Study Finds Micro-AF is a Predictor of Clinical AF, Provides Guidance on ECG Monitoring Duration

PLANO, Texas, May 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MediLynx Cardiac Monitoring, LLC today announced new research connecting short episodes of Atrial Fibrillation called micro-AF (4 beats <29) with the presentation of clinical AF (>30 seconds). The study showed that 83% of patients with micro-AF also had a clinical AF episode during prolonged registration, and that more than 90% of those episodes occurred within 72 hours of micro-AF. Results will be shared during an oral presentation of the Heart Rhythm Society's 40^th Annual Scientific Sessions in San Francisco, May 10 from 3:25 - 3:35 PM PDT.

"Micro-AF is a new area of arrhythmia research," said lead investigator Linda Johnson, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Sciences, Skane University Hospital, Lund University. "What we've observed in previous studies is that there are these very short irregular cardiac rhythms that are strong predictors of hospitalization for clinical AF. This study shows that when micro-AF is found clinical AF is usually already present, and underscores the importance and benefit of identifying these short episodes to optimize study duration and ensure an accurate diagnosis."

The study analyzed cardiac telemetry reports from the long-term ECG monitoring tests of 26,567 patients in the U.S. (median duration 15.7 days). ECGs were recorded using the PocketECG mobile cardiac telemetry device, a three-lead system that continuously streams the full disclosure signal, classifies morphology for every beat and employs an algorithm based on morphology and heart rhythm to detect clinical AF. Manual confirmation of events was conducted by certified ECG technicians.

Study Results
Clinical AF or micro-AF was identified in 17% of patients; of these, 50% of patients had only clinical AF, 9% had only micro-AF and 41% had episodes of both micro-AF and clinical AF.  After observation of micro-AF, the probability of an episode of clinical AF during the rest of the recording was 82%. The study showed that AF events occurred within 72 hours in 90.3% of cases.

"The study results highlight two important areas for consideration. The first is that continuous full-disclosure online monitoring has distinct advantages over other monitoring methods to detect micro-AF, in particular over traditional MCT which transmits only a fraction of the ECG signal and is unable to detect short supraventricular episodes. A full-disclosure signal will capture all SVT and other arrhythmia episodes, including atrioventricular blocks and allow the clinician to easily extend the monitoring duration," said Marek Dziubinski, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, MediLynx Cardiac Monitoring, and inventor of the PocketECG technology. "And second, it raises a broader issue about whether the current definition of paroxysmal AF and its arbitrary cut-off of >30s may prevent patients from receiving medications that could prevent future cardiac events."

The Heart Rhythm Society's 40th Annual Heart Rhythm Scientific Sessions convenes the finest clinicians, scientists, researchers, and innovators in the field of cardiac pacing and electrophysiology. More than 700 of the world's most notable experts in cardiac rhythm management serve as faculty for over 250 educational sessions while more than 150 exhibitors showcase innovative products and services.

About PocketECG
Turning heartbeats into powerful insights. PocketECG is an integrated arrhythmia diagnostic system provided by MediLynx Arrhythmia Diagnostics™, which combines Holter, event monitoring and advanced mobile cardiac telemetry in one device. PocketECG was designed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and patients worldwide to improve cardiac monitoring and reporting for greater accuracy of diagnosis. Unlike other systems, PocketECG streams the continuous, full-disclosure signal for up to 30 days and provides complete data, analysis and reporting—offering you the highest diagnostic yield for better patient diagnosis and treatment. For more information, visit www.pocketecg.com. 

About MediLynx  
MediLynx Cardiac Monitoring LLC, is a leader in cardiac monitoring, delivering best-in-class cardiac diagnostic solutions and service to enable the best possible care for patients. The Company's team of highly-trained technicians and customer care specialists work seamlessly to provide round-the-clock monitoring, reporting, training and support for cardiology practices and their patients. To learn more, visit www.medilynx.com.

SOURCE MediLynx Cardiac Monitoring, LLC