Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial confirms an electrical-first approach is more effective in restoring sinus rhythm and shortening ED length of stay. The study found that patients managed with this strategy were discharged within four hours at a higher rate than those receiving a chemical-first approach.
A handheld smartphone-enabled 1-lead ECG showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for detecting atrial fibrillation and flutter. The device's integrated algorithm correctly identified 87% of atrial fibrillation cases and 98% of non-atrial fibrillation cases.
A study by UCSF researchers found that HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a leading cause of stroke. The risk is comparable to known factors like hypertension and diabetes, affecting up to 1 in 5 HIV-positive patients.
A new study reveals the feasibility of using mobile health (mHealth) devices with photoplethysmography technology to screen and detect atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition. The research found that 424 participants out of 187,912 were confirmed as having AF, with 95% following up with care and successfully anticoagulated.
The HELP-AF study found that home-based education reduced total unplanned hospitalisations by 26%, atrial fibrillation-related hospitalisations by 31%, and other cardiovascular hospitalisations by 49%. The intervention also showed gradual improvement in quality of life measures over time.
Atrial fibrillation is a major concern due to its association with serious complications like heart failure and stroke. Researchers have identified a new piece of the puzzle that has changed the field's understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to atrial fibrillation, involving a phosphatase regulatory subunit known as PPP1R3A.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University created personalized digital replicas of the upper chambers of the heart to treat atrial fibrillation. The simulation-driven approach, called OPTIMA, successfully guided the treatment and showed promising results in a proof-of-concept study.
Researchers trained AI to identify subtle differences in normal EKGs that indicate changes caused by atrial fibrillation. The AI-enabled EKG correctly identified the condition with 90% accuracy, improving treatment options and efficiency of heart disease screening.
A recent study published in The Lancet found an AI model can identify patients with intermittent atrial fibrillation using a 10-second ECG test. The technology achieved an overall accuracy of 83% and has the potential to aid doctors investigating unexplained strokes or heart failure.
A study found that medications used to treat atrial fibrillation, such as amiodarone, can significantly increase the risk of falls and fainting in older adults. The risk is highest within the first two weeks of treatment, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making for quality patient care.
A new study found that former NFL players are nearly 6 times more likely to have atrial fibrillation compared to men of similar age. The researchers believe that the prolonged strength training involved in American football may increase heart chamber size and wall thickness, leading to altered heart rhythms.
Researchers at TUM have found a protein in the blood that provides better control of atrial fibrillation treatment, allowing for precise assessment of tissue damage. This breakthrough enables early recognition of problems and targeted therapeutic measures to be taken.
Researchers developed electrocardiomatrix technology that outperforms standard cardiac telemetry in detecting atrial fibrillation after a stroke. The technology converts ECG signals into a three-dimensional heatmap for rapid inspection of all collected heartbeats, minimizing false positives and negatives.
A large cohort study found a significant link between atrial fibrillation and an increased risk of dementia in elderly individuals, even those without a history of stroke. The study also showed that anticoagulant treatment may help mitigate this risk.
The study estimates that 7.6 million people over 65 in the EU had atrial fibrillation in 2016, with this number expected to increase to 14.4 million by 2060. Atrial fibrillation patients over 80 are at a greater risk of stroke, making prevention and detection crucial.
Researchers discovered that widowed men are 11% more likely to die from a heart attack compared to widows, while divorced men with atrial fibrillation have a 14% higher risk. Single women actually have a 13% lower risk of death from heart failure than single men.
A new study found that beta blockers can reduce the triggering effect of anger and stress on atrial fibrillation in patients prone to emotion-triggered AF. Patients taking beta blockers experienced fewer AF episodes, with a reduced pro-arrhythmic effect of anger or stress compared to those not taking these medications.
Researchers found that approximately 50 percent of hospitalizations for both TAVI and surgical aortic valve replacement were associated with the development of new atrial fibrillation. Hospitalizations with new atrial fibrillation had higher odds of in-hospital stroke and in-hospital death compared to those without, highlighting the ne...
A new registry study finds that clinicians and patients have different perceptions of atrial fibrillation risk, leading to inconsistent treatment decisions. The AVIATOR 2 registry shows the need for better tools to quantify risk and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Cima, Clínica Universidad de Navarra have identified three biomarkers associated with atrial fibrillation risk, including CITP, MMP-1, and PICP. These biomarkers can help optimize treatment and follow-up for patients with this cardiac ailment.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a smart wrist-worn device for monitoring atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting approximately 9% of people aged 65 and older. The device vibrates mildly when detecting abnormal heart activity, prompting the wearer to register a short ECG signal for further diagnosis.
A new study shows that a simplified catheter ablation procedure can deliver the same outcomes as traditional procedures without the need for complex equipment and staff training. This could lead to reduced waiting lists for atrial fibrillation patients, with 30% more patients receiving treatment within the same budget.
A new study found that controlling high blood pressure in mid-life patients with atrial fibrillation can reduce dementia risk by up to 15%. The study analyzed data from over 196,000 patients and found that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120-129 mmHg was associated with lower dementia risk.
A new study found that catheter ablation significantly reduces the risk of dementia and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and carotid arterial disease compared to medication treatment. Researchers identified 5,786 patients and found that ablation made a significant difference in those with both conditions.
A large-scale study using a smartwatch app to detect atrial fibrillation found the detection rate was about 0.2% among over 400,000 participants. European experts discuss the implications of this technology, citing concerns about anxiety, legal issues, and readiness for implementation.
The discovery of subtypes of atrial fibrillation enables individualized treatment, improving patient care. Novel results shed light on mechanisms and define clinical types based on the main cause.
New research reveals catheter ablation is effective in reducing atrial fibrillation recurrence and improving quality of life for patients, while drug therapy offers no significant benefit. However, the study found that catheter ablation did not reduce death or stroke risk compared to drug therapy.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that patients in Northern Ontario had higher hospital readmission rates for heart conditions, despite similar survival rates at 30 days. The researchers suggest providing timely transitional care and improving access to specialist care as key strategies to reduce readmissions.
A human study published in The FASEB Journal suggests a novel type of biomarker to predict atrial fibrillation progression. Researchers found that patients with persistent atrial fibrillation demonstrated the highest expression of five miRNAs associated with signaling pathways and fibrosis involved in AF.
EHRA 2019 will feature a record number of late-breaking trials and scientific abstracts showcasing cutting-edge science on cardiac rhythm disorders. Original research will also be presented, including the development of a wearable ECG device.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that the majority of triggers for atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat, are easily modifiable lifestyle choices. Nearly 74% of patients reported experiencing AF triggered by common factors such as alcohol, caffeine, exercise, and lack of sleep.
Screening for irregular heartbeat has been proposed as a potential solution to reduce stroke risk, but experts disagree on its effectiveness. Mark Lown suggests that trained clinicians can accurately identify positive cases, while Patrick Moran raises concerns about the lack of evidence on screening's benefits.
A new study published in HeartRhythm found that women with breast cancer have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation within three years following their cancer diagnosis compared to other women of the same age. The risk is higher for younger patients, with more than doubled incidence in those under sixty years old.
A recent study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has established a link between normal variations in thyroid function and increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study found that even within a physiologically acceptable range, genetically determined variation in thyroid function can increase AF risk.
A new study published in HeartRhythm reports that regular moderate alcohol consumption is a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Moderate drinkers had more electrical evidence of scarring and impairments in electrical signaling compared to non-drinkers and light drinkers.
Scientists have found two biomarkers that can be used to identify patients at risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disturbance affecting 1.6 million people in the UK. The biomarkers include brain natriuretic peptide and fibroblast growth factor-23.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, is not associated with an increased risk of nonvertebral fractures among patients with type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 70 million patients, suggests that caution may still be necessary when prescribing canaglifloz...
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found catheter ablation superior to conventional drug therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The procedure was associated with reduced all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and improved quality of life.
A high salt diet may increase the risk of developing heart arrhythmia, according to a new study published in Annals of Medicine. Researchers followed 716 middle-aged men and women for 19 years, finding that those who consumed the highest levels of salt had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation.
A new study found racial disparities in the use of oral anticoagulants among Black patients with atrial fibrillation. Compared to white and Hispanic patients, Black patients had lower odds of receiving oral anticoagulants, particularly newer versions.
Two clinical trials using botulinum toxin injections to suppress post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) showed promising results. Patients who received BTX injections during surgery had a sustained reduction in POAF incidence and overall burden over three years, accompanied by reduced hospitalization needs.
A nationwide Danish study found that depressed individuals have a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The study also revealed that antidepressant medication itself is not associated with the development of atrial fibrillation, contradicting previous concerns.
A new pharmacological agent, SS-68, demonstrates significant activity in preventing heart rhythm disorders and conditions of reduced blood flow to the heart caused by obstructed arteries. The compound has also been found to reduce episodes of epilepsy in brain injury-induced arrhythmias.
Researchers found that people with migraines who experience visual disturbances are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The condition increases the risk of stroke and blood clots, highlighting the need for further research on screening and management strategies.
A new study found that patients with atrial fibrillation show signs of asymptomatic brain injury. Three biomarkers were significantly higher in AF patients, suggesting chronic cerebral injuries may contribute to neurodegenerative problems.
A new study of over 174,000 patients found that being treated with too much medication for hypothyroidism can lead to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke. The research suggests that the optimal healthy range of free thyroxine (fT4) levels may need to be reconsidered.
Preliminary research suggests opioid use increases risk of developing atrial fibrillation by 34 percent. Atrial fibrillation is a chaotic quivering of the heart's upper chambers, one of the leading causes of strokes.
The use of stroke-preventing anticoagulants in Canada is hindered by barriers including perceived cost, lack of funding approval and physician skepticism. Despite the benefits of these medications, many patients with atrial fibrillation remain undertreated, resulting in preventable strokes.
The study aims to determine the accuracy of irregular-pulse detection by the watch and compare it with simultaneous ECG patch recordings. Researchers hope this study will help better understand how wearable technologies can inform precision health.
Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara developed new algorithms to localize atrial fibrillation using non-invasive electrocardiographic imaging. This technology has the potential to aid in diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac disorders without requiring invasive surgeries.