left atrial appendage.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is strongly associated with risk of stroke and heart failure. AF promotes atrial remodeling that increases risk of stroke due to left atrial thrombogenesis, and increases energy demand to support high rate electrical activity and muscle contraction. While many transcriptomic studies have assessed AF-related changes in mRNA abundance, fewer studies have assessed proteomic changes.