INDUCING PERSISTENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN SWINE USING RAPID ATRIAL PACING AND ASSESSING QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a heart arrhythmia caused by disorganized electrical activity within the atria. This arrhythmia affects roughly 2.7 million people in the United States and is associated with considerable health ramifications such as diminished quality of life, blood clot formation, elevated stroke risk, increased hospitalization rates, and a rise in medical costs (1,5). In this study, we aimed to develop persistent AFib in swine pertinent to clinical models to allow further study of the mechanisms associated with persistent AFib, as well as potential treatment options. Previous models have induced AFib in swine, although, these past models have replicated paroxysmal episodes (<7 days duration), rather than persistent (>7 days duration). Clinically, persistent AFib is more likely to require intervention and treatment, so it is valuable to achieve this type of AFib in swine to allow relevant therapeutic testing. AFib can also cause fatigue and reduced stamina, which is associated with a decreased quality of life in AFib patients. An indicator of health in animal models is quality of life, so we developed methods to quantify and assess quality of life of the swine during each stage of the study using monitors that track swine activity by the minute. Significant decreases in activity were noted once the swine developed persistent AFib.