ATRIUM

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Atrial Fibrillation Investigation Network- Understanding Mechanisms (ATRIUM)-Understanding the aetioogy and prognosis of atrial fibrillation.

• IRAS ID

  209686

• Contact name

  Reecha Sofat

• Contact email

  r.sofat@ucl.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University College London

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  Z6364106 2016 10 55, UCL data protection

• Duration of Study in the UK

  10 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Any electrical circuit is prone to developing a fault. This is true of the electrical circuit that is responsible for coordinated activity of the heart. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the commonest arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm, and is a result of such a fault. It is an important condition to recognise because it is associated with serious consequences including stroke, heart failure and hospital admissions to control the AF itself. Treatment of individuals with AF is twofold, first controlling a fast heart rate, and second reducing the risk of stroke by thinning the blood with blood thinning medications.
  Whilst these interventions are generally successful, there are a number of improvements in the management and understanding of AF that could improve AF care even further. First, the drugs that are used to control the rate of AF target heart rate in general, whist there may be more specific targets within the physiology of the electrical circuit themselves that could be more effective and associated with fewer side effects. If newer drugs could successfully convert individuals to a normal, regular (sinus rhythm) there may be no need for the addition of blood thinners in individuals with AF. Second, although we understand the broad and serious and aforementioned outcomes in those with AF, the more subtle outcomes that affect quality of life are less well understood. In this study we aim to better understand the causes of AF using genetic and biomarker studies and prognosis in those with AF using linked electronic health studies.

• REC name

  London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  17/LO/0114

• Date of REC Opinion

  24 May 2017

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion