Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
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A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that stressful life events and poor sleep are major contributing factors to irregular heart rhythms after menopause. The study analyzed data from over 83,000 women aged 50-79 and found a significant association between stress, insomnia, and atrial fibrillation.
The COP-AF trial tested colchicine's effect on perioperative atrial fibrillation and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery. The study found no significant reduction in these complications, but showed encouraging signs of benefit for cardiovascular outcomes.
Researchers have identified four specific factors that can predict atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk by up to five times. The team developed an easy-to-use tool for doctors to identify high-risk patients, which may lead to targeted treatment and reduced future strokes.
A new study found that younger atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients who underwent MRI-guided ablation treatments had better outcomes. The treatment significantly improved arrhythmia recurrence rates by 50% for patients under 58 years old.
The NOAH-AFNET 6 trial found oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) increases bleeding without reducing stroke risk. Patients with AHRE are at lower stroke risk than those with atrial fibrillation, but ESC guidelines recommend anticoagulation for prevention.
Atrial fibrillation patients in the UK are now 50% less likely to die from heart attacks and strokes than at the start of the millennium. The study revealed significant health inequalities, with socioeconomically deprived patients facing a higher risk of mortality.
A large study found catheter ablation reduces dementia risk by 48% and death from any cause in patients with atrial fibrillation, regardless of age, sex, or health conditions. The procedure is an important consideration for treatment options.
A new study found that catheter ablation significantly lowers the incidence of cardiovascular events and death in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The researchers compared 208 patients who underwent AF ablation with those who received medical therapy only, finding a lower risk of both cardiovascular events and de...
A new diagnostic method assesses electrical and mechanical activity in the heart during atrial fibrillation, providing personalized assessment of atrial remodeling. This can help predict disease progression and guide treatment.
A study analyzing 89,000 individuals found that engaging in intense physical activity over a short period (weekend warrior pattern) lowers the risk of atrial fibrillation, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. This type of activity was associated with similar lower risks compared to evenly distributed physical activity.
Massachusetts General researchers discover that macrophages and their proteins contribute to AFib's irregular heartbeat patterns. Inhibiting macrophage recruitment reduces AFib, suggesting a promising strategy for treatment.
Researchers found reduced levels of FKBP5 protein in patients with chronic AFib, leading to increased susceptibility and enhanced arrhythmogenesis. Restoring FKBP5 levels mitigated AFib propensity, revealing a causal link between reduced FKBP5 and AFib.
Researchers developed a soft, wireless implant that monitors the heart and delivers electrical stimuli to stop atrial fibrillation. The device dissolves harmlessly in the body after a clinically relevant period, reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has released a new clinical guideline for managing antithrombotic therapy in patients with COVID-19-related arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to improve risk-evaluation and treatment course.
A five-year study found that taking higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin D reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 27-32% in older men and women. The Finnish Vitamin D Trial involved 2,495 participants who received either a placebo or vitamin D supplementation, with lower risks observed in those taking higher doses.
Research presented at ACNAP 2023 found that women with atrial fibrillation progress more rapidly to cognitive impairment and dementia compared to men. The study analyzed data from over 43,000 participants and revealed a three-fold increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in women with the condition.
New research suggests optogenetics could restore regular heart rhythm without shocks, improving prognosis and quality of life for AF patients. Light therapy has shown promising results in rats, indicating potential translatability to humans.
Researchers identified five previously unknown CaMKII inhibitors, including ruxolitinib, which was found to be the most effective at inhibiting CaMKII activity in cell and mouse models of arrhythmias. The study provides a promising new approach for treating heart conditions.
Researchers identified five subtypes of heart failure using machine learning, including early onset and atrial fibrillation related. These subtypes have different mortality risks, with some patients at higher risk of dying within a year after diagnosis.
Women with short or long menstrual cycles are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attack or AFib. The study analyzed data from over 58,000 women and found that irregular menstrual cycle length was associated with higher risks of CVD, independent of other factors.
A new device invented by Emile Daoud and his team at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center significantly reduces the risk of esophageal injury during heart ablation. The device uses suction force to gently move the esophagus away from the catheter tip, creating a safe pathway for treatment.
A large Chinese study found that acute air pollution exposure is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmia, with the strongest link seen in atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia. Exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide was found to persist for up to 24 hours after initial exposure.
Strokes can be largely prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, healthy eating, and managing blood pressure. The American Stroke Association is launching a digital tool to educate people on stroke warning signs and risk factors, particularly for diverse populations.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that individuals born preterm or large for gestational age have a significantly increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation up to middle-age. In contrast, those born small for gestational age only show an increased risk up to the age of 18.
A new score based on four clinical and imaging parameters identifies patients with heart failure who are most likely to benefit from atrial fibrillation ablation. The Antwerp score shows that patients with low scores (2 or less) have a high chance of recovery, while those with high scores (5 or higher) may not benefit from the treatment.
Atrial fibrillation patients typically have an average of five co-existing conditions, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and obesity. The EHRA-PATHS consortium is developing a software tool to improve management of these comorbidities.
A new study suggests that treating atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation may lower the risk of dementia compared to medication. Participants who received the procedure showed a reduced cognitive impairment score and were 36% less likely to develop dementia.
A new ablation approach including ethanol infusion of the vein of Marshall significantly improved freedom from arrhythmias in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. The strategy outperformed traditional pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone, showing a higher success rate at 10 months of follow-up.
Researchers found that correctly occluded left atrial appendages minimized left atrial flow stasis and thrombogenicity using 4D flow MRI and 3D phantoms. The study provides a clinical goal for the procedure in patients with atrial fibrillation.
A new study published in The European Heart Journal – Digital Health found that smart watch data can predict a higher risk of developing heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Researchers used machine learning to analyze ECG recordings from wearable devices and identified extra beats as indicators of increased cardiovascular risk.
Researchers from the Smidt Heart Institute found that individuals with spherical hearts are 31% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and 24% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy. The study identified four genes associated with cardiomyopathy and a greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
A study analyzed the EAST – AFNET 4 trial, finding early rhythm control therapy improves outcomes in patients with AF and comorbidities. However, a cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that the health benefits come at reasonable additional costs.
People with recent atrial fibrillation diagnosis have a 13% higher risk of developing dementia. A stronger link is seen in younger patients and those without chronic kidney disease. The study's findings may lead to important clinical and public health implications.
A large study found that individuals with atrial fibrillation had a modestly elevated risk of developing dementia, particularly in younger adults and those without chronic kidney disease. The risk was higher in younger adults and those without chronic kidney disease, but did not substantially vary across sex, race, or ethnicity.
Researchers at Rutgers University used artificial intelligence to analyze genes associated with cardiovascular disease, identifying key factors such as age, gender, and race. The study aims to accelerate early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
A recent study found that about 1 in 5 people who survived an ischemic stroke had irregular heart rhythms, atrial fibrillation, due to atherosclerosis. The study suggests that these patients are at increased risk of recurrent strokes and highlights the need for continuous cardiac monitoring to detect unsuspected atrial fibrillation.
A study published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology found a significant correlation between periodontitis and fibrosis in the left atrium, which can lead to atrial fibrillation. Researchers suggest that periodontal care could aid in comprehensive management of atrial fibrillation.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of rapid evaluation for TIA, which can lead to full-blown stroke. The statement offers a standardized approach to evaluating people with suspected TIA, including guidance for hospitals in rural areas with limited resources.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences discover genes and individual variations associated with atrial fibrillation, predicting stroke and mortality risk. They also uncover a potential treatment target, ERRg, involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation diagnosis and management are often hindered by social determinants of health, which can lead to adverse outcomes. Researchers hope to address this issue by integrating SDOH into AF research, enabling more equitable access to care and management decisions.
The use of smartwatches to screen for faulty heart rhythms needs more evaluation, according to a cardiologist. Smartwatch detection of AF can often point to cases of the disorder, but substantial work is needed to integrate this consumer-received information into optimized care. Recent studies have reported low rates of irregular heart...
A University of Gothenburg study found that severe obesity at age 18 is associated with a three- to fourfold increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation in younger middle age. The study analyzed data from over 1.7 million men in Sweden and found that higher BMI was linked to mortality risk, heart failure, and ischemic stroke.
Research conducted at Linköping University found that screening for atrial fibrillation in older people could increase the chance of preventing stroke while saving money for healthcare systems. The study, based on data from the STROKESTOP clinical trial, suggests that screening can be a cost-effective intervention.
A new comprehensive guideline, C-CHANGE, offers 83 actionable recommendations to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease in Canadian adults. The updated resource incorporates new or revised recommendations from 11 guideline groups, addressing key risk factors such as dietary habits, smoking, and physical activity.
A national study published in The New England Journal of Medicine finds that early intervention with catheter cryoablation can halt disease progression and reduce serious health risks. Cryoablation is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs in reducing the risk of persistent AF, hospitalization, and adverse events.
A large-scale comparison of direct oral anticoagulants has identified apixaban as the drug with the lowest risk of bleeding. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that apixaban had a 19-28% lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other DOACs.
A study of over 1.3 million young Asian American adults hospitalized for atrial fibrillation found a significant increase in obesity and other modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors. Young adults with at least one cardiovascular risk factor were almost three times more likely to be hospitalized for atrial fibrillation.
A new type of pacemaker that uses precise targeting capabilities to bypass pain receptors and reduce patient discomfort is being developed. The device, which uses light and optogenetics, could improve the quality of life for millions of people affected by atrial fibrillation.
A large UK Biobank study found that COVID-19 infection is associated with a heightened risk of poor cardiovascular health and death, particularly among those who require hospital admission. The risk remains elevated for some time after the initial infection.
A recent analysis found that higher BMI in adolescent men is strongly associated with developing early atrial fibrillation, as well as subsequent worse clinical outcomes after diagnosis. Men with higher BMIs had significantly increased risks of mortality, heart failure, and ischemic stroke.
Patients taking apixaban had a 43% lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism compared to those taking rivaroxaban. Apixaban also reduced the risk of bleeding events by 49% in patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease.
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and opiate use are associated with an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Cannabis users had a 35% increased likelihood of later developing AF, similar to traditional tobacco use.
A study found that 16.5% of American adults with diabetes ration their insulin, with younger adults and the uninsured being most affected. Insulin rationing is often linked to cost concerns, with many patients delaying purchases or taking less insulin than needed.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that smartwatch health apps detecting atrial fibrillation generated a high rate of false positives and inconclusive results, especially in patients with certain cardiac conditions. Better algorithms and machine learning may help improve the accuracy of these devices.
Researchers found that metformin targeted 30 genes associated with atrial fibrillation, showing direct effects on gene expression for eight. The study suggests metformin may be a promising candidate for treating atrial fibrillation due to its potential to reduce the risk of complications such as stroke and heart failure.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic used AI to evaluate patients' ECGs, identifying new cases of atrial fibrillation that would not have been detected through routine care. The study showed that AI can target screening to high-risk patients, potentially reducing undiagnosed strokes and deaths worldwide.
A recent clinical trial published in Circulation found that Fitbit wearable devices can identify patients with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to strokes. The study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital, used a novel algorithm to detect irregular heart rhythms based on Fitbit sensors.
Researchers analyzed over 6,700 patients treated for blood clots and irregular heart rhythms. Stopping aspirin significantly reduced bleeding complications by 32.3% and prevented one major bleeding event per every 1,000 patients who stopped taking aspirin.
Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is associated with improved birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality. The review also found that WIC participants are more likely to receive child preventative services, such as vaccines.
A new study from the Smidt Heart Institute shows that when height is accounted for, women are 50% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AFib) than men. The study's findings suggest that medical practitioners must remain vigilant in promoting AFib prevention and early interventions among both female and male patients.