Genetic Testing for Early-Onset Atrial Fibrillation—Is It Time to Personalize Care?

Abstract

appropriately reflect the progress of the evidence base, although they differ somewhat in substance and scope from the ACC/AHA guidelines. The lesson for all guideline-producing organizations is the importance of ensuring clear and broad-based communication strategies in the introduction of updated recommendations, and whom they affect and do not affect, based on new and improved evidence. Patients depend on us to do that.

Rare and Common Genetic Variation Underlying Atrial Fibrillation Risk

“…While the prevalence of rare pLOF variants is relatively low in the general population, their contribution to disease risk and their associations with more severe cardiac disease may justify genetic testing in specific patient groups. 27 Previous research has shown a higher proportion of rare variants in younger patients with AF 4 and found an increased mortality in variant carriers. 5 Based in part on these findings, recent guidelines on AF from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association 28 suggest that genetic testing or surveillance for cardiomyopathy may be reasonable in patients with AF with onset before 45 years of age.…”

“…While the prevalence of rare pLOF variants is relatively low in the general population, their contribution to disease risk and their associations with more severe cardiac disease may justify genetic testing in specific patient groups . Previous research has shown a higher proportion of rare variants in younger patients with AF and found an increased mortality in variant carriers .…”