Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
The Framingham Heart Study has received a $1M challenge grant to identify risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation. Researchers will use data from five major cohort studies, including the study's own long-term follow-up of over 10,000 participants.
Dabigatran, a new blood-thinner, has been shown to be as effective as warfarin in preventing strokes and major bleeding, but with significantly fewer side effects. This finding could lead to a change in standard anticoagulant therapy.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that women with diabetes are 26% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation than non-diabetic women. The study involved nearly 35,000 patients over seven years and isolated the effect of diabetes as an independent risk factor for women.
Research reveals women with atrial fibrillation are more likely to experience symptomatic attacks, have higher heart rates, and increased risk of stroke due to pooling of blood in the atria. A new gender-specific approach to therapy is recommended to prevent strokes and improve quality of life.
The AF Stat Call to Action outlines critical issues and recommends priority actions in policy, education, management, and quality. The report aims to reduce the burden of atrial fibrillation by improving understanding, diagnosis, and management among all parties affected.
Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia affecting over 3 million Europeans, with high mortality rates. Treatment strategies include chronic antiarrhythmic drug therapy and catheter ablation, both effective but with varying side effects and success rates.
Researchers found that irbesartan reduced the risk of heart failure complications and a combination of stroke and other events by 13-14% in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study also showed significant reductions in hospitalizations for cardiovascular reasons and days spent in hospital.
Researchers found warfarin therapy reduces ischemic stroke risk but increases intracranial bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. Benefits of treatment are greatest for patients over 85 years old and those with multiple risk factors for stroke.
A study found that high coffee consumption is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia. Patients with high caffeine intake and low Mediterranean diet adherence had higher rates of arrhythmias, suggesting a potential link between coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease.
The RE-LY study found dabigatran to be more effective than warfarin in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The higher dose of dabigatran significantly reduces stroke risk by 34% compared to warfarin, while the lower dose has a similar effect but with less major bleeding.
A study found that warfarin may increase the risk of stroke in dialysis patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Patients on dialysis who take warfarin are at a higher risk of stroke, particularly those whose blood is not monitored for warfarin levels after treatment.
Researchers have identified new targets for treating breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting Brk protein expression. Additionally, a study on Wnk1 revealed its critical role in angiogenesis and heart development. Furthermore, drug abuse has been found to worsen HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders through dopamine signaling.
The PROTECT AF study found that percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a viable option for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The device-based approach showed non-inferior efficacy to long-term warfarin therapy, but higher safety event rates.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that atrial fibrillation significantly increases hospitalization due to worsening heart failure in patients not receiving beta-blockers. However, the risk of all-cause mortality was similar between those with and without atrial fibrillation.
A study of over 7,500 individuals found that first-degree atrioventricular block is associated with a two-fold increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a three-fold increased risk of pacemaker implantation, and a 1.4-fold increased risk of all-cause death. The researchers suggest that the natural history of this condition may not be as b...
Long-term endurance sport participation increases the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. Research efforts are focused on preventing and treating arrhythmias through techniques like CPVA and deconditioning.
Researchers found that an overactive enzyme plays a role in atrial fibrillation, but does not act alone. The study revealed a synergy between the enzyme and a specific calcium channel mutation, which is necessary for arrhythmia development.
Mayo Clinic is leading a six-year study to determine whether catheter ablation is more effective than drug therapy for treating atrial fibrillation. The trial will randomize patients over three years, examining effectiveness and safety of left atrial catheter ablation versus current state-of-the-art drug therapy.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center discovered a strong relationship between atrial fibrillation and the development of Alzheimer's disease in a study of over 37,000 patients. Patients with atrial fibrillation were 44% more likely to develop dementia than those without, with younger patients facing higher risks.
Researchers have found that a delayed-enhancement MRI method holds promise for predicting treatment outcomes and measuring disease progression in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study revealed that those with extensive scar tissue damage were at greater risk of AF recurrence after treatment.
A new study from the Sahlgrenska Academy reveals that big men are more susceptible to atrial fibrillation, a disturbance in the heart's rhythm. The risk of atrial fibrillation increases linearly with both body size and weight gain, putting larger men at higher risk.
A large-scale trial found that diabetic patients with atrial fibrillation have a significantly higher risk of death from cardiovascular causes. The study suggests that aggressive treatment with blood pressure-lowering drugs can reduce this risk, and highlights the importance of identifying undiagnosed AF in diabetic patients.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found that chronic kidney disease independently increases the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Kidney function may provide an additional clue about how to best assess stroke risk and decide upon the best prevention strategy for patients with AF.
A new risk score has been developed to identify people at risk of atrial fibrillation in primary care, using clinical characteristics and echocardiographic measures. The tool was tested on 4,764 participants and showed good predictive value, with age being the strongest risk factor associated with atrial fibrillation.
The ATHENA trial found that dronedarone reduced the incidence of cardiovascular-related hospitalisation or death by 24% compared to placebo. The study also showed a significant reduction in cardiovascular death, with no difference in overall mortality.
A new study identifies NUP155 as the root cause of rare and severe atrial fibrillation. The gene controls molecular transport into and out of the cell nucleus, affecting heart health.
A study of 34,715 women found that up to two drinks per day is not associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. However, women who consumed more than two drinks per day had a higher risk of developing the condition.
DeCODE's DNA-based risk tests have been shown to increase accuracy of MI risk prediction by measuring genetic markers on chromosomes 9p21 and 4q25. These tests provide a new tool for improving screening, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
deCODE's DNA-based tests measure genetic markers linked to increased cardiovascular conditions' risk. These tests provide doctors with a new tool for improving screening, prevention, and treatment.
Researchers found that patients receiving donated lungs may develop arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, within 30 days of transplantation. Herpes zoster, or shingles, is also a common complication after lung transplantation, but antiviral prophylaxis and treatment with the antibody RATG can be protective.
Common osteoporosis medications bisphosphonates may cause irregular heartbeats and serious atrial fibrillation in patients. The risk is significant, with up to two times more likelihood of serious AF compared to placebo, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing these medications.
A study found that reducing amiodarone treatment frequency did not decrease side effects but increased atrial fibrillation recurrence rates. Patients in the episodic treatment group had higher all-cause deaths and cardiovascular hospitalizations compared to those receiving continuous treatment.
Researchers at University of Utah Health developed an MRI-based method to detect and measure scarring on the left atrium's wall in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study found that higher percentages of LA wall injury are linked to a lower recurrence rate of arrhythmia.
Researchers have found a gene mutation linked to one family's hereditary form of atrial fibrillation, leading to better understanding and potential new treatments. The discovery provides insight into pathways that may be applicable to people in the general population with atrial fibrillation.
A study found 10.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged individuals had silent cerebral infarctions, a brain injury caused by blood clots. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation significantly increased the risk of SCI.
A major international clinical trial has found that a simpler approach to treating atrial fibrillation in patients with congestive heart failure can significantly reduce hospitalization rates and eliminate the need for repeated cardioversions. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, enrolled 1,376 patients at 123 h...
Dr. Marrouche's pioneering work with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has improved the curative rates and safety of radiofrequency ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation. His research has led to significant reduction in complications and arrhythmia-free outcomes for patients.
A new study found that women taking osteoporosis medication alendronate are at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The researchers estimated that approximately 3% of new atrial fibrillation cases may be attributed to alendronate use.
Women using Fosamax are nearly twice as likely to develop atrial fibrillation, a chronic irregular heartbeat. The study found that maintaining a healthy body weight may help protect against this condition.
Atrial tachycardia is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, leading to NF-kB activation. Blockade of angiotensin II receptors, L-type calcium channels, NADPH oxidase, and inhibition of NF-κB activation can abolish or decrease tachycardia-dependent changes in atrial tissue.
The Cox-Maze procedure has been enhanced to include an additional ablation, known as the box lesion, which improves patient outcomes by reducing atrial flutter and fibrillation. This new technique also leads to shorter hospital stays and lower use of antiarrhythmic drugs.
A recent study found that patients taking statins were 61% less likely to develop atrial fibrillation. The American College of Cardiology also releases new performance measures for monitoring AF care, which focus on stroke prevention through medication and regular monitoring.
Researchers concluded that warfarin reduces stroke risk by 52% compared to aspirin in patients over 75 with atrial fibrillation. The study found no significant increase in bleeding risks associated with warfarin use.
The Ottawa Aggressive Protocol, involving IV procainamide and electrical cardioversion, is effective in treating AAF and AAFL with a high discharge rate of over 90%. This approach stands in contrast to traditional US practice, which often involves hospital admission followed by cardiologist treatment.
A study by the American Heart Association found that patients who used an online education program were more aware of treatment options and asked their doctors about care. The program provided personalized information in lay language, leading to improved patient knowledge and behavior.
A new study has found that a once-a-year treatment for osteoporosis can be as effective as monthly or weekly regimens at reducing bone fractures. The treatment, zoledronic acid, was shown to reduce the risk of spinal fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 40% over three years.
A new study published in JAMA found that patients who receive hydrocortisone after cardiac surgery have a significantly lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The incidence of AF was reduced by 37% in the hydrocortisone group compared to those receiving placebo.
A Mayo Clinic study has identified a genetic mutation associated with an inherited predisposition to atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat. The discovery may lead to improved identification and treatment of younger patients affected by this condition.
A study identified pulse pressure as an important predictor of atrial fibrillation development, with increased stiffness associated with higher risk. The research found that a 20 mm Hg increase in pulse pressure was linked to a 34% increased risk of developing AF.
Atrial fibrillation affects over 2.2 million US citizens, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and stroke risk; the new Cox-maze IV procedure offers a simpler alternative to traditional surgery with fewer complications
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center present several studies on cardiovascular diseases, including the molecular roots of atrial fibrillation, genes influencing heart transplant rejection, and the cost of end-stage heart failure. Additionally, they explore the potential of stem cells to repair cardiac damage in patients wi...
The new radiofrequency device-based approach significantly shortens the Cox-Maze procedure from over 90 minutes to just 30 minutes. The ablation technology disrupts abnormal electrical activity, normalizing heart rhythm and eliminating atrial fibrillation in over 90% of patients.
A new imaging procedure using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) provides real-time monitoring of the esophagus during ablation, reducing the risk of esophageal injury. The study involved 152 patients who underwent left atrial ablation for AF and found that ICE could detect lesions on the posterior wall of the heart's left atrium.
A new study found that older age is an independent risk factor for developing bleeding in the body, particularly intracranial hemorrhage in the brain. Carefully monitored warfarin therapy can be used with reasonable safety in older patients.
The revised guidelines recommend using risk factors for stroke to determine whether anti-clotting therapy is given to people with atrial fibrillation. Aspirin or warfarin is recommended for patients with certain risk factors, and daily aspirin therapy is suggested for those without stroke risk factors.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a gene mutation causing chaotic electrical activation of the heart muscle and atrial fibrillation. The study found that a specific genetic mutation in the KCNA5 gene leads to susceptibility for atrial fibrillation, providing new insight into its mechanism.
A new study suggests that expensive heart rhythm treatment LACA is cost-effective for younger patients with certain risk factors, while older patients or those without additional risk factors may not benefit from the procedure. The analysis used computer modeling to compare costs and benefits of LACA versus traditional drug therapy.
Patients with atrial fibrillation have a five times higher stroke risk than those without the condition. Warfarin has been shown to reduce stroke risk by a significant margin, outperforming alternative treatments like aspirin and clopidogrel in reducing stroke rates by nearly two-thirds.
Regular exercise helps patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) maintain a regular heartbeat. Moderate physical activity decreased the patients' ventricular rate by 12 percent in those with chronic AF. Researchers also explored new pacemaker technology using acoustic energy, found to be safe and effective.
A study of nearly 17,700 male physicians found that fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of sudden cardiac death, but not necessarily atrial fibrillation. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may also have mixed effects on heart health, depending on individual factors.