Genetic Susceptibility to AF-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Genetic Susceptibility to AF-Induced Cardiomyopathy
IRAS ID
368232
Contact name
Shohreh Honarbakhsh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
na, na
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder affecting 1 in 3-5 adults over 45. Although most patients tolerate AF, in some people it can weaken the main pump of the heart (left ventricle), causing heart failure. It is not known why some people develop heart failure during AF and others do not. We propose that individual vulnerability is due to specific genetic abnormalities that do not cause problems until they develop AF. These genetic abnormalities have been identified in patients who develop heart failure with the onset of other stressors, such as alcohol or pregnancy.
Our study will identify 92 patients with AF-triggered heart failure, defined by having heart failure during AF but resolved after the AF was treated using a procedure called catheter ablation.We will measure how common these genetic variations are seen in patients with AF-triggered heart failure and compare them with 184 patients who have AF but don’t develop heart failure (negative comparators) and 23 patients who do develop heart failure but do not recover after AF treatment (positive comparators).
We shall only test for a limited number of clearly disease-causing genetic variants to ensure cost-effectiveness and minimise the risk of identifying genes of unclear significance.
If we find a genetic association, doctors could: (1) identify patients more likely to develop weakness before the AF becomes persistent, (2) fast-track at-risk patients for catheter ablation treatment, (3) offer family screening where appropriate, and (4) avoid unnecessary testing in low-risk patients. This would directly improve care for people in East London and beyond by personalising AF treatment and preventing avoidable heart failure.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SW/0021
Date of REC Opinion
3 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion