Arrhythmias & electrophysiology

Class Ic antiarrhythmic therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in new-onset atrial fibrillation: Safety and clinical outcomes from a nationwide cohort

Heart RhythmPublished retrospective cohort study

Main finding · MACEsResult — go to the resultAdjusted subdistribution hazard ratio 0.64 95% CI 0.59–0.68

Authors' conclusion

In patients with CCS who developed NOAF, the use of class Ic AADs was associated with significantly lower risks of MACEs, all-cause mortality, and cerebrovascular events and without an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia. These findings suggest that class Ic agents may be a safe and effective option for rhythm control in carefully selected patients with CCS.

Study context

Population
Adults with new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after PCI, Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Databasemean age 74.70, 69.33% male, CHA2DS2-VASc score 3.98
Participants
3,750 adults
Exposure
Class Ic AADs compared with nonuse in patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after PCI
Outcome
Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs)

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio

0.64

95% CI 0.59–0.68

P < 0.01

Class Ic usersvs nonusers
asHR 0.64 (95% CI 0.59–0.68); P < 0.01

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

OutcomeasHR (95% CI)P value
All-cause mortality0.61 (0.57–0.66)P < 0.01
Cerebrovascular events0.81 (0.66–0.99)P = 0.04

Safety

OutcomeasHR (95% CI)P value
Ventricular arrhythmiaNo increased risk0.89 (0.69–1.15)P = 0.37

Original publication

Class Ic antiarrhythmic therapy after PCI in new-onset atrial fibrillation: Safety and clinical outcomes from a nationwide cohort. Heart Rhythm. Published 5 March 2026. doi:10.1016/j.hrthm.2026.02.042

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