Methods:
A total of 156 patients were included in the study at Kartal Kosuyolu Training and Research Hospital and between 2015 and 2020. Patients’ clinical, echocardiographic and 24-48 hours holter monitoring data were obtained.
The inclusion criteria consisted of 2-D echocardiographic demonstration of an unexplained increase in wall thickness >15 mm in the absence of abnormal load conditions, while the exclusion criteria included having coronary artery disease, severe mitral and aortic valve disease (stenosis or insufficiency), hypertension (systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg), left ventricular EF ≤ 50 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nine patients who could not come to follow-up appointments and 10 patients with poor echocardiographic view were excluded from the study. Finally, 137 patients were enrolled in the study.
AF was defined as an irregularly irregular heart rate without any detectable P waves along with fibrillation f waves on 12-lead electrocardiograms or holter recordings. After inclusion all patients were seen every 6 months at an outpatient clinic and at any time they reported symptoms. At each examination, standard 12-lead ECG was used, and an inquiry was made about symptoms. A 24-hour Holter recording was made at any time the patient had any symptoms suggesting AF.
SCD Risk Score evaluation was calculated with an online calculator in line with the ESC guidelines based on the clinical and echocardiographic data of the patients 13. Informed written consent was obtained from all study subjects, and the study protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee.