Research Questions
What are the structural and functional brain imaging characteristics of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)?
How do brain imaging features differ between post-stroke patients who develop AF and those who do not?
What are the potential neural mechanisms underlying the increased risk of AF in post-stroke patients?
Can brain imaging biomarkers be used to predict AF occurrence or recurrence?
Objectives
To identify specific structural and functional brain alterations associated with AF using UK Biobank neuroimaging data.
To investigate the differences in brain imaging features between post-stroke patients with and without AF.
To explore potential neural circuits and brain regions involved in AF susceptibility and recurrence.
To develop predictive models for AF occurrence and recurrence based on neuroimaging biomarkers.
Scientific Rationale
Atrial fibrillation is not only a major cardiovascular disorder but also closely linked to brain health. Growing evidence suggests that AF is associated with cognitive decline, stroke risk, and altered brain structure and function. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.
Using the extensive neuroimaging dataset from UK Biobank, this study aims to elucidate brain imaging characteristics in AF patients and investigate how brain structural and functional changes contribute to AF development and recurrence, particularly after stroke. By identifying neuroimaging biomarkers, this research will improve our understanding of the brain-heart axis in AF and may help in early diagnosis, risk stratification, and targeted interventions for AF patients.