Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
Researchers found that strokes among adults ages 20-54 nearly doubled over nearly three decades, even as short-term survival after stroke improved. The increase was driven by ischemic stroke, with rates rising from 23.8 cases per 100,000 person-years in 1993-1994 to 47.3 cases per 100,000 person-years in 2020.
Researchers found structural changes in the retina in people with atrial fibrillation, detectable up to four years before diagnosis. The study suggests retinal imaging could identify those at risk of atrial fibrillation before it causes harm.
A review of existing evidence on testosterone and heart health found that both low and high testosterone levels increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. The risk appears to follow a U-shaped pattern, with the lowest risk in the middle of the normal testosterone range. This suggests that treatment should be individualized and monitored.
A one-year tailored exercise program significantly reduced atrial fibrillation (AF) burden and improved cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with non-permanent AF. Despite lack of significant improvements in quality of life, the exercise intervention showed meaningful benefits in measures of fitness and hospitalisations.
A recent study found that catheter ablation does not significantly improve quality of life related to atrial fibrillation, but reduces AF recurrence. The PVI-SHAM-AF trial showed that both catheter ablation and a sham procedure improved AF-related quality of life, with no significant difference between them.
Atrial fibrillation patients who have had a heart attack may be at increased risk of bleeding if given potent antiplatelet therapy combined with direct oral anticoagulants. The EPIDAURUS trial found no significant benefits regarding cardiovascular events, suggesting these treatments may not be necessary for this patient population.
Atrial fibrillation patients with prior intracranial haemorrhage face uncertain stroke prevention strategies. Edoxaban trial findings indicate a need for individualised decision-making, highlighting increased bleeding risk in this population.
A randomized trial found that patients with atrial fibrillation at intermediate risk of stroke experienced a 69% lower risk of adverse events with oral anticoagulants compared to no treatment. The study also showed a lower incidence of ischemic stroke with anticoagulant therapy.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people treated with modern NOAC blood-thinning medicines experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those receiving warfarin or no anticoagulant treatment. This was associated with lower risk of other health problems, including death, stroke, and fractures.
Researchers discovered a statistically significant reduction in premature atrial contractions after cannabis inhalation, with no impact on daily activity levels. The findings challenge assumptions about the cardiovascular effects of cannabis and may lead to new approaches for preventing or treating abnormal heart rhythms.
A study by Dawood Darbar and colleagues found that rare genetic mutations converge with common genetic variants to disrupt the heart's electrical activity, leading to early-onset atrial fibrillation. This additive effect amplifies the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications.
A study led by Robert Koeth found a connection between elevated blood levels of TMAO, a gut bacteria byproduct, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The research team discovered that TMAO changes the heart's electrical environment, making it more susceptible to abnormal rhythms.
Researchers at Salk Institute create a body-wide single-cell atlas of two major epigenetic systems, revealing that cell-type-specific epigenetic features can affect disease risk. The study identifies over 1.36 million differentially methylated regions and 283,606 differential chromatin loops across the human body's cell types.
A system developed by Kaunas University of Technology enables continuous heart rhythm monitoring, allowing for more detailed ECG recordings and remote transmission to doctors. The technology aims to address the diagnostic gap in cardiovascular diseases, particularly for post-stroke patients at risk of ischaemic stroke.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London developed digital models of individual patients' hearts to simulate Atrial Fibrillation behavior. Combining three types of data, including MRI scans and electrical voltage measurements, identified more targets than imaging alone.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet shows that daily smartphone-based heart rhythm monitoring can reduce same-day cardioversion cancellations by 94.7% and save significant healthcare resources. The method, called CORAI, uses photoplethysmography to measure small changes in blood flow, allowing for accurate heart rhythm assessment.
A Tulane University study found that being female is not a universal stroke risk factor for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), especially for those under 75. Women age 75 and older or with comorbidities have a higher stroke risk, suggesting a more personalized approach to prevention.
A new study of over 1 million young Swedish men found that the risk of atrial fibrillation is less than previously calculated, and the benefits of high fitness levels outweigh the risks. After age 40, the balance shifts in favor of higher fitness levels, suggesting that the benefits of exercise may be more significant.
A low-calorie diet and behavioral support program significantly reduced weight in older patients with overweight and persistent atrial fibrillation at 8 months. The study found no safety concerns or impact on atrial fibrillation symptoms, cardiac remodeling, or need for further rhythm control interventions.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev identified how semaglutide and colchicine protect the heart from Atrial Fibrillation by targeting different biological pathways. The study found that these medications can prevent the development of AF even in non-obese patients.
A new study suggests that both very low and very high resting heart rates are associated with an increased risk of stroke. The research found a U-shaped pattern, with stroke risk lowest at heart rates of 60-69 bpm and highest at below 50 bpm or above 90 bpm.
Researchers developed a new polygenic risk score (PRS) that estimates a person's inherited risk for eight common cardiovascular conditions. The test combines information from many genetic variants and evaluates a person's risk for coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, and more.
A minimally invasive catheter ablation procedure has been shown to provide substantial benefits for patients with advanced forms of atrial fibrillation. By targeting faulty electrical signaling in the heart, the procedure can lead to improved control of the disease and reduced risk of serious adverse events.
Patients with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest. Serum neurofilament light chain levels can serve as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk in these patients.
A new study finds that heart failure and atrial fibrillation share similar genetic and molecular mechanisms, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of these two conditions. The research reveals that the pathological response involves multiple cell types communicating with each other, leading to a fundamental shift in how atrial fibril...
A recent study found that standard therapy plus catheter ablation did not significantly reduce the risk of primary composite end point in patients with atrial fibrillation and a recent stroke history. The observed event rate was lower than anticipated, suggesting underpowered detection of clinically meaningful differences.
A new multicenter study by Kumamoto University and National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center found that working-age adults with shorter sleep durations are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation. In contrast, retirees showed no significant association between sleep duration and AF risk.
A new Danish study reveals that social inequities in survival after atrial fibrillation have remained unchanged over the past 20 years. Individuals with low income, education, and social relationships live significantly shorter lives than those with high-income backgrounds.
A new Tulane University study suggests that catheter ablation delivers major benefits for patients diagnosed with both atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea, significantly lowering the risks of heart failure and death. The study found a 40% drop in major cardiovascular events and a 70% decline in all-cause mortality.
Researchers at Toho University discovered that pyrazole-3 inhibits the TRPC3 channel, preventing atrial fibrillation persistence. This finding suggests targeting TRPC3 channels as a promising therapeutic approach for atrial fibrillation and related cardiovascular diseases.
A cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and in-hospital mortality in ICU patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The results showed a nonlinear association between SII and in-hospital mortality, with higher SII values associa...
A new genetic risk score combines rare and common gene variants with non-coding genome information to predict arrhythmia risk. This comprehensive framework can be applied to other genetically influenced diseases like cancer and Parkinson's Disease.
A study found that patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who also have atrial fibrillation (AFib) are at a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death. The presence of AFib nearly doubles the risk compared to PAD alone.
Researchers found that taking metformin in addition to standard care after catheter ablation reduced episodes of atrial fibrillation in people with obesity. The study suggests that lifestyle and risk factor modification efforts can be aided by metformin, and future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A new study suggests that catheter ablation can reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and may even allow them to stop taking blood thinners. The study found that long-term oral anticoagulation is not necessary after successful ablation in patients with moderate to high stroke risk.
Adults with atrial fibrillation who drank a daily cup of coffee were 39% less likely to have an irregular heart rhythm episode compared to those who avoided all caffeinated products. The preliminary study results suggest that caffeinated coffee may not be responsible for raising the risk of AFib and may even reduce it.
A new study found that using a simplified clot-preventing medication regimen for one month after stent placement in adults with atrial fibrillation is equally safe and effective as a standard year-long treatment regimen. This approach may help reduce bleeding risk associated with the medications while maintaining stroke, heart attack, ...
A new study found that standard medical care, including blood thinners, is the better choice for older people with irregular heart rhythms who are at high risk of stroke and bleeding. The catheter-based procedure was non-inferior to medical therapy in reducing stroke risk but caused more bleeding in higher-risk patients.
Researchers have found that atrial electromechanical dissociation (AEMD) can predict stroke risk in people with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, even when the heart rhythm appears normal. A non-invasive assessment tool may help identify those at increased risk and guide earlier conversations about preventive strategies.
The Lehigh University team created a computational model to predict the hemodynamic response of patients with AFib, helping tailor neurostimulation dosages. The model validated against clinical data and predicted accurate effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and stroke volume.
A large national cohort study found associations between adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk of atrial fibrillation up to 46 years later. Women with these outcomes require early preventive actions and long-term clinical follow-up.
Researchers monitored new-onset atrial fibrillation after CABG to assess long-term risk and guide treatment recommendations. The study found very low AF burden in patients, challenging current guideline recommendations for oral anticoagulation.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who live in neighborhoods with poor access to full-service grocery stores face sharply higher odds of stroke and death. Food desert residence is linked to a 2.21-times higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 3.84-times higher risk of death over five years.
New research from the American Heart Association reveals that most people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) are unaware of the condition before being diagnosed. The study found that AFib patients reported experiencing an average of three symptoms before receiving a diagnosis, highlighting the importance of recognizing early warning signs...
A team of researchers is using NCSA resources to simulate the long-term progression of atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat. By modeling the heart's electrical activity, they have uncovered a vicious cycle where adaptations to maintain calcium balance lead to continued arrhythmias and eventually a permanent condition.
Pooled data analysis shows exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly improves AF symptom severity, frequency, and length, while reducing risk of recurrence. It also enhances exercise capacity and mental health without adverse effects.
A new study found that scar tissue in the heart of healthy male endurance athletes aged 50 or older may increase their risk of abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. The research used magnetic resonance imaging and ECG recorders to track the participants' heart activity over two years.
A new study published in The Lancet found that starting direct oral anticoagulants within four days of a stroke significantly reduces the risk of another stroke due to bleeding or artery blockage. Early treatment also did not increase the risk of bleeding into the brain.
A new study found that patients using factor Xa inhibitors experienced significantly fewer cardiovascular problems than those on other anticoagulants. Researchers followed over 1,000 patients aged 80 and above for up to five years, revealing lower rates of heart failure, artery disease, and cardiovascular death.
Researchers developed an AI model that creates synthetic fibrosis patterns to aid in treating atrial fibrillation. The system accurately mimics real heart scarring and enables clinicians to test different treatment approaches on digital models before performing procedures.
The device uses AI technology to detect potential heart problems and provides real-time health insights. It has multiple points touching the skin near the heart, allowing for more accurate tracking even during movement.
Research shows that atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to a higher risk of dementia, with a 21% increased risk at any age and a 36% increased risk for early-onset dementia. The association was strongest in younger adults and lost statistical significance in older adults over 70.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that finerenone was effective in treating heart failure, regardless of the presence of atrial fibrillation. New-onset atrial fibrillation was linked to a substantially increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Researchers found that gasdermin D promotes atrial arrhythmogenesis by facilitating the formation of pores in cell membranes and releasing cytokines. A mitochondrial-targeted therapy approach may prevent AF triggering, positioning gasdermin D as a promising therapeutic target.
A recent expert review highlights the strong link between hypertension and atrial fibrillation, which can lead to thousands of strokes. Controlling high blood pressure could significantly reduce the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.
New research updates treatment strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation, emphasizing catheter ablation as a viable first-line therapy. The study assesses the overall treatment hierarchy, including its role in heart failure patients.
A new AI prediction model, UNAFIED, uses machine learning to predict whether a patient has or might develop detectable AFib within two years. The non-invasive approach provides a practical option for proactive screening of patients at elevated risk for AFib.
The concomitant Cox-Maze procedure with aortic valve replacement in patients with atrial fibrillation showed lower rates of atrial fibrillation and higher anticoagulation discontinuation rates. Long-term outcomes were favorable, with no significant increase in early mortality or morbidity.
A clinical trial in rural China shows a telemedicine-based, village doctor-led care model significantly enhanced atrial fibrillation management. The study found lower rates of major cardiovascular events and higher adherence to evidence-based guidelines.
A new study at the University of Gothenburg found that a software robot can detect side effects faster than physicians during amiodarone treatment for cardiac arrhythmia. The robot also recommends appropriate intervals between lab tests, aligning with standard practices and reducing unnecessary testing.