Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
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.
A nationwide Danish cohort study found that obese women are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation than healthy weight women. The risk is more pronounced in very obese women, with a hazard ratio of over 3 times the normal risk.
A large nationwide cohort study found that female gender increases the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation aged over 75 years by 20%. The findings suggest that female sex should not be included as an independent risk factor in guidelines or risk stratification schemes.
Researchers have developed a new technique to detect and target tiny electrical disturbances in the heart, resulting in an 86% success rate in treating atrial fibrillation. The CONFIRM trial found that this approach significantly improved outcomes compared to conventional catheter procedures.
A new targeting technology has been found to improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation, with an 86% success rate after a single procedure. The technology, known as focal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM), allows doctors to detect and shut down the electrical sources of the arrhythmia in minutes.
A new study from the University of Manchester confirms safety indicators for people taking anticoagulant drugs to regulate atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk. The study found that patients with high INR levels were more likely to experience bleeding episodes.
A new trial shows that a short-term antiarrhythmic drug treatment can prevent recurrences of atrial fibrillation as effectively as long-term treatment. The Flec-SL trial found that patients treated with flecainide for four weeks had fewer AF relapses than those receiving long-term treatment.
The CHA2DS2-VASc score has been validated in different populations, identifying very low risk patients who do not need antithrombotic therapy. New oral anticoagulants have a greater net clinical benefit compared to warfarin when both bleeding and stroke risks are high.
A study found little difference in mortality within four years of treatment, but rhythm control may be associated with more effective long-term outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation. The research suggests that rhythm control therapy may have a protective effect over time.
New UCSF research establishes a stronger causal link between alcohol consumption and serious palpitations in patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation had almost a four and a half times greater chance of having an episode if they were consuming alcohol than if they were not.
A large cohort study found that history of palpitations and hypertension are significant risk factors for atrial fibrillation in both men and women. Palpitations increased the risk of AF by 62% in women and 91% in men, while hypertension doubled the risk in women and increased it by 40% in men.
A new study published in JAMA found that elderly women with atrial fibrillation are at a higher risk of stroke than men. The study suggests that these women may need more effective stroke prevention therapy, which could be targeted towards female sex as a key risk factor.
A study published in JAMA found that older women with atrial fibrillation have a significantly higher risk of stroke compared to men, even when taking anticoagulant medication. The research suggests that current stroke prevention therapy may not be sufficient for these patients, highlighting the need for targeted treatment strategies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo cardiac surgery without treatment have a lower long-term survival rate compared to those with sinus rhythm. Successful surgical treatment of A-fib during cardiac surgery can improve patient outcomes an...
Researchers found that stopping anti-clotting medication in patients with irregular heartbeats increases the risk of stroke within a month. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 patients and found that both warfarin and rivaroxaban carried similar stroke risks after temporary or permanent discontinuation.
A study analyzing individual data from prospective studies suggests that subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased risk of total mortality, CHD death, and incident atrial fibrillation. The risk is highest when thyrotropin levels are below 0.10 mIU/L.
A meta-analysis of 32,053 patients found warfarin to be effective in preventing strokes and non-central nervous system embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, elderly patients, women, and those with previous stroke or TIA were at higher risk.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology has published new guidelines for atrial fibrillation, which provide updated guidance on stroke prevention and heart rhythm control. The guidelines are based on recent changes in drugs available to treat the condition and will have a significant impact on how doctors worldwide treat atrial fibrillation.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong link between irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and cognitive decline, dementia, and loss of independence in daily activities. Researchers analyzed data from two large trials and found that patients with atrial fibrillation were 34% more likely to experienc...
Scientists at the University of Nottingham developed a mathematical model of calcium activity in atrial heart cells, improving our understanding of heart disease and stroke. The model provides clinically relevant insights into sub-cellular calcium signals, allowing for new treatments for conditions like 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.
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.
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.
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...