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.