Time-domain and morphological descriptors of paced and spontaneous P-waves in patients prone to atrial fibrillation

Aim of this study was to compare time-domain and morphological descriptors of paced and unpaced P-wave in patients prone to atrial fibrillation (AF). 17 patients (8 females, aged 73plusmn8) affected by paroxysmal AF and implanted with dual chamber pacemakers (PM) were studied. Two 5-minute recordings were performed: during spontaneous and paced rhythm. ECG signals were acquired using a 32-lead mapping system. Patients were grouped into two classes: 8 patients without (low risk, LR) and 9 patients with (high risk, HR) AF episodes in the 6 months before the analysis. We found that all Time- domain and morphological descriptors of the P-wave but one succeed in discriminating LR and HR patients in spontaneous rhythm, while no significant difference has been observed during pacing for any parameters. However atrial pacing determines a significant increase in time-domain parameters and a more complex morphology.