title: Atrial Fibrillation Predictors: Importance of the Electrocardiogram.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in adults and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Substantial interest has developed in the primary prevention of AF, and thus the identification of individuals at risk for developing AF. The electrocardiogram (ECG) provides a wealth of information, which is of value in predicting incident AF. The PR interval and P wave indices (including P wave duration, P wave terminal force, P wave axis, and other measures of P wave morphology) are discussed with regard to their ability to predict and characterize AF risk in the general population. The predictive value of the QT interval, ECG criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy, and findings of atrial and ventricular ectopy are also discussed. Efforts are underway to develop models that predict AF incidence in the general population; however, at present, little information from the ECG is included in these models. The ECG provides a great deal of information on AF risk and has the potential to contribute substantially to AF risk estimation, but more research is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: German
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, The Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.
authors.forename: Muammar M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Kabir
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, The Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Dewland
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, The Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Henrikson
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, The Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.
authors.forename: Larisa G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Tereshchenko
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment
keywords: P wave indices; atrial fibrillation; electrocardiogram; primary prevention; risk stratification