Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
A large-scale study found that cold weather is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The risk was highest during winter months and lowest in summer, with a 10% increase in risk for every 5°C decrease in daily temperature.
A recent study found that adding adenosine triphosphate to pulmonary vein isolation treatment for atrial fibrillation did not significantly reduce late recurrences of the condition. The study, which included 2,113 patients, used ATP to identify and address potential gaps in electrical conduction around the pulmonary veins.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who received antithrombotic management according to ESC guidelines had better outcomes than those who did not. Guideline-adherent patients had significantly lower rates of major adverse events during one year follow up compared to over- or under-treated patients.
A new study found that antiarrhythmia drug therapy after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation does not reduce arrhythmia recurrence rates at one year. The treatment, which had shown a temporary benefit in earlier studies, lost its effectiveness once the medication was stopped.
A study found that improving cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the risk of arrhythmia recurrence in obese atrial fibrillation patients. Patients with higher exercise capacity showed a significant reduction in arrhythmia risk, with 84% being free from arrhythmia after four years.
More adults are visiting doctors for anticoagulant treatment due to the popularity of new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which have fewer food and drug interactions than warfarin. The study found that DOACs have risen to nearly match the use of warfarin, with 57% of anticoagulant visits related to warfarin use in 2014.
Atrial fibrillation is a serious medical condition characterized by an irregular heart rate, which can lead to poor blood flow and increase the risk of strokes. The BRIDGE trial, sponsored by the NIH, found that forgoing bridging anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation who need temporary interruption of warfarin for electi...
A study led by Duke Medicine found that stopping blood thinners before elective surgery has no higher risk of blood clots and less risk of major bleeding compared to traditional 'bridge' therapy.
Researchers from Duke University and Mayo Clinic analyzed data from the ARISTOTLE trial to explore COPD's connection to stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. They found that COPD was associated with increased mortality, particularly cardiovascular death, but not an increased risk of stroke or systemic embolism.
A Loyola Medicine study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke during the first 12 months after surgery. Among bladder cancer patients, 24.8% experienced a heart attack or stroke with POAF, compared to 10.9% without POAF.
Behnaz Ghoraani's novel algorithm allows improved and patient-specific localization of electrical disturbance sites, enabling clinicians to better target the problem. The technology helps doctors 'see' what's going on in the atrium by analyzing patterns of electrical signals, guiding them to where they need to sense.
A systematic review of over 320,000 patients found digoxin associated with a 21% increased risk of death from any cause. High levels of digoxin in the blood correlate with an increased death rate in patients. The authors call for randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder, is associated only with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) type of heart attack, increasing risk by 63 percent overall and higher rates in women. Atrial fibrillation has long been known to be a risk factor for stroke.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that specific altered function in the left atrium may signal stroke risk in those with a-fib and possibly those without it. The study suggests that certain features of the heart's upper left chamber could be used to tell apart low-risk from high-risk patients.
A study found that appropriate patient selection and pharmacist-led monitoring are associated with higher adherence rates to dabigatran. Modifiable site-level practices, such as collaboration between pharmacists and clinicians for nonadherent patients, also improved adherence rates.
A quarter of all atrial fibrillation patients at the lowest risk for stroke receive unnecessary blood thinners from cardiology specialists. Researchers found that males and older patients were more likely to be prescribed oral anticoagulation despite having no risk factors for stroke.
Patients who received ablation along with mitral valve surgery had better rhythm control and fewer episodes of atrial fibrillation compared to those who only received the valve surgery alone. However, they were more likely to require pacemaker implantation in the year following their surgery.
A new study shows that years of running are closely linked to atrial fibrillation risk in runners, suggesting physicians should consider this when assessing older patients with endurance sports history. Meanwhile, a school-based program aimed at educating children about heart disease prevention may improve their parents' cardiovascular...
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that catheter ablation significantly reduces atrial fibrillation symptoms and hospitalization rates compared to Amiodarone in heart failure patients. Patients who underwent catheter ablation had a higher rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation after two years, with 71% being symptom-...
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that obese patients with atrial fibrillation who lost at least 10% of their body weight were six times more likely to achieve long-term freedom from the condition. Sustained weight loss was also associated with significant beneficial structural changes in the heart and improved other ...
A recent study found that the apixaban-amiodarone combination significantly decreased stroke risk for patients with AFib who require both heart rhythm regulation and blood thinning medication. This alternative to warfarin offers a better option for managing high-risk atrial fibrillation.
Patients taking digoxin for atrial fibrillation face a 27% increased risk of dying compared to those not on the medication. The analysis of 19 studies involving over 500,000 patients also found that those with kidney failure are at an especially high risk.
A recent study demonstrated high compliance among patients wearing the ZIO XT Patch, leading to a timely and definitive diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. The high patient engagement resulted in a large volume of quality ECG data, allowing for earlier detection and treatment.
Delayed consent to administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a clot-busting drug, occurred in over 50% of cases among ischemic stroke patients. Women and weekends were more likely to experience these delays. Training tools could reduce tPA delay time by improving the consent process. Additionally, insertable cardiac monitoring det...
Physicians urge policy-makers to address care gaps due to misalignment of reimbursement policies and clinical guidelines. Newer blood-thinning agents like DOACs are safer and more effective than traditional warfarin, yet government funders restrict access.
Researchers warn of increased bleeding risk from NSAIDs in atrial fibrillation patients and suggest alternative pain medications. Additionally, a study finds three in ten adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for improved care improvements.
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that black and white heart failure patients have similar rates of atrial fibrillation, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that physicians should monitor all heart failure patients for atrial fibrillation regardless of race.
A study found that excess fat around the heart, measured by epicardial adipose tissue volume, is more closely associated with atrial fibrillation than BMI. The layer of fat was shown to correlate with scarring in the left atrium, increasing the risk of irregular heartbeat.
A new study demonstrates a significant association between atrial fibrillation (AFib) and lower cognitive function, particularly executive and verbal skills. The study, which used iRhythm Technologies' ZIO Patch to track AFib burden, found that participants with high AFib burden had lower scores in cognitive tests.
Atrial fibrillation hospital admission rates have increased significantly in the US, with elderly females and those with low income experiencing higher rates. Patient characteristics such as Medicare insurance and living in areas with low median income contribute to these disparities.
A study published in JAMA found that a device for closing the left atrial appendage significantly reduces the risk of stroke and cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation. The device was shown to be noninferior and superior to warfarin, a current treatment option for stroke prevention.
Research suggests that long-term use of anti-clotting drugs like warfarin and aspirin or clopidigrel can increase the risk of dementia in people with atrial fibrillation. Patients with abnormally slow blood clotting times were found to be more likely to develop dementia.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing fluid intake to at least two liters per day to prevent kidney stone recurrence. A new guideline also suggests dietary changes, including reducing oxalate and animal protein consumption, to help prevent stone formation. Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir has shown promise in re-treating H...
A new study by the Montreal Heart Institute found that high doses of fish oil supplements do not reduce atrial fibrillation, a common type of irregular heartbeat. The study also showed that fish oil supplements did not reduce inflammation or oxidative stress markers, which may explain their lack of efficacy.
A recent Finnish study found that patients with cryptogenic strokes are more likely to have an enlarged left atrial appendage, suggesting a possible independent risk factor. The research suggests that this condition may be responsible for up to half of all cryptogenic strokes.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery has released new evidence-based guidelines for preventing and treating perioperative and postoperative atrial fibrillation. The guidelines aim to reduce the incidence of POAF, which is associated with longer hospital stays, increased morbidity, and mortality.
The ROCKET AF trial found that digoxin use was associated with a 22% increased risk of death due to any cause and a 22% increased risk of death due to cardiovascular events. In complex atrial fibrillation patients, doctors should proceed with caution when using digoxin.
A simple awareness campaign in general practice identified new cases of AF, with 129 patients receiving treatment to reduce stroke risk. The campaign used a dedicated questionnaire to detect irregular pulses and symptoms suggestive of AF.
Researchers compared ultrathin strut sirolimus-eluting stents to thin strut everolimus-eluting stents, finding similar target lesion failure risks. A meta-analysis of β blocker therapy in heart failure with atrial fibrillation found no significant benefit over rate-control medications.
Research in over 6,000 patients found that permanent atrial fibrillation doubles the risk of stroke compared to paroxysmal AF. The study suggests that a simple clinical assessment of the type of AF can help doctors estimate stroke risk more accurately.
A new study found that treating only the pulmonary veins with a procedure called ablation resulted in reasonable outcomes without the need to treat other areas of the heart. The study, which included 589 patients, showed that adding further ablation increased treatment time but did not reduce AF recurrence rates.
Researchers found that renal denervation significantly reduced the likelihood of recurrent atrial fibrillation in patients with moderate to severe resistant hypertension. The procedure was shown to be beneficial in reducing blood pressure, with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure observed.
Despite effective oral anticoagulant use, atrial fibrillation patients experience high one-year mortality and morbidity. Statins were found to reduce mortality by one-third, while diuretics increased it by 70%. Hospital readmissions are common, often due to AF or heart failure.
A study of 360 cardiac surgery patients found that colchicine reduced postpericardiotomy syndrome, but not postoperative atrial fibrillation or pericardial/pleural effusions. Colchicine also increased the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects.
A new study found that pre-surgical colchicine administration reduced post-pericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) in cardiac surgery patients, but was associated with high gastrointestinal side effects.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technology that uses video monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation by analyzing subtle changes in skin color. The technology has an error rate of 20%, comparable to automated ECG measurements, and holds promise for diagnosing cardiac disease using contactless video monitoring.
Researchers found that post-menopausal women with higher levels of physical activity had a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation, regardless of their weight status. The study's lead author notes that more physically active women were less likely to develop the condition.
A study found that delaying cardioversion for more than 12 hours after atrial fibrillation diagnosis increases the risk of strokes and blood clots. Patients with delayed treatment had a higher incidence of thromboembolic complications, highlighting the importance of prompt correction.
A study of 1.7 million hospital patients found that experiencing atrial fibrillation while hospitalized for surgery was associated with an increased long-term risk of ischemic stroke, particularly following noncardiac surgery. The risk was also higher after cardiac surgery.
Researchers found that digoxin increases the risk of death in patients with atrial fibrillation, regardless of age or other factors. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, suggests alternative treatments may be safer and more effective.
Researchers found that catheter ablation significantly improves cardiovascular survival among adults with atrial fibrillation, even in older patients and those with comorbidities. The study, published in Heart Rhythm, shows a 60% reduction in mortality rates among participants.
A new study found that seniors who have had strokes or vascular disease are at risk of stroke after heart surgery. The study identified several risk factors for long-term stroke, including previous stroke, peripheral vascular disease, valve surgery, and age 65 years or older.
A new study found an association between moderate alcohol consumption and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The research followed 79,016 adults in Sweden over 12 years and found that binge drinking was associated with an increased risk for drinkers of wine and liquor.
Researchers have developed a method of shockless defibrillation using optogenetics, achieving cardioversion into sinus rhythm without pain. The technique involves genetically inserting depolarising ion channels into the heart that can be activated by light, promising a new approach for treating atrial fibrillation.
Researchers at UCSF found catheter ablation to be a highly effective first-line treatment for atrial flutter, reducing hospital visits by 12% and emergency department visits by 40%. The procedure also lowers the risk of atrial fibrillation by 11%.
A four-year trial found that 30% of patients with cryptogenic stroke had atrial fibrillation detected within three years with the device, compared to 3% in those who received standard follow-up care. Patients with atrial fibrillation were switched to blood thinners, which proved more effective in preventing future strokes.
Research finds increased heart attacks and atrial fibrillation among younger patients, especially women, during the Greek financial crisis. The study suggests that stress and lack of social insurance may have contributed to the surge in cardiovascular admissions.
A study by Intermountain Medical Center found that AFib patients on blood thinning medications are at higher risk of developing dementia if their doses are not within the optimal recommended range. Patients with dosages outside this range were 4.5 times more likely to develop dementia.
A large population study found that current and recent use of painkillers/anti-inflammatories is linked to a heightened risk of atrial fibrillation among older adults. Over half of the study participants developed atrial fibrillation during the monitoring period, with those currently taking NSAIDs facing an 84% greater risk.
Research presented at EuroHeartCare 2014 found that visualizing a safe place reduced operative pain in patients undergoing ablation of atrial fibrillation. Patients who used visualization during the procedure were in pain less often and asked for fewer painkillers, with perceived pain intensity possibly also reduced.