RESUMEN
The burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing worldwide. It is often asymptomatic, with stroke being the first manifestation in some. AF burden in the community and the practice of stroke prophylaxis has not been studied in India. The problem might be higher in rural regions due to poor health awareness and challenges to healthcare access. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of AF, clinical profile and stroke risk in rural India. Methods: This is a community-based cross-sectional study done in rural Andhra Pradesh (AP). Adults from 40 villages formed the study population. We did a door-to door survey to collect information on demographics, and medical history. Electrocardiogram was recorded using a smart phone based Alivecor device. Participants diagnosed with AF underwent echocardiogram. Study cardiologists assessed the cardiovascular risk profile and collected detailed medical history. Results: Fourteen of the 4281 individuals screened had AF (0.3%). The mean age of the sampled population was 44 ± 16.5 years with 56% women. The mean age of participants with AF was 71 ±7.8 years; males were 71%. Except for one, all were non-valvular AF. Majority had a CHA2D2S2Vasc score of 2. Three had history of stroke. Two were on anticoagulant therapy but without INR monitoring. Conclusion: The prevalence of AF is lower in this study compared to studies from the developed countries. Non-rheumatic cardiovascular risk factors were primary causes for AF. Non-adherence to stroke prophylaxis is a major threat that needs to be addressed
RESUMEN
Background Brugada syndrome (BrS) is known to cause malignant ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may experience recurrent shocks from ICD. Recent reports indicate that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in BrS is feasible, and effective. Catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) triggering VA and substrate modification of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) has been described. Methods and results Five patients (4 males, age-23 to 32 years) with BrS and electrical storm (ES) despite being on isoprenaline infusion and cilostazol (phosphodiestrase-3 inhibitor) underwent 3 dimensional electroanatomic mapping and RFA. Ventricular fibrillation was easily inducible in two patients. Voltage map of right ventricle was created in sinus rhythm in all patients. Substrate modification of RVOT was performed endocardially in one patient, both endocardial and epicardial in three and only epicardially in one patient. Brugada pattern gradually resolved over one week in all patients post procedure. These patients completed follow up of median 40 months (1.5–70). One patient had inappropriate shock due to atrial fibrillation, one had an episode of VF and appropriate shock 24 months after the RFA. The remaining four patients had no device therapy or VA in device log on follow up. Conclusion Abnormal myocardial substrate is observed in RVOT among patients with BrS. Substrate modification in these patients may abolish Brugada pattern on the ECG and prevents spontaneous VAs on long term follow up.