Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation affects 2% of individuals worldwide and has a significant impact on people's lives. Catheter ablation is an effective treatment option that uses burning or electrical pulses to inactivate abnormal rhythms.
A recent White Paper published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology analyzes the current understanding of genetics in atrial fibrillation and recommends screening for genetic heart disease in early onset AF cases. This may lead to identification of life-threatening ventricular cardiomyopathy and channelopathy syndromes, highlighting t...
Researchers found that Black individuals carrying genetic variants in the Titin, TTN gene have a high risk of developing atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and dilated cardiomyopathy. The study used data from the All of Us Research Program to examine the role of these genetic mutations in African ancestry individuals.
A large study found that adults who drank two liters or more of sugar- or artificially sweetened drinks per week had a higher risk of irregular heart rhythms. In contrast, drinking one liter or less of pure, unsweetened juice was associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation.
A large-scale review published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe provides an update on the recent advances in understanding and managing risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). AF affects around 1.4 million people in the UK, causing irregular heart rates and impairing quality of life. Researchers found that a more individualized ...
A new study has found that anabolic steroid use can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals with existing genetic predisposition to heart diseases. Researchers discovered that testosterone and other male sex hormones used for muscle building can lead to electrical problems in the heart, particularly in young men.
A randomized clinical trial of 1,015 participants found that apixaban did not significantly reduce recurrent stroke risk compared to aspirin in patients with cryptogenic stroke and atrial cardiopathy. The study suggests that alternative treatments may be more effective for preventing stroke recurrence in these patients.
Recent literature review highlights epicardial adipose tissue, chronic inflammation, and autonomic nervous system imbalance as key AF pathogenic factors. Clinical management trends include wearable devices for continuous monitoring and the 4S-AF scheme for comprehensive assessment.
Researchers found rivaroxaban associated with nearly 40 bleeding events per 100 patients over a year, while apixaban had similar bleeding events as warfarin but more major bleeds. Apixaban also showed lower mortality rates compared to the other medications.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered algorithm that can detect the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) with high accuracy, even in people with infrequent AFib episodes. This new tool has the potential to reduce the incidence of stroke and heart failure by identifying patients at increased risk and guiding targeted interventions.
A novel prescription wristwatch uses photoplethysmography to detect atrial fibrillation with high accuracy, even in participants with darker skin tones. The Verily Study Watch bridges the gap between long-term monitoring and consumer devices, enabling clinicians to effectively use wearable data for Afib management.
The new guideline emphasizes the importance of disease prevention, risk factor modification, and optimized therapies to manage atrial fibrillation. It also updates guidelines for catheter ablation, anticoagulants, and heart rate management, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce stroke risk.
A phase 4 clinical trial found that apixaban, an anti-clotting medication, reduced the rate of stroke and blood clots in adults with implanted heart devices experiencing short bouts of asymptomatic, irregular heart rhythms. The study suggests that these individuals may benefit from receiving an anticoagulant.
Researchers found that abelacimab, a Factor XI inhibitor, reduced bleeding compared to rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study showed significant reduction in hospitalization due to bleeding and almost eliminated gastrointestinal bleeding.
A new anti-clotting medication, abelacimab, has significantly reduced bleeding among people with atrial fibrillation who are at risk of stroke. The AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial found that abelacimab substantially reduced bleeding compared to the current standard of care use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants.
A global study found that apixaban reduced the risk of stroke and blood clotting by 37% in patients with device-detected atrial fibrillation, also known as sub-clinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF). The medication also reduced fatal or disabling stroke by 49%.
A study published in JAHA found that sleep-related hypoxia is associated with a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation over time. Regular screening and treatment of sleep apnea may help reduce the likelihood of AFib, especially in those already at high risk.
Earlier onset of atrial fibrillation is associated with an elevated risk of subsequent all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. Monitoring cognitive function among patients with atrial fibrillation, especially those younger than 65 years at diagnosis, is crucial.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that poor sleep is significantly associated with a 15% greater risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation the next day. The researchers suggest strategies like going to bed at a reasonable time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly to improve general sleep quality.
A new study reveals that women with atrial fibrillation (AF) have comparable outcomes to men when undergoing pulsed field ablation (PFA), a safer and more precise procedure. The results show improved AF recurrence rates in women after PFA, making them an eligible candidate for this life-enhancing treatment.
Atrial fibrillation patients undergoing TAVR with the Watchman device had similar outcomes to those receiving medical therapy or blood thinners after TAVR, according to a Cleveland Clinic-led trial. The study found no differences in all-cause death, stroke, and major bleeding between the two groups.
A new AI algorithm developed by Cedars-Sinai can detect atrial fibrillation in people without symptoms, improving stroke prevention. The algorithm was trained on over a million electrocardiogram readings and accurately predicted cases of atrial fibrillation within 31 days.
Researchers propose a new classification of atrial fibrillation detected after a stroke, which exhibits distinct characteristics and lower risk factors. This discovery could enable more targeted and effective treatment strategies for stroke patients.
A University of Minnesota Medical School professor is receiving a $4.39 million grant to study atrial myopathy, a heart condition associated with increased risk of dementia and vascular brain injury. The project aims to characterize the progression of atrial myopathy and its relationship to dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
A study of hospitalized adults with new-onset atrial fibrillation found that 1 in 3 patients experienced a recurrent episode of AF within a year. This rate is approximately 7 times higher than in matched control participants, suggesting that oral anticoagulation therapy may be warranted for these patients.
Researchers found that etripamil nasal spray restored normal heart rhythms within 30 minutes in 54% of patients, making it a potential new option for self-treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The study showed the medication to be safe and well-tolerated.
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.
A new study from Women's College Hospital and ICES found that older females with atrial fibrillation are at higher stroke risk due to inadequate monitoring and treatment, highlighting sex inequities in cardiovascular care.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.