Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.