Studies blood markers that may predict early atrial fibrillation in device patients
Looks at blood markers to see who may develop early atrial fibrillation.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Predicting Development of SCAF in Device Patients
Key facts
- Where
- Ottawa, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- University of Ottawa Heart InstituteOttawa, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
- Trial code
- NCT02808260
- Record updated
- 13 July 2026
- Original description
Atrial fibrillation (AF) often starts with short episodes of rapid irregular heartbeats that are only detected by implanted pacemakers or defibrillators. Usually people don't know that they have these episodes. Over time, these episodes can happen more often and last for longer periods. In some people, the heart eventually remains permanently in a fast irregular rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation. This condition can lead to strokes and blood clots. If physicians could detect atrial fibrillation at a very early stage they could treat people early and possibly prevent the condition from becoming permanent. People with implanted devices allow a unique opportunity to constantly monitor the heart rhythm so investigators can detect any irregularities immediately.Read full original descriptionShow less
Predicting Development of Sub-Clinical Atrial Fibrillation in Device Patients
Atrial fibrillation (AF) often starts with short episodes of rapid irregular heartbeats that are only detected by implanted pacemakers or defibrillators. Usually people don't know that they have these episodes. Over time, these episodes can happen more often and last for longer periods. In some people, the heart eventually remains permanently in a fast irregular rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation. This condition can lead to strokes and blood clots. If physicians could detect atrial fibrillation at a very early stage they could treat people early and possibly prevent the condition from becoming permanent. People with implanted devices allow a unique opportunity to constantly monitor the heart rhythm so investigators can detect any irregularities immediately.
Investigators don't know which people are at risk of developing short episodes of fast irregular heartbeats that can lead to atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this study is to find out if there are proteins or chemical changes in the blood that can predict the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. These chemical changes, also known as biomarkers, may also be able to give investigators other clues about atrial fibrillation.
Inclusion: Dual chamber permanent pacemaker or defibrillator implanted within previous 10 years.
Exclusion: Participants considered by the investigator to be unsuitable for the study for the following reason: life expectancy less than 2 years due to concomitant disease; Congenital heart disease; Inherited arrhythmia syndrome, i.e. Brugada, long QT interval; Clinical atrial fibrillation documented by surface ECG (12 lead ECG, Telemetry, Holter); Participants who are pregnant or breast-feeding.