What the trial was testing
The mSToPS enrolled 6,135 patients with atrial fibrillation. The study was sponsored by Scripps Translational Science Institute and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
Researchers followed patients through treatment and into recovery, tracking the outcomes that mattered most for the disease being studied.
What the results showed
3.9% vs. 0.9% — patch monitoring caught new AFib far more often.
JAMA · 2018 · NCT02506244
These findings — that new atrial fibrillation diagnoses at 4 months with patch monitoring vs. delayed start — were published in the JAMA and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 6,135 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with atrial fibrillation, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
The Zio patch and similar 2-week ECG monitors are FDA-cleared and widely available with a doctor's prescription. Apple Watches and similar consumer wearables can also flag AFib. Ask your primary care doctor or cardiologist about screening if you have AFib risk factors.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open atrial fibrillation trials
Observational Study of Cardiac Arrhythmias During Treatment With BTK Inhibitors or Venetoclax
Background: Bruton s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) are used to treat a form of leukemia. But taking BTKi can also increase a person s risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm. This can cause sudden death. In this natural history study, researchers want to learn how BTKi affects the heart. Objective: To identify and monitor the effects of BTKi on the heart. Eligibility: People aged 18 and older currently receiving or planning to receive BTKi or venetoclax. Design: Participants who have not yet started BTKi will have 2 required clinic visits: 1 before they start taking BTKi, and 1 about 6 months later. Participants who are already taking BTKi will have 1 required visit. Participants will undergo multiple tests: A physical exam, including collection of blood and saliva. A test that measures heart activity via stickers placed on the chest. A test that uses sound waves to capture images of the heart. An exercise stress test that monitors heart activity and blood pressure while the participant works on a treadmill or stationary bike. Sound wave images of the heart may also be taken while the participant exercises. Stress magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done in place of an exercise test. Participants will lie on a table that slides into a tube. They will be given drugs to stress the heart while images are taken. Participants may wear a device to monitor their heart at home. Participants may have repeat visits if they develop heart symptoms or if they need to stop taking BTKi. They will have follow-up phone calls each year for up to 3 years. ...
BaLloon-based PFA Ablation poST Approval Outcomes for PAF and PersAF
This study is designed to obtain real-world clinical evidence on the safety and effectiveness of the Volt PFA System in various use cases, with a sub study designed to address additional clinical evidence needs in electrophysiology.