Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
A UBC Okanagan researcher warns that ignoring Atrial Fibrillation (AF) symptoms can have severe consequences for women. Despite being the most commonly diagnosed arrhythmia, many people do not understand its pre-diagnosis symptoms and tend to ignore them.
A comprehensive meta-analysis found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was associated with a significantly increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder. The study included over 50,000 patients and suggested that fish oil supplements should be used cautiously in individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk.
Atrial fibrillation affects over 40 million people globally, increasing risks of stroke, heart failure, and dementia. Quality indicators developed by global experts will help institutions assess adherence to clinical practice guidelines, leading to improved care for patients with atrial fibrillation.
A new smartphone-based ECG screening has accurately detected previously unknown atrial fibrillation in American Indians. The study found that more than half of diagnosed cases were younger than the recommended age of 65, highlighting the need for earlier screening and treatment.
A new study links cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) to intracerebral hemorrhages under anticoagulation, suggesting SVD as a precondition. The study suggests blood thinning alone can no longer be considered a cause of intracerebral hemorrhages.
A study of over 56,000 patients found that new users of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) had lower risks for ischemic stroke or systemic embolism and major bleeding events compared to warfarin. DOACs were associated with greater effectiveness and fewer major bleeding events in adults with valvular atrial fibrillation.
The FDA has granted Breakthrough Device Designation to Tempus' ECG Analysis Platform, which aids clinicians in identifying patients at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The platform uses artificial intelligence to analyze ECG results and provide insight into a patient's risk of future atrial fibrillation events.
A new study published in JAMA found that taking vitamin D or fish oil supplements does not lower the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The research, led by Christine Albert, confirms previous findings and advises against using these supplements for prevention.
Researchers developed an AI model that uses ECG data to predict atrial fibrillation and AF-related stroke risk. The model identified high-risk patients with 62% accuracy, allowing for earlier intervention.
Researchers found that Black and Latinx patients, as well as those with lower incomes, were less likely to receive rhythm control treatments for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Patients in areas with lower median household incomes were 39% less likely to receive catheter ablation treatment.
Research found that long-term exposure to low levels of air pollution increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and respiratory issues. The study analyzed hospitalization records for over 63 million Medicare enrollees and found a significant association between air pollution and increased hospital admissions.
A new study finds that high blood pressure is causally associated with the most common heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation. Elevated blood pressure was found to increase the risk by 1.8%, 2.6%, and 1.4% relative increases in atrial fibrillation for systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures, respectively.
A new report from Boston University School of Medicine identifies key research priorities for detecting undiagnosed AF, including developing evidence-based screening strategies and investigating diverse patient subgroups. The study aims to improve diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with undiagnosed AF.
Atrial fibrillation death rates in Europe are highest in wealthier countries, with women more likely to die than men. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption in wealthier nations contribute to these disparities.
A study of nearly 108,000 people found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 16% increased risk of atrial fibrillation over 14 years. Regular drinking of even one small alcoholic drink per day may increase the risk, suggesting that low doses of alcohol can trigger atrial fibrillation.
This issue of CVIA features papers on current management strategies for patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, as well as a systematic review on epicardial adipose tissue in obstructive sleep apnea. The journal also presents research on detecting myocardial infarction using late gadolinium enhancement MRI.
Patients with atrial fibrillation are advised to avoid heavy alcohol consumption due to increased risk of stroke and other complications. Heavy drinking was associated with a 32% increased risk compared to abstainers, while moderate drinking seemed safe.
Researchers found that high-risk patients recovering from cardiac surgery who wore a continuous cardiac monitor had a 10-fold higher incidence of atrial fibrillation than those with usual care. This suggests that post-operative atrial fibrillation persists even after hospitalization, requiring prompt treatment and surveillance.
The award recognizes Dr. Kamel's research on atrial dysfunction and stroke prevention, as well as Dr. Yeh's work in clinical interventional cardiology and cardiovascular health care policy. Their contributions have substantially advanced our understanding of cardiovascular disease and outcomes.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that fish oil and vitamin D supplements did not increase or decrease the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The trial involved 25,119 adults aged 50 and older and followed them for five years. No significant differences were found between those ...
A large-scale trial involving over 25,000 participants found no significant difference in the development of atrial fibrillation between those taking vitamin D or fish oil supplements and a placebo. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight and controlling blood pressure may lower risk of atrial fibrillation.
A study of over 11,000 middle-aged male African American veterans found that higher fitness levels reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation by 30-50%. The research suggests engaging in physical activity can be an effective preventive measure for cardiovascular disease.
The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in treating atrial fibrillation has led to a substantial reduction in stroke cases, resulting in cost savings for the NHS. Analysis shows that prescribing DOACs increased by £733m from 2011 to 2017, but reduced stroke cases by 11%.
A combination approach of catheter ablation and ethanol infusion significantly reduced atrial fibrillation recurrence rates, with 49% remaining free from AFib after six months. This finding supports the use of the Vein of Marshall Ethanol for Untreated Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (VENUS) trial's treatment as a first-line therapy.
A new machine learning-based model predicts atrial fibrillation risk in chronic kidney disease patients, providing a potential tool for enhanced cardiovascular care and clinical trial selection.
Research suggests that individuals born with high birth weights may be at higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation later in life. A study found that participants with a birth weight 482 grams above the average were 30% more likely to develop the heart rhythm disorder. The researchers recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle and payi...
A new study found that catheter ablation reduces the incidence of dementia by nearly a third in patients with atrial fibrillation. Successful ablation is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while failure may not contribute to this outcome.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that people with atrial fibrillation have a 1.2-fold higher risk of stroke when exposed to greater levels of pollution. The study, which included neighborhood-specific pollution data, emphasizes the importance of air pollution alerts in advising the ...
A new study found that an educational mailing did not increase the uptake of stroke prevention drugs among patients with atrial fibrillation. The IMPACT-AFib trial involved over 47,000 patients and showed no significant difference in oral anticoagulant initiation between the intervention group and control group.
The EAST-AFNET 4 trial found that early rhythm control therapy reduces cardiovascular complications and death in patients with atrial fibrillation. Rhythm control therapy delivered soon after diagnosis can improve outcomes, including reduced risk of severe cardiovascular complications.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends an individualized care plan for patients with atrial fibrillation, incorporating symptom management, cardiovascular optimization, and lifestyle modifications. Patients should be informed about the implications of detecting atrial fibrillation and receive treatment to prevent stroke.
Researchers found that quitters had a 30% lower probability of stroke and 16% reduced likelihood of all-cause death compared to current smokers. Quitting smoking significantly lowers the risk of stroke for people with atrial fibrillation, according to a new study.
Researchers found yoga significantly improves symptoms and episodes of atrial fibrillation in heart patients. Yoga also shows benefits in anxiety, depression, and daily activities, with notable reductions in blood pressure.
Researchers at Boston University School of Public Health found a decline in atrial fibrillation-related deaths over the last 45 years. Despite this improvement, the condition remains associated with a significant gap in life expectancy compared to individuals without atrial fibrillation.
A new study shows that physically fit patients are more likely to benefit from atrial fibrillation ablation, with a lower risk of recurrent arrhythmia and improved outcomes. The study found that high cardiorespiratory fitness can act as an antiarrhythmic medication, keeping patients in rhythm after the procedure.
A recent randomized controlled trial found that landiolol hydrochloride administration reduced the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. However, this did not impact overall survival in patients with esophageal cancer.
A new international consensus statement outlines the best way to identify people at risk of developing common and devastating heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The guidelines focus on accurate risk assessment to enable earlier diagnosis and intervention with lifestyle changes or medi...
Regular endurance training and good fitness levels protect against serious cardiovascular events and early mortality for people diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The study found that participants with the lowest calculated fitness levels had the highest mortality risk, but those who met physical activity recommendations lived longer.
Researchers from Aarhus University find that large muscle mass and high fat-free weight are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that the medical community should consider both body fat and lean body mass when assessing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found that a short-term diet high in fruits and vegetables significantly lowers markers for subclinical cardiac damage and strain in adults without preexisting cardiovascular disease. The DASH trial data suggests that increased consumption of potassium, magnesium, and fiber may partly explain the observed effects.
A new quantum technology developed by UCL researchers could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), a serious heart condition. The technology uses quantum sensors to map the electrical conductivity of the heart in 2D, identifying anomalies where the heart is misfiring.
A new study found that mobile health devices and photoplethysmography technology can reduce stroke risk, rehospitalisation rates, and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. The integrated care approach showed significant benefits in managing AF-related adverse events.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that dual therapy with a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) plus P2Y12 inhibitor was associated with reduced risk of major bleeding compared to triple therapy with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitor for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation after percutaneous ...
A large cohort study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that apixaban was associated with a lower risk of stroke or systemic blood clots compared to rivaroxaban in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The study also showed that apixaban was linked to a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding in the brain.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has successfully used a new atrial fibrillation device, achieving 100% pulmonary vein isolation without nerve injuries or serious side effects. The PFA technology uses pulsed electric fields to interrupt pathways and triggers in the heart, potentially becoming the standard tool for resolv...
Racial and ethnic minorities with kidney failure and atrial fibrillation are less likely to fill prescriptions for blood thinners, resulting in higher stroke rates. Equalizing warfarin distribution could prevent 7-12% of the stroke disparity among minority groups.
A clinical trial found that IV drugs can rapidly restore normal heart rhythm in patients with acute atrial fibrillation without sedation or shocks. The study showed that both drug-shock strategies were equally good at restoring normal heart rhythm and getting patients home the same day.
Researchers have found a possible link between a genetic variation and atrial fibrillation in zebrafish, suggesting a structural defect in the heart muscle and mitochondria. Early treatment with antioxidants may prevent the disorder in fish, but more research is needed to understand its human implications.
A large study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that individuals with burnout syndrome are at a 20% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Chronic stress and inflammation may be key mechanisms behind this association.
Researchers have developed a method to monitor and predict the progression of atrial fibrillation using cardiac electrical signals from implantable devices. This technology enables personalized treatment timing, optimizing medical intervention for individual patients.
A study published in CMAJ found that prescribing anticoagulants in the emergency department for patients with atrial fibrillation increases their likelihood of long-term medication adherence. This practice is associated with improved stroke prevention outcomes, particularly among older adults.
A team of physicists and cardiologists at Imperial College London have developed a model that explains the chaotic electrical signals underlying irregular heart rhythms. The model predicts which patients are unlikely to benefit from surgery and could lead to more targeted and successful treatments.
Researchers found a dramatic increase in resolved cases of atrial fibrillation after the introduction of GP performance targets, with significant implications for patient care and stroke prevention. The study highlights the need to review clinical coding practices and ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment.
A nationwide cohort study in Korea found that frequent tooth brushing reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure by 10% and 12%, respectively. The study suggests a potential mechanism: reducing bacteria in the subgingival biofilm, which can prevent translocation to the bloodstream.
Researchers used deep neural networks to analyze ECG test results from over 2 million patients, identifying those at high risk of developing atrial fibrillation or dying within a year. The models were found to be superior in predicting mortality risk even in patients with normal ECGs.
A US-led study found that anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation lose their effectiveness in older patients due to increased mortality from non-stroke causes. The study of nearly 15,000 AF patients aged 75+ found warfarin and apixaban were not beneficial after age 87 and 92, respectively.
A study found that nearly 98% of people prescribed apixaban, a common anticoagulant, use over-the-counter products, which can cause dangerous internal bleeding. Many patients lack knowledge of these interactions, highlighting the need for education and further research.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a functional link between noncoding DNA regions called Pitx2 enhancers and the expression of the Pitx2 gene in relation to atrial fibrillation. This interaction prevents predisposition to the condition by looping and folding distant Pitx2 enhancers to make contact with the gene.
Researchers found that American Indians experience a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) than other racial and ethnic groups. The study analyzed 300,000 new cases of AFib in California residents between 2005 and 2011, revealing that American Indians had an average of 7.5 AFib cases per year per thousand patients.
A recent study found that frequent drinking is more dangerous for heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation, than binge drinking. Drinking small amounts regularly increases the risk by 8% per week, while daily drinking poses the greatest danger.