RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Atrial Fibrillation in Young Patients: a Prospective Multicentre Registry

This study is about understanding atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart rhythm problem, in young people under 35. AF is rare in this age group, so doctors don't know as much about it compared to older patients. This research aims to fill those gaps by collecting information from young patients with AF. They will look at things like why AF happens in young people, the different ways it's currently managed (such as medications or procedures), and how patients' health progresses over the years. By gathering this vital information, doctors hope to improve care and outcomes for young individuals living with atrial fibrillation, helping them to lead healthier lives.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Caen

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Jan 2021

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2031

Atrial Fibrillation Lone Atrial Fibrillation

What is this study about?

This study is called "Atrial Fibrillation in Young Patients." Atrial fibrillation, often shortened to AF, is a condition where the heart beats with an irregular and often too fast rhythm. While it's more common in older people, some younger individuals can also get it. When AF affects young people (under 35 years old), doctors don't yet fully understand why it happens, what the best treatments are, or what the long-term outlook usually is. This study aims to gather this missing information.

Researchers are setting up a special register – a bit like a secure database – to collect details from young patients who have AF. They will look at many different aspects, such as lifestyle factors, how active people are, whether they use certain substances, and even genetic information. They will also record current treatments, including medications and procedures designed to correct heart rhythms.

By carefully observing and documenting this information over time, doctors hope to get a much clearer picture of AF in young people. This will help them to better understand the condition, leading to improved diagnosis, more effective treatments, and better advice for staying healthy. This registry is about observing current care practices, not testing new treatments, so patients will continue to receive the standard care their doctors recommend.

Key takeaways

Study focuses on understanding atrial fibrillation (AF) in people under 35.
It aims to find out why AF happens, how it's treated, and long-term effects in young patients.
No new treatments or changes to your medical care are involved – you get standard care.
Information from your medical records will be collected securely and privately.
Joining helps doctors improve care for other young people with AF in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be under 35 years old and have recently been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation for the first time. Your diagnosis must have been confirmed by a hospital heart trace (ECG) or continuous monitoring that showed an irregular heartbeat for at least 30 seconds. You also need to have a French social security number, as this study is taking place in France.

You would not be able to join if you have certain types of implanted heart devices, specifically ones that affect the heart's electrical signals through wires, like a pacemaker or a defibrillator. However, very small, temporary heart monitors that are simply slipped under the skin would not stop you from taking part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you under 35 years old?
Have you recently been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation for the first time?
Was your AF confirmed by a heart trace (ECG) or a monitor for at least 30 seconds?
Do you have a French Social Security number?
Do you NOT have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator (small temporary monitors are okay)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you won't be asked to change your current medical care. You will continue to see your own doctors and receive treatments as they recommend, following usual medical guidelines. The researchers will simply collect information from your medical records over time.

This means there are no extra doctor visits, new medications, or special tests required specifically for this study. The study aims to follow patients for a mid to long period, but as it's an observational registry, it largely involves tracking your health journey as you normally would with your healthcare team. The exact total duration for each person isn't fixed, but it will involve monitoring your health information for several years.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study means that medical researchers will use your health information to learn more about atrial fibrillation in young people. This could help future patients by improving our understanding of the condition and how best to treat it. There are no direct medical risks as the study doesn't involve any new treatments or procedures beyond your usual care. Your personal information will be kept strictly private and anonymous. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, meaning your information would no longer be used for research, without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Caen University Hospital
Verified postcode
Caen, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?

AF is an irregular and often fast heartbeat. It means the top chambers of your heart beat irregularly, which can make you feel tired, breathless, or have palpitations.

Why is this study only for young people?

AF is rare in young people, so doctors want to learn more about what causes it, how it affects them specifically, and the best ways to treat it in this age group, which might be different from older patients.

Will I get new medicine or treatments in this study?

No, this study only observes current treatments. You will continue to receive the standard care that your own doctors recommend, following medical guidelines.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, all your personal information is kept private. The researchers only use anonymised data to learn about the condition, so your name won't be linked to the study findings.

What does 'observational registry' mean?

It means researchers are simply watching and collecting information about what happens to patients over time, rather than trying out new medicines or changing your care. It's like keeping a detailed health diary for research purposes.

How to find out more

Pierre Ollitrault, MD, MSc

ollitrault-p@chu-caen.fr 0231063106 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.