Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Association between atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation progression in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Data from the RACE V study
Authors' conclusion
In patients with paroxysmal AF, 65% of patients had atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis was a determinant of AF progression after adjustment for established risk factors and comorbidities, suggesting that vascular disease may contribute directly to atrial remodelling and arrhythmia persistence.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) (paroxysmal AF (PAF))patients with PAF
- Participants
- 612 patients
- Comparison
- The association between atherosclerosis and AF progression
- Atherosclerosisn = 395
Methodological detailscontinuous rhythm monitoring, extensive phenotyping at baseline
- Continuous rhythm monitoring
- Extensive phenotyping at baseline
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
AF progression · median of 3.4 (2.8-3.7) years follow-up
atherosclerosis vs no atherosclerosisOdds ratio (95% CI)P value
Univariable
2.04(1.28–3.37)
P = 0.004Following adjustment for established risk factors
2.23(1.10–4.89)
P = 0.034- Patients had AF progression (all patients)
- 108 (18%)
Further findings
Baseline characteristics
- Median age, years
- 64 (57-70)
- Women
- 257 (42%)
- Median CHA2DS2-VA score
- 2 (1-3)
- Patients had atherosclerosis
- 395 (65%)
- Patients with atherosclerosis were older, had higher waist circumference, more hypertension, and lower eGFR than patients with no atherosclerosis
Original publication
Association between atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation progression in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Data from the RACE V study. Am Heart J. Published 3 February 2026. doi:10.
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