Arrhythmias & electrophysiology

Prognostic value of electrocardiogram (ECG)-derived f-wave indices from implantable loop recorder: Analysis from the LOOP study

Heart RhythmPublished Analysis from the LOOP study

Authors' conclusion

In screening-detected AF, indices of a more organized fibrillatory process (low AFR/ExpDec) and advanced structural abnormalities (low FWA) were associated with increased mortality and heart failure events. F-wave analysis identifies high-risk patients in early AF, potentially enabling targeted interventions.

Study context

Population
LOOP study participants with implantable loop recorders (ILR) and no prior atrial fibrillation (AF)758 men, median age 73 years, AF episodes ≥60 minutes detected in 96 patients (6.8%)
Participants
1,411 participants
Comparison
Low vs higher ILR ECG-derived f-wave indices
Outcome
All-cause mortality
Methodological detailsMultivariate Cox regression
  • Multivariate Cox regression

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Low atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) (<317 fpm): HR [95% CI]

2.5

1.3–4.8

Low ExpDec (<1.25): HR [95% CI]

2.8

1.4–5.5

Low FWA (<97 μV): HR [95% CI]

2.7

1.4–5.4

Secondary outcomes

Composite of cardiovascular death (CVD) or heart failure hospitalization (secondary end point)

Low AFR: HR [95% CI]
4.0 [1.6-9.9]
Low ExpDec: HR [95% CI]
3.7 [1.4-10.1]
Low FWA: HR [95% CI]
2.9 [0.97-8.6]
  • Larger uncertainty

Correlation of FWA with left atrial volume

Significant, yet modest, negative correlation

Original publication

Prognostic value of ECG-derived f-wave indices from implantable loop recorder: Analysis from the LOOP study. Heart Rhythm. Published 13 July 2026. doi:10.1016/j.hrthm.2026.07.005

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