Revitalizing Brain Perfusion: Unveiling Advancements Through Rhythm Control Strategies in Atrial Fibrillation-A Systematic Review

Overview

Journal J Arrhythm

Publisher Wiley

Date 2024 Jun 28

PMID 38939785

Authors

Shinta Dewi Rasti

Adra Achirultan Ramainaldo Sugiarto

Audia Putri Amalia Nuryandi

Militanisa Zamzara Arvianti

Romadhana Trisnha Yomara

Jeffri Nagasastra

Rerdin Julario

Rosi Amrilla Fagi

Diah Mustika Hesti Windrati

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Recent evidence suggests an elevated risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF), irrespective of stroke occurrence. AF, known to reduce brain perfusion, particularly through silent cerebral ischemia, underscores the intricate relationship between cardiac and cerebral health. The heart plays a crucial role in supporting normal brain function, and rhythm control, a standard AF treatment, has demonstrated enhancements in brain perfusion. This systematic review aimed to examine published data concerning the influence of rhythm control on brain perfusion in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods: A systematic search for relevant studies was carried out in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost, spanning from their inception until April 30, 2023. Studies that specifically examined brain perfusion following any form of rhythm control in atrial fibrillation were included in the review.

Results: The review encompassed 10 studies involving 436 participants. Among these, six utilized electrical cardioversion for rhythm control. The majority (8 out of 10) demonstrated that restoring sinus rhythm markedly enhances brain perfusion. In one of the two remaining studies, notable improvement was observed specifically in a region closely linked to cognition. Additionally, both studies reporting data on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) showed a consistent and significant increase in scores following rhythm control.

Conclusion: Successful rhythm control in AF emerges as a significant contributor to enhanced brain perfusion, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for reducing cognitive impairment incidence. However, further validation through larger prospective studies and randomized trials is warranted.

Citing Articles

Editorial to "Revitalizing brain perfusion: Unveiling advancements through rhythm control strategies in atrial fibrillation-A systematic review".

An Y J Arrhythm. 2024; 40(4):798-799.

PMID: 39139867 PMC: 11317684. DOI: 10.1002/joa3.13085.

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