Genomic Risk Markers for Atrial Fibrillation Following Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common sustained heart rhythm abnormality and increases a person’s risk of debilitating stroke. AFib is known to have a genetic component and multiple DNA variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms) have been associated with increased lifetime risk of AFib.
More effective screening strategies of AFib, a treatable condition, have the potential to significantly reduce the morbidity associated with stroke. The Genomic Risk Markers for Atrial Fibrillation Following Extended Cardiac Monitoring (GIRAFFE) study was designed to clinically validate a genetic risk score for AFib in patients not previously diagnosed with this condition.
During study enrollment, patients presenting to their outpatient doctor with symptoms consistent with the possible diagnosis of AFib and who had at least one clinical risk factor of AFib were recruited to have genetic testing and to wear an ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitor for two weeks.
Over 900 participants successfully completed the study.
Validation of a genetic risk score for atrial fibrillation: A prospective multicenter cohort study, PLoS Medicine, March 2018
CTSA Program Researchers Advance Heart Condition Study Through Precision Medicine and Digital Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences