Understanding Heart Rhythm Risk in Genetic Early-Onset Atrial Fibrillation

This research study is looking at people with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm) diagnosed before age 60 who also carry genetic changes affecting the heart. Researchers want to use specialized mapping during your planned heart rhythm procedure to see if certain genetic changes put you at higher risk for a dangerous type of heart rhythm called ventricular tachycardia. The goal is to help doctors understand how genetic information should change the way they care for and monitor patients with these conditions.

Doctors have discovered that about 1 in 10 people diagnosed with early atrial fibrillation actually have genetic changes in heart muscle genes that were not previously detected. These patients have higher risks of serious complications, but doctors don't yet know how to best monitor and manage them. This study aims to find early warning signs in the heart's electrical system that could help predict who is at greatest risk.