Administrative withdrawal: This study was determined to be a continuation of [NCT05718336]. To avoid duplicate reporting and ensure consistent publication, this record is being consolidated into the prior study. No enrollment has occurred.

From 2020 to 2023, we established a longitudinal AF patient cohort with comprehensive clinical data collection. In our previous work, we utilized the Milliplex platform to screen 52 circulating biomarkers and identified several candidates potentially associated with AF burden. Building on these findings, the present study aims to further validate these biomarkers in a larger subset of patients (n=266) who completed paired pre- and post-intervention sampling. Targeted biomarkers may include NT-proBNP, IL-6, hs-CRP, Adipsin, GDF-15, sST-2, FABP3, and IGF-BP3.

Our goal is to identify markers associated with AF burden, assess their predictive performance and subgroup consistency, and further elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

With an aging population and advances in medical care, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to rise. Although the introduction of novel oral anticoagulants has reduced the risk of stroke, AF can still lead to myocardial ischemia, fibrosis, and ultimately heart failure and valvular dysfunction. Given its often paroxysmal nature, the diagnosis and assessment of AF burden remain challenging and frequently rely on prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring.

Identifying accessible and reliable blood-based biomarkers could provide a cost-effective alternative to time-consuming and expensive wearable or implantable monitoring devices, offering significant clinical value.

Inclusion Criteria:

-Who have signed up for the Protocol No. 202003090RINA(National Taiwan University Hospital Atrial Fibrillation Integrated Care Pilot Program)

Exclusion Criteria:

-Subjects without complete pre- and post-treatment testing

This study is a follow-up to the prospective generational study (AFTTER: Atrial Fibrillation Trial To Eliminate Risk-factors; NCT05718336) that enrolled patients from 2020 to 2023. After consenting to participate in this study, patients underwent a series of questionnaires, blood tests, and special examinations (see the figure below). The caregiver (the arrhythmia treatment team at National Taiwan University Hospital) formulated a treatment plan based on the examination results. After approximately two years (at least one year) of treatment, a post-test was conducted to conclude the study (a total of 343 patients were enrolled in this study, of which 266 participants completed the pre- and post-treatment tests and blood tests).