Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
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.
A recent study found that warfarin treatment is associated with a lower risk of death, heart attack, or stroke without an increased risk of bleeding for patients with established cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation. The study included over 24,000 patients with kidney function measured through serum creatinine levels.
A new therapy has been developed to treat atrial fibrillation by targeting misbehaving nerves that cause the condition. The therapy, which involves adding four or fewer injections of 98% ethanol to radio wave ablation, appears to be more effective than standard surgical therapies.
The updated guideline recommends oral anticoagulants for people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke. The new drugs are at least as effective as established treatment and have a lower risk of bleeding, making them suitable for many previously undertreated patients.
A study published in JAMA found that radiofrequency ablation significantly reduced abnormal atrial rhythms and episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation compared to drug treatment. The therapy was also associated with improved quality of life, but the risks and benefits need to be discussed individually.
A recent survey found that 25% of high-risk patients were not taking anticoagulants one year after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, despite a success rate of 74%. This highlights the need for improved follow-up and cooperation between centers to ensure appropriate treatment.
Researchers have developed a new device that detects atrial fibrillation in 30% of cryptogenic stroke patients, allowing for improved prevention of future strokes. The device uses a tiny implantable cardiac monitor to capture abnormal ECG activity and has been shown to be more effective than standard tests.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to measure left atrial wall fibrosis using delayed enhancement MRI, which is associated with increased risk of recurrent rhythm disorder after treatment. The study suggests that this measure may help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from ablation therapy.
A landmark multi-center study found that patients with less scarring in the left atrium had higher ablation success rates. The study suggests that earlier treatment may be beneficial, as longer A-fib experience leads to more scarring. Loyola Medicine was a major enroller in the study.
A large Danish study found that anticoagulant medicine significantly reduces the risk of serious brain damage or death due to a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, which followed over 11,000 patients, also showed that mortality within 30 days is lower for those receiving treatment.
Atrial fibrillation management remains suboptimal in Europe, with low adoption of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and inconsistent treatment guideline adherence. The pilot registry found that oral anticoagulant use has increased, but NOAC use is still limited, particularly among females.
A study of over 70,000 patients found that warfarin significantly increases the risk of stroke among those with atrial fibrillation within the first 30 days of treatment. The risk is highest in the first week, peaking on the third day, and halves after 30 days. Patients with a history of previous stroke are at higher increased risk.
The World Health Organization study reveals atrial fibrillation affects 33.5 million people worldwide, leading to significant healthcare burden and mortality rates, particularly in developing countries.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with more premature atrial contractions have a substantially higher risk for developing atrial fibrillation. The researchers used a 24-hour Holter monitor to detect PACs and compared the results with an established prediction model from the Framingham Heart Study.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found a possible link between orthostatic hypotension and atrial fibrillation, increasing the risk by 40% over two decades. The condition is often asymptomatic and can lead to stroke, heart failure, and dementia if left untreated.
Hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation in the US nearly doubled from 4.6 million in 1998 to 9.2 million in 2010, with a 46% increase over the decade. Researchers project a similar trend through 2020, with 541,000 hospitalizations expected by 2020. The estimated cost of hospitalizations is also projected to rise by 55% from 2010.
A structured weight reduction program significantly reduced atrial fibrillation symptoms, episodes, and cumulative duration in minutes compared to a control group. Patients who participated in the weight management program experienced greater reductions in weight and cardiometabolic risk factors.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that women and African Americans are at a higher risk of heart attack due to atrial fibrillation. The study found that patients with AF, especially women and African-Americans, have a more than double increased risk of heart attack compared to those without AF.
Researchers found that white race is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, with non-Hispanic whites having a higher likelihood of developing the condition. In contrast, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans had lower risks compared to whites.
Pediatric atrial fibrillation is a rare but serious condition with substantial symptoms and a high recurrence rate. Researchers found that nearly 40% of patients experienced recurrence, with significant complications in three cases.
A new study shows that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can stage the degree of damaged heart tissue and help predict whether treatment will be successful. Patients with early-stage atrial fibrosis have a higher chance of being cured, while those with late-stage fibrosis have a lower success rate.
A mass screening program in Sweden identified 5% of 75- to 76-year-olds with untreated atrial fibrillation. The study found that more than 90% of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation were started on oral anticoagulation treatment, which reduces the risk of stroke by up to 70%.
Patients with three or more cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes and hypertension, have a comparable stroke risk to those with atrial fibrillation. The study found that the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation is eliminated in patients with five or more risk factors.
A CHADS2 score of 0 or 1 indicates a low stroke risk, but 35.8% of strokes occurred in patients with these scores, suggesting refined stratification is needed. The CHA2DS2-VASc score reclassified 53.8% of patients to higher risk categories.
Research shows that general practitioners underdiagnose and undertreat women with atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly those with a high stroke risk. A study of over 15,000 French patients found that women were less likely to receive anticoagulant treatment than men, regardless of their age or comorbidities.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the need for personalized AF management to close the mortality gap. Current therapies have only improved mortality by 5-10%. A new taxonomy of AF is proposed based on its pathophysiology, and biomarkers, imaging, and ECG are being studied to improve treatment.
A study published in JAMA found that early surgical correction of mitral valve regurgitation was associated with greater long-term survival and lower risk of heart failure compared to initial medical management. This is particularly true for patients without American College of Cardiology guideline class I triggers.
The ISSUE III registry study found that cardiac pacing is more effective in patients with presumed neurally mediated syncope (NMS) and asystolic episodes, than in patients with positive tilt table testing. The registry showed that oral anticoagulation therapy is now widely used in patients with atrial fibrillation.
The GAP-AF study found that complete ablation with complete linear lesions around pulmonary veins was more effective than incomplete lesions in preventing AF recurrence. This approach resulted in higher success rates and longer periods of sinus rhythm compared to incomplete procedures.
A new study finds a U-shaped association between fish consumption and atrial fibrillation risk, with moderate intakes offering the greatest protection. The lowest risk was found in individuals consuming around 0.63g of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per day, corresponding to two servings of fatty fish per week.
Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) show signs of depression, sleeping disorders, and low levels of physical activity, despite physicians rating their quality of life higher. Good communication between physicians and patients is crucial for adherence to medications and long-term prognosis.
A new risk assessment model helps physicians decide whether to start blood-thinning treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation. The model incorporates common clinical features and age categories to calculate a risk score, providing more reliable guidance.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that cross-country skiers who completed more races and had faster finishing times were at a higher risk of developing arrhythmia. The risk was 30% higher for those completing five or more races, with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and bradyarrhythmia.
Research found that people with atrial fibrillation experience lower memory and thinking scores at earlier ages, with faster decline rates compared to those without the condition. Cognitive impairment or dementia risk may be higher for those with atrial fibrillation, particularly after age 75.
The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) is introducing late-breaking clinical trials for the first time at its annual meeting, EHRA EUROPACE 2013. These trials focus on innovative treatments for atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias.
A common EKG test may predict serious cardiovascular illness in people with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), a previously thought benign condition. The study found those with LAFB had a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and death.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found no evidence that digoxin increases mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from over 3,400 patients and found that digoxin was not associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalization.
Researchers investigated the effects of medical yoga on patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and found significant decreases in blood pressure and heart rate. In another study, acupressure was shown to reduce pulse rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with persistent AF.
Women with atrial fibrillation experience more symptoms and a lower quality of life compared to men, according to a study analyzing over 10,000 patients. Despite this, women tend to live longer than their male peers, highlighting the need for further research into gender disparities in cardiovascular disease management.
The American College of Physicians publishes a special supplement on patient safety strategies, featuring articles on reducing cancer risk through colonoscopy screening and increasing colorectal cancer screening adherence via electronic health records. Researchers found that colonoscopy screening reduces late-stage cancer diagnosis by ...
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a simple atrial fibrillation risk prediction model for women, improving accuracy over existing methods. The model considers six easily obtainable factors: age, height, weight, blood pressure, alcohol consumption, and smoking history.
Researchers at UCSF and Kaiser Permanente have found that atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of end-stage renal disease among patients with chronic kidney disease. The study involved over 206,000 adults and showed that those who developed atrial fibrillation were 67% more likely to progress to kidney failure.
Researchers developed a virtual heart model to investigate atrial fibrillation, revealing electrical heterogeneity and fibre structure as key factors in the condition's initiation. The study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms underlying AF, paving the way for potential treatments.
A new study found that metabolic stress can increase the onset of atrial arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, by activating KATP channels in the atria. Blocking these channels with anti-diabetic drugs reversed the effects of metabolic stress and prevented atrial arrhythmia induction.
A University of Kentucky study found that digoxin, a widely used heart medication, increases the possibility of death in patients with atrial fibrillation. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from 4,060 AF patients and found a 41% increase in deaths from any cause.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that digoxin is associated with a significant increase in deaths in patients with atrial fibrillation. High levels of digoxin in the blood have been correlated with an increased death rate in these patients.
Researchers found that prolonged QRS duration and PR/QT intervals are strong indicators of risk. These electrical wave measures can help doctors identify patients at higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including death.
Patients with atrial fibrillation experienced more major and non-major clinically relevant GI bleeding when taking rivaroxaban than warfarin. Major and non-major, clinically relevant bleeding occurred more frequently with rivaroxaban use.
A large study found that moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of atrial fibrillation in older people with heart disease or advanced diabetes. The study involved over 30,000 individuals from 40 countries and found a significant increase in atrial fibrillation cases linked to higher alcohol consumption.
A new study published in The Lancet found that apixaban is more effective and safer than warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation and at least one additional risk factor for stroke. This suggests that current risk scoring systems may be less relevant when using apixaban, potentially simplifying treatment decisions.
New guidelines set minimum acceptable success rates for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, with 50% success rate expected at 12 months. Long-term outcome data shows only 40-50% of patients remain free of recurrent AF after 5 years.
The PRAGUE-12 trial revealed that surgical ablation using the MAZE procedure significantly improves sinus rhythm presence one year post-operatively among patients with permanent AF. However, it had no impact on mortality, stroke or other hard clinical outcomes during a one-year follow-up.
The Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Pilot Study found that catheter ablation suppresses arrhythmia recurrences in 74% of patients after a single procedure. Symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath were significantly reduced, with over half of patients becoming asymptomatic.