Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
Research suggests that erratic heart rhythms, particularly paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), contribute to about one-fifth of unexplained strokes. Patients with stroke of unknown origin may benefit from extended monitoring and treatment with medications like dabigatran and rivaroxaban.
Researchers discovered that rivaroxaban, a new anti-clotting drug, is less likely to cause brain bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are at high risk of stroke. The study found five risk factors that increase the likelihood of AF patients experiencing intracranial bleeding.
Researchers at McMaster University found that nearly 1 in 3 patients with pacemakers and no history of atrial fibrillation experience asymptomatic atrial arrhythmias, increasing stroke risk. These episodes were often undetected until they were picked up by the pacemaker, highlighting the importance of monitoring for silent fibrillation.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found dabigatran to be associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome. The research suggests that clinicians should consider the potential cardiovascular risks when using dabigatran, particularly in high-risk populations.
A large study group of Kentucky women found that only 30% were receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation. The study suggests warfarin anticoagulation treatment is underutilized in this population, but not due to economic or educational disparities.
A $3.8 million grant will investigate the connection between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, with the goal of identifying new approaches for prevention and treatment. The study aims to characterize how sleep apnea affects the heart's structure and function, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients with this condition.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that patients with excess vitamin D levels had a two and a half times greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that communication between patients and healthcare providers is critical to determine safe doses of vitamin supplements.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center researchers found that heart patients taking vitamins with warfarin are less likely to take their medication as prescribed. Patients who use vitamin supplements with warfarin are more likely to experience unexplained bleeding and need non-surgical transfusions.
A recent study by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that severe sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation are associated with a higher risk of hospital stroke and death. Patients diagnosed with these conditions during hospitalization had three times the risk of stroke and a seven percent increased risk of mortality.
A new drug called apixaban has shown to be effective in treating atrial fibrillation, reducing the risk of stroke by 21% and major bleeding by 31%. The study found that apixaban is better than warfarin in preventing strokes and was associated with less bleeding.
Research finds UK doctors are underdiagnosing and undertreating atrial fibrillation, a major risk factor for stroke, despite improvements in stroke prevention. The study analyzed data from the General Practice Research Database and found that only one in four patients with AF were prescribed preventive anticoagulant treatment.
A new study of over 26,000 stroke patients found that those with Atrial Fibrillation have a mortality rate almost twice that of other stroke patients. The study highlights the need for better use of existing anticoagulant medication to prevent fatal and disabling strokes.
The study found that almost 40% of patients have no underlying disease associated with atrial fibrillation, and symptoms vary greatly among patients. Symptoms include palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness, and many patients seek a drug-free lifestyle after ablation.
A large study on very old patients with atrial fibrillation found that adequate management of anticoagulation therapy can reduce bleeding risks. The study suggests that age should not be a contraindication to treatment for these patients.
A Swedish study found that elite cross-country skiers have a higher incidence of arrhythmias, particularly those who have completed more races and trained at an elite level. The study also found that younger athletes were more likely to experience these arrhythmias.
A Norwegian study found a graded increase in atrial fibrillation risk with increasing levels of physical activity in men, but not women. Heavy exercise was associated with a 2-3 fold increased risk, while the majority of heavily exercising men had normal heart rhythms.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found a direct link between obesity and electrical abnormalities in the heart muscle, leading to atrial fibrillation. Obesity can increase blood pressure and put strain on the heart, increasing the risk of developing this common heart rhythm disorder.
A large double-blind study has shown that rivaroxaban is noninferior to warfarin for preventing stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study found that rivaroxaban use led to less intra-cranial and fatal bleeding, making it an attractive alternative to the current standard treatment.
Atrial fibrillation increases dementia risk by 40-50% through weakening heart function and inflammation, study suggests. Researchers found a link between the condition and cognitive decline in older adults.
A new report identifies several synergistic steps to improve AF management, including detecting risk factors, using new antithrombotic therapies, early arrhythmia detection, and timely rhythm control treatment. The report highlights the need for more research into genetic biomarkers to assess AF risk.
A large cohort study found that initially healthy middle-aged women with new-onset atrial fibrillation had an increased risk of cardiovascular, noncardiovascular, and all-cause death. The risk was partly attributed to nonfatal cardiovascular events such as congestive heart failure and stroke.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that atrial fibrillation in mostly healthy women is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. The study of over 34,000 women found that 2.1% of deaths could be attributed to atrial fibrillation, highlighting the importance of managing cardiovascular risk factors.
A sub-analysis of the EMPHASIS-HF trial found eplerenone significantly reduced new onset atrial fibrillation and flutter in patients with class 2 heart failure. The benefits of eplerenone were similar in patients with and without atrial fibrillation at baseline.
A Canadian study found that 12% of heart failure patients had moderate to severe vertebral compression fractures, a sign of osteoporosis. Only 15% of these patients were being treated for osteoporosis, despite having a higher risk for fractures.
Researchers analyzed data from studies on atrial fibrillation, finding that AFib significantly increases the risk for stroke, heart failure, and death. The studies suggest that AFib has a substantial economic impact on the US healthcare system, warranting further investigation to understand its true costs.
A study from Emory University School of Medicine found that measuring oxidative stress can predict the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. High levels of the amino acid cystine in blood are linked to increased risk, while factors like high blood pressure and obesity also play a role.
Research suggests that nearly half of atrial fibrillation cases can be avoided by maintaining a normal blood pressure and healthy body weight, without smoking. The study found that high blood pressure was the strongest predictor of atrial fibrillation, accounting for over one-fifth of all cases.
Research by University of East Anglia shows stroke survivors with irregular heartbeat are 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia than those without the heart condition. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke and dementia in patients with stroke.
Research analyzed 15 studies and found that stroke survivors with atrial fibrillation were 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia than those without the heart condition. Approximately 25% of patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation developed dementia during follow-up.
The January/February 2011 issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology marks the beginning of a partnership between Elsevier and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. The issue focuses on atrial fibrillation, including the long-awaited Canadian Cardiovascular Society Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines.
The AVERROES trial found apixaban to be superior to aspirin in reducing stroke risk by 61.4% in patients with atrial fibrillation and high stroke risk. Apixaban was also shown to be safe with a lower rate of major bleeding incidents compared to aspirin.
A recent McMaster University-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that apixaban significantly reduces stroke or embolism risk in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, preventing one stroke for every 20 patients treated. The drug also reduces major bleeding risk compared to aspirin.
Researchers found a link between atrial fibrosis detected via DE-MRI and increased thromboembolic risk in AF patients. The study suggests using DE-MRI to supplement existing risk assessment tools for better allocating anticoagulation therapies.
Research from the University of Cincinnati and Massachusetts General Hospital found that warfarin, a common anticoagulant, may not be suitable for all atrial fibrillation patients due to declining stroke risk. The study suggests that treatment guidelines should consider individual patient risks and benefits.
Researchers monitoring people with cryptogenic strokes for intermittent atrial fibrillation aim to prevent future strokes. The CRYSTAL AF trial uses an FDA-approved implanted cardiac monitor to detect arrhythmia and guide treatment.
A recent study found that nearly half of men in this age group would like to have more sex, despite the common perception that elderly people are not capable of or interested in sex. Meanwhile, a meta-analysis of heart treatments failed to show significant differences between two commonly used medications. The American College of Physi...
A randomized trial with over 600 patients found that high-dose prescription omega-3 did not reduce the recurrence of atrial fibrillation. The treatment had no significant impact on the rate of symptomatic AF or flutter events in either group, suggesting that previous findings may be due to small sample sizes.
A study of over 4,000 participants found that having a first-degree relative with atrial fibrillation increases the risk of developing AF. The risk is approximately 40% higher than those without familial AF.
A new anticoagulant drug dabigatran has been found to be equally effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in patients who have previously had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack. The study also showed that dabigatran has a lower risk of intracranial bleeding compared to warfarin.
Researchers found that patient age may diminish the death benefit of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Moderate to severe pain was common in patients' final years, especially for those with arthritis. E-cigarettes pose a new challenge for physicians counseling patients to abstain from nicotine due to safety concerns and potentia...
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada unveiled new Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines and position statements at the 2010 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. These updates aim to support clinicians in practicing evidence-based medicine, with a focus on atrial fibrillation management and antiplatelet therapy.
Research suggests that patients with high anxiety sensitivity, who are frightened by bodily sensations and symptoms associated with anxiety, may experience improved cardiac outcomes when treated with rhythm control strategy. This approach appears to be important for these patients, particularly those with congestive heart failure.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a robotic catheter to treat atrial fibrillation, reducing operating times and radiation exposure. The catheter uses smart materials for improved maneuverability, allowing for more effective and efficient treatment.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that Mexican-American stroke survivors with a heart rhythm disorder have more than twice the risk for another stroke compared to non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, their recurrent strokes are more likely to be severe, although they do not have a higher risk of death after stroke.
The AVERROES study found that apixaban was superior to aspirin for preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, with a relative risk reduction of over 50% and a small increase in bleeding risk. The study's results will reduce the burden of stroke in society.
Atrial fibrillation hospital admissions in Australia have increased by over 200% since 1993, resulting in an alarming number of hospitalizations.
The analysis of the RELY trial found that local standards of care significantly affect the benefits of switching to new treatments, particularly for stroke prevention. In centers with poor INR quality control, dabigatran showed greater advantages over warfarin in preventing stroke and cardiovascular events.
Researchers found that nearly one in five patients with early stages of CKD had evidence of AF, a rate similar to those with end-stage CKD. The study emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring health conditions of this population due to increasing risk of developing AF as people live longer and get older.
A new laser-balloon catheter successfully interrupted irregular electrical pulses in patients and pigs, offering a potential new treatment for abnormal heartbeats. The treatment achieved 100% accuracy in clinical trials and had long-lasting effects, making it a promising alternative to traditional ablation procedures.
Researchers have linked diabetes to a 40% greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation, with the risk rising for longer duration of diabetes and less controlled blood sugar levels.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute conclude that dronedarone is only moderately effective and lacks clear safety benefits. The review assesses data from the FDA approval process and compares dronedarone to amiodarone, a commonly used treatment for atrial fibrillation.
The AFib Educator app and desktop widget provide detailed, animated diagrams of the human heart to help patients understand atrial fibrillation. Healthcare professionals can share resources with patients, including facts about signs, symptoms, prevalence, and risks, as well as links to additional information.
A nationwide study found that blacks are substantially less likely than whites to know they have atrial fibrillation or use warfarin as treatment. This disparity could explain why the black population has a higher incidence of stroke and death from strokes compared to the white population.
A study found that blacks are more likely to have an undiagnosed key risk factor for stroke and have a higher stroke incidence. The research also revealed significant racial and geographic disparities in stroke incidence and treatment, with blacks being less likely to receive recommended treatment to prevent stroke.
A common gene variant has been associated with an increased risk of lone atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat that affects younger individuals without known heart disease. The genetic variation affects a protein involved in controlling the heart's electrical activity and may provide new drug targets for treatment.
A new gene, KCNN3, has been identified as a significant contributor to the risk of atrial fibrillation. This gene regulates potassium channels in the heart, which can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
A study of elite cross-country skiers reveals a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation, with rates significantly higher than in the general population. The study identified two key risk factors: slow heart rate at rest and large left atrium size, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role.
Patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF who didn't respond to antiarrhythmic drugs showed better outcomes with catheter ablation, achieving higher success rates in rhythm control and quality of life. Catheter ablation demonstrated a favorable safety profile, making it an attractive alternative for treating this condition.
Researchers at University of Leicester are developing innovative method to map and target abnormal electrical signals in the heart, benefiting millions with atrial fibrillation. This approach enables cardiologists to treat AF more accurately, potentially reducing need for second procedures.
Penn researchers identify a novel cellular source of atrial fibrillation, the most common type of abnormal heart beat, and suggest a more precise way to treat AF with reduced side effects.