Improving Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Aided by Implantable Cardiac Monitor: Evaluation of Chronic Beta-blocker Use Versus As-needed Pharmacological Rate Control
The goal of this study is to test the feasibility of guiding as-needed pharmacological rate control of atrial fibrillation (AF) by implantable cardiac monitors and to assess the impact of continuous beta-blocker therapy versus as-needed rate control on the following outcomes: (1) exercise capacity, (2) AF burden, (3) symptomatic heart failure, (4) biomarker assessment of cardiac filling pressures and cardio-metabolic health, and (5) quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation and stage II or III heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
• Paroxysmal or persistent AF diagnosed in the past 4 weeks or longer
• Implantable cardiac monitor (either loop recorder or pacemaker)
• Current treatment with greater than minimum doses of beta-blockers OR any beta-blocker with resting sinus rhythm heart rate \< 75 bpm (documented on EKG in the last 6 months OR at enrollment visit)
• Left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50% (reported on echocardiogram within the past 48 months)
• Echocardiographic evidence of structural changes consistent with HFpEF defined by (1) left ventricular hypertrophy (septal or posterior wall thickness \> 10mm) OR (2) left atrial enlargement OR (3) diastolic dysfunction.