Blood test before heart surgery may flag risk of dangerous heart rhythm

NCT ID NCT07737444

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Anthony Tang Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

About one in three people who have open-heart surgery develop an irregular heartbeat called postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), which raises the risk of stroke and other complications. This study is testing whether a blood marker called lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), can identify patients at higher risk. Adults scheduled for heart surgery will have their Lp(a) levels measured and will wear a chest monitor for three months after surgery to track heart rhythm. Small heart tissue samples taken during surgery will also be examined for scarring and inflammation, which may help explain how Lp(a) contributes to abnormal rhythms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If elevated Lp(a) is linked to a higher risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation, this could help identify high-risk patients before heart surgery and guide preventive monitoring or treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a small observational study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to all heart surgery patients. The study looks for an association, not a proven cause.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atrial fibrillation Fibrosis Inflammation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF) POAF

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.