Relationship between coarse F waves and thromboembolic events in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.

Background: The coarse F waves on the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are known as atrial viability and contractility indicator. Our aim in this study was to investigate the effect of coarse F wave on thromboembolism in patients with permanent AF.

Methods: In our study, 328 patients with permanent AF were included. Routine laboratory, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters were examined. Cerebrovascular event (CVE) or acute artery occlusion was considered a thromboembolic event.

Results: In our study, 46 (14.0%) of the patients were found to have thromboembolic events and 282 (86%) of them were found without thromboembolic events. In the group with thromboembolic event, the number of patients with hypertension (HT) ( < .001) and history of coronary artery disease ( = .003) and elderly patients ( < .001) was significantly higher and warfarin use was significantly lower ( = .025). In the group of patients without thromboembolic events, the number of patients with a coarse F wave in surface ECG was significantly lower ( = .001). Age (OR: 1.105, 95% CI: 1.066-1.145,  < .001), HT (OR: 2.831, 95% CI: 1.266-6.331,  = .011), and coarse F wave (OR: 0.290, 95% CI: 0.126- 0.670,  = .004) were determined as independent variables for thromboembolic events.

Conclusion: Coarse F wave in 12-lead surface ECG in patients with permanent AF may be associated with good prognosis.