Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
A recent study found that monitoring individual triggers for atrial fibrillation can lead to fewer episodes. Participants who tracked their triggers reported a significant reduction in AFib episodes, suggesting that real-time assessments can empower patients to make lifestyle changes and reduce the risk of complications.
A two-year study found that dabigatran and warfarin can help prevent cognitive decline in older adults with atrial fibrillation. The study, known as GIRAF, included 200 adults over age 70 with confirmed atrial fibrillation.
Women with breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation and dying from heart-related issues within the first year. The condition was more common in women who did not receive surgery or radiation as their initial treatment.
Research found that adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and atrial fibrillation were less likely to notice irregular heartbeat symptoms, had a lower quality of life, and experienced more co-occurring health conditions than those without diabetes. This delay in diagnosis may lead to more complications such as stroke.
A new study tracked the spread of a genetic mutation that causes young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents over centuries. The research found that the mutation was passed down from Northern Europe to other parts of the world through migration, and identified a specific gene, KCNQ1, as the cause of the disease.
A team of researchers from Flinders University has developed a single mathematical equation that can accurately model and predict the behavior of ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening heart rhythm. The equation uses principles from renewal theory to predict the population dynamics of 'rotors' found in the heart during VF.
A new study found that thrombocytopenia, elevated serum total bilirubin level, and enlarged right atrium are independent predictors of all-cause death in patients undergoing the Maze IV procedure. Additionally, these factors also predict recurrent atrial fibrillation.
Research by Christine M. Albert and team found that the risk of developing atrial fibrillation is dependent on the dose of omega-3 fatty acids, contradicting previous studies. High doses may increase risk, while lower doses appear to be safe for most patients.
A recent study found that 26-45% of people with atrial fibrillation fail to adhere to their prescribed direct-acting oral anticoagulants due to cost and bleeding concerns. Researchers interviewed 42 adults who had stopped or reduced dosing, citing these reasons as major barriers to adherence.
The LOOP study found that continuous electrocardiogram monitoring and treatment of atrial fibrillation did not reduce the risk of stroke or systemic arterial embolism in patients at high risk. However, detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation were more common in those undergoing ECG monitoring.
A study of 100 adults with intermittent atrial fibrillation found that alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk for a near-term atrial fibrillation event. The association was more pronounced after one glass of alcohol and within a 4- to 6-hour time frame.
The APAF-CRT trial shows that ablation plus cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure in severely symptomatic permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with narrow QRS. The therapy is superior to pharmacological rate control, supporting it as a first-line t...
Atrial fibrillation screening in 75- and 76-year-olds may significantly reduce the risk of stroke, severe bleeding, and death. The study, published in The Lancet, found that at least 2,300 cases of stroke or death could be avoided per year with national screening.
A large-scale international study found that edoxaban is non-inferior to warfarin for efficacy in preventing adverse events, but led to higher bleeding complications. The trial suggests that treatment with edoxaban can be valuable in managing AF patients after TAVR, especially when a lower dose of edoxaban is used.
Research found that longer and more frequent night shifts increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease. Genetic predisposition did not affect the link between night shifts and AF risk.
A Spanish study found that same-day rapid screening, face mask use, and improved ventilation significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates at an indoor concert with no physical distancing. The research suggests protocols for preventing virus transmission during such events.
A new study has identified key risk factors for major atrial fibrillation outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, including age, obesity, and heart function. The research aims to create a risk-assessment tool to identify high-risk patients and prevent hospitalizations.
Younger athletes are at greater risk of atrial fibrillation than older athletes, with a 3.6 times higher likelihood. Mixed sports athletes also have a higher risk compared to endurance sport athletes. The study suggests that athletes face significantly greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found that a type of echocardiogram can predict which COVID-19 patients are most at risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases the risk of heart failure and stroke. Patients with high levels of certain biomarkers in their blood also showed increased risk.
Researchers found that an insertable cardiac monitor can detect atrial fibrillation in 12.1% of patients compared to 1.8% through usual care. The chip detected episodes lasting at least one hour, recommending blood thinners for some patients.
A clinical trial found an implantable device is more than three times more effective in detecting atrial fibrillation in ischemic stroke patients. The device could prevent disabling strokes by almost 70% if detected early.
A study of nearly 100,000 individuals found that wearing accelerometers showed a significant association between moderate physical activity and reduced risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke. The researchers suggest that wearable devices could be used to promote public health by tracking and encouraging physical activity.
Researchers found that finerenone reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 30% in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their history with AFib. The study suggests that finerenone can delay the onset of heart rhythm disorder and protect the heart and kidneys from further damage.
A large international study led by McMaster University found that removing the left atrial appendage significantly cuts the risk of strokes by more than one-third in patients with atrial fibrillation. The procedure is simple, quick, and safe for the majority of heart surgery patients with this condition.
A new genetic mutation found in African Americans significantly increases risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure, prompting researchers to recommend genetic testing for this population. The study also identifies a potential link between a newly discovered gene and early-onset AFib.
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.
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.
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 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.