Atrial fibrillation is a disorder of the heart causing irregular or abnormally fast heart rate. It affects up to 6 million people in the US and over 37 million worldwide. This means that more than 0.5% of the population suffers from the disorder.

However, atrial fibrillation wasn’t always as common. The prevalence of the disorder has increased by 33% in only the past two decades, especially in people aged 65 and older.

Atrial fibrillation clinical trials are research studies conducted to understand the causes, high risk, and potential treatments for the disorder. Through atrial fibrillation clinical trials, scientists and health experts also seek to prevent the onset of the disorder among those with a high risk of developing it.

Why Is Atrial Fibrillation Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

The symptoms of atrial fibrillation include a pounding heart, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. The symptoms can last from a few seconds to a few minutes in patients suffering from occasional atrial fibrillation, while those suffering from persistent, long-standing, and permanent atrial fibrillation can last up to twelve months or indefinitely.

When not controlled or managed, the symptoms can cause blood clots in the heart, which can cause a heart attack or travel to the brain resulting in a stroke. While those suffering from blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems are at greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation, the disorder can also onset or worsen these health issues. Atrial fibrillation clinical trials allow scientists and health experts to better understand the potentially fatal disorder and develop more effective treatment methods.

What Are the Types of Treatments Available for Atrial Fibrillation?

Treatment options for atrial fibrillation include medications and surgical procedures. Treatment plans are devised based on the patient’s age and overall health and the disorder's underlying cause, symptoms, and duration of symptoms.

Medications prescribed for the disorder control the rapid pounding of the heart and stop the formation of blood clots. Surgical procedures involve getting a pacemaker, electric shock treatment, and catheter ablation. Catheter ablation refers to carefully destroying the diseased part of the heart.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials for Atrial Fibrillation?

2023: The National University of Singapore Department of Pharmacy, Singapore, ran a successful trial testing an improved version of the commonly used drug for the disorder called dronedarone. While the drug helps restore the heart's normal function, it can lead to ventricular arrhythmia in some patients, forcing them to quit the medication. The clinical trial involved the controlled testing of a chemically modified drug molecule. The modified drug provided the benefit without causing the side effect, leading to the development of an effective and safer drug version.

2021: The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute, USA, ran a successful clinical trial testing an improved method of catheter ablation called Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA). The improved method was designed to reduce the harmful side effects of regular catheter ablation, i.e., damage to the esophagus and nerves.

Who Some of the Key Opinion Leaders/Researchers Are in Atrial Fibrillation Clinical Trial Research?

The Northwestern Medicine Center for Arrhythmia Research, Cleveland Clinic Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, and Heart Rhythm Society is leading atrial fibrillation clinical trial research platforms.

About The Author

Michael Gill - B. Sc.

First Published: October 23rd, 2021

Last Reviewed: August 12th, 2023

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