EP differences in the South Asian heart
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Electrophysiological differences between the South Asian and Caucasian atrium using non-invasive techniques
IRAS ID
219185
Contact name
Muzahir H Tayebjee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is strongly associated with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and heart failure. The South Asian (SA) ethnic group have particularly high rates of these conditions and so would be expected to be at significant risk of AF. However, observational studies have consistently shown that SAs have a lower prevalence of AF compared with Caucasians although the reason for this remains unclear.
We aim to investigate this disparity by performing non-invasive electrophysiological investigations. Those at risk of AF typically have frequent extra (ectopic) heart beats, increased heart rate variability and reduced heart rate recovery following exercise. Additionally, individuals with paroxysmal AF have been shown to have longer intra-atrial and inter-atrial conduction time of normal (sinus) electrical impulses during invasive electrophysiological studies. Therefore we aim to perform electrocardiograms (which will provide information on intra-atrial and inter-atrial conduction time), ambulatory cardiac monitoring (to assess the frequency of ectopic heart beats and heart rate variability) and exercise tests (to assess heart rate recovery). In doing so, we hope to identify reasons why South Asians have a lower prevalence of AF.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/2220
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion