Assessing heart rate fragmentation to predict atrial fibrillation in the general population aged 65: the PROOF-AF study.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Screening the general population aged 65 for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proposed as a preventive measure against potential complications. Metrics derived from heart rate variability (HRV) that depict heart rate fragmentation (HRF) have been suggested to reflect autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The aim of the study was to assess the predictive capacity of HRV markers, including HRF, for AF occurrence over an 18-year follow-up and to develop a predictive score for AF onset among the general population aged 65 at the study's inception.

Methods and results

The PROOF prospective cohort consisted of 1011 subjects aged 65 with no history of AF nor history of cardiovascular disease. A 24 h Holter-electrocardiogram was performed at baseline and HRV, from which HRV in

SUBMITTER: Guichard JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12042749 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature