Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
A new study found that combining oral anticoagulants with antiplatelets worsened outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation, especially those without coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. This challenges the use of combined therapy in these patients.
Endurance athletes show more left atrial fibrosis than non-athletes, with the condition linked to a higher risk of arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that increased left atrial fibrosis may help explain the higher incidence of arrhythmias in endurance athletes.
The Swiss Atrial Fibrillation Cohort Study found that 41% of atrial fibrillation patients had previously unknown brain damage, including cerebral infarcts, microbleeds, and lacunes. This brain damage may explain the association between dementia and atrial fibrillation in patients without prior stroke.
A smartphone application has been shown to effectively screen for atrial fibrillation, with a verification process that can be downsized or omitted. The study found that approximately 225 people would need to be screened to detect one new case, making this technology an attractive option for widespread screening.
A new mobile heart monitor paired with an automated algorithm and physician review can accurately detect atrial fibrillation, showing 96.6% sensitivity and 94.1% specificity compared to traditional ECGs. However, the device failed to classify some results as normal or possible AF, highlighting its limitations.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have found a genetic marker that indicates when a person with a fast heartbeat is at high risk of developing tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) and eventual heart failure. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of the condition, reducing the risk of cardiac damage or death.
The USPSTF concludes that routine screening for atrial fibrillation with electrocardiography is not recommended due to the lack of evidence. Atrial fibrillation increases with age and is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke, but current screening methods have not been proven effective in preventing adverse outcomes.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that physically active severely obese individuals had a significantly lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. In contrast, those who were inactive or exercised little experienced a doubling of this risk. The study suggests that regular physical activi...
Researchers from Michigan Medicine have identified 151 genes associated with atrial fibrillation through a large genome-wide association study involving over one million individuals. The study also developed a genetic risk score that could help identify high-risk individuals and monitor them accordingly.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a strong dose-response relationship between smoking and atrial fibrillation. Smoking five to ten cigarettes per day increased the risk by 9% to 32%, respectively. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk, with former smokers experiencing a lower risk th...
Adults with uncontrolled asthma have a moderately increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. Researchers are unsure of the underlying causes for this association and urge further investigation.
A University of Birmingham study found that GPs have improved diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation, preventing 7,000 strokes annually. The proportion of patients prescribed anticoagulants increased from 35% to 75% between 2000 and 2016.
A home-based, self-applied ECG sensor patch improved AF diagnosis by 3.9% compared to delayed monitoring. Monitored individuals also had higher rates of blood thinner initiation but increased healthcare resource use.
A study published in The BMJ found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are associated with reduced risks of major bleeding compared to warfarin. Apixaban was shown to have the lowest numbers needed to treat over six months to avoid one extra major bleed.
A new observational study reveals that apixaban is potentially safer than warfarin in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation, with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding. The study found that patients on apixaban had a 30% lower risk of major bleeding without a difference in stroke rate.
A recent study has found that poor sleep quality is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), which can lead to symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath. The researchers also discovered that disruptions in sleep patterns, such as reduced REM sleep, predict a higher risk of AF.
Atrial fibrillation, Australia's most common heart rhythm disorder, can be alleviated by losing weight and treating lifestyle factors. Obesity is a leading cause of stroke and heart failure, but research shows that reducing weight by 10% can reverse the progression of the disease.
The American Heart Association awards Cleveland Clinic a $3.7 million grant for atrial fibrillation research, focusing on preventing disease progression and developing personalized therapies. The team will study the relationships between genes, aging, and metabolism to find new treatments.
In patients with congenital heart disease, atrial arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation occur at younger ages due to degenerative and progressive changes. Advanced imaging and individualized therapeutic plans using pharmacologic therapy, catheter-based ablation, and surgical therapies can help manage these conditions.
A team of researchers identified the perinexus, a tiny pocket between cardiac cells that can disrupt heartbeat, in humans for the first time. The structure's expansion may contribute to atrial fibrillation by disrupting electrical communication between cells.
Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that stressful jobs are associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation. The study included 13,200 participants and found that employees with stressful jobs were almost 50% more likely to develop the condition.
Researchers found that activating inflammatory signaling in heart cells can lead to abnormal electrical patterns similar to those observed in atrial fibrillation. This suggests a potential new target for therapies aiming to treat the condition.
A study found that closing the left atrial appendage during coronary artery bypass or heart valve surgery reduces stroke and mortality risks, especially for patients with pre-existing atrial fibrillation. However, this procedure may increase risk in patients without prior atrial fibrillation.
A study of 30,626 Danish patients found that anticoagulation therapy after stroke significantly reduced the risk of blood vessel-blocking clots. Patients with atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of ischemic stroke, and OAC can reduce this risk.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients with intermittently recurring atrial fibrillation who experience longer periods of abnormal heart rhythms are three times more likely to have strokes or blood clots. Continuous heart monitoring may help physicians identify high-risk patients and tailor treatments.
Researchers identified abnormal RNA activity linked to enlarged left atrium and atrial fibrillation. They found microRNA-21-3p levels associated with adverse heart growth, enabling potential targeted medications.
Research from Intermountain Medical Center reveals that carotid artery disease and atrial fibrillation significantly increase a patient's chances of developing dementia due to restricted blood flow to the brain. The study stresses the need for physicians to monitor and screen patients for both diseases, especially those with risk factors.
Researchers found that people with resolved atrial fibrillation are nearly as likely to experience a stroke as those with ongoing atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that patients with atrial fibrillation should continue treatment even after their heart rhythm appears to have returned to normal.
A recent study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that exposure to extreme noise annoyance increases the incidence of atrial fibrillation by up to 23%. Aircraft noise is identified as a major source of noise pollution, with 84% during the day and 69% at night. The study highlights the importance of measuring noise a...
A new study found that smoking and alcohol consumption significantly increase the lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation, with risk factors at age 55 rising to 38%. An optimal risk factor profile was associated with a reduced lifetime risk of 23%, highlighting the importance of modifiable borderline and elevated risk factors in prevention.
The AVIATOR 2 international registry found significant discrepancies between physician-perceived risks and calculated scores for stroke, ischemic risk, and bleeding in patients with AF undergoing PCI. The study used a novel smartphone-based survey to capture physician and patient perspectives on antithrombotic therapies after PCI.
Research published in the journal Heart found that eating several servings of nuts per week may lower the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The study, which tracked over 61,000 Swedish adults for 17 years, found a strong association between nut consumption and reduced risk of these cardiovascular conditions.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE has confirmed the association of a chromosomal genetic variant with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in Latinos. Latino individuals carrying the rs10033464 SNP at chromosome 4q25 are found to be at a 2.3-fold increased risk for developing AFib.
Researchers investigated whether an abnormal left atrium or atrial fibrillation itself is the primary driver of poor health outcomes in patients with A-Fib. The study suggests targeting upstream factors to prevent left atrial abnormalities could be a key to preventing stroke and cognitive decline.
A study found that depression is associated with an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. Participants who scored highest on a clinical screening test for depression had a 30% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation than those with normal test scores.
A smartwatch coupled with a machine learning algorithm detected atrial fibrillation (AF) with high accuracy in patients undergoing treatment for AF. The study used data from 9,750 participants and found promising results for the use of commercially available smartwatches to detect AF.
A recent study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found a significant link between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The research highlights the importance of closely monitoring NSAID use for heart health, particularly among high-risk individuals.
Atrial fibrillation affects millions worldwide, increasing risk of stroke and heart failure. A new study finds Apixaban and VKAs safe for treatment during catheter ablation procedures, with a significant improvement in cognitive function. The results will reassure clinicians that continuous Apixaban is an effective alternative to VKAs.
A new mobile application developed at the University of Turku can detect atrial fibrillation with 96% accuracy, significantly reducing the risk of stroke. The app uses smartphone accelerometers to identify patients with atrial fibrillation, and its results have been validated in a study involving 300 patients.
A study published in Circulation Journal identified four microRNA molecules in the bloodstream that could predict the onset of atrial fibrillation. The researchers found that these microRNAs were significantly upregulated in the serum of patients with AF and diseased mice, suggesting their potential use as biomarkers for disease.
A new study published in HeartRhythm found that blacks with atrial fibrillation are more likely to experience an ischemic stroke before or after diagnosis compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from nearly 3,500 patients and showed that black patients were 62% more likely to have had an ischemic stroke prior to AF diagnosis.
A new study found that African Americans with atrial fibrillation are more likely to experience strokes, both before and after diagnosis. This increased risk highlights the importance of early detection and treatment to mitigate stroke burden.
Researchers found that patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation had more preoperative dys-synchrony in the left atrium, indicating a higher risk of failed ablation procedures. A new biomarker based on cardiac imaging analysis could help personalize patient selection and reduce failure rates.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly lowers hospitalization and mortality rates compared to conventional drug therapies for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. Catheter ablation restored regular heart rhythm by isolating pulmonary veins an...
Patients with atrial fibrillation admitted to rural hospitals have a 17% increased risk of death during hospitalization compared to urban hospitals. The study analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample and found that rural hospitals are associated with higher mortality rates for AF patients.
Researchers found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who receive comprehensive cardiovascular care from a cardiologist are more likely to survive the first year after diagnosis. This is associated with a 32% lower death rate compared to those who do not receive specialized care.
A Kaiser Permanente-led study found that dabigatran and warfarin have similar ischemic stroke rates, but dabigatran reduces the risk of brain bleeds. The research analyzed data from over 50,000 adults with atrial fibrillation and provides reassurance on dabigatran's effectiveness in usual clinical care.
A study found low public awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF), with only 48% globally aware, but 82% correctly identifying palpitations as an AF symptom. The estimated 33.5 million people worldwide live with AF, highlighting the need for increased public health initiatives.
A recent study published in HeartRhythm found that blacks have a lower risk of atrial fibrillation compared to whites, despite having similar risk factors. The research suggests that the frequency of early beats in the atria, known as premature atrial contractions, may be heritable and explain the racial differences in AF rates.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that anticoagulant drugs used to prevent blood clots in atrial fibrillation patients also protect against dementia. The research analyzed data from over 444,000 patients and found a significant reduction in dementia risk among those taking anticoagulants.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified two variants of single-nucleotide polymorphism associated with SVC arrhythmogenicity. These genetic factors, age, body mass index, and left ventricular ejection fraction, play a role in atrial fibrillation development.
A new study found that men develop atrial fibrillation about a decade earlier than women and that being overweight is a significant risk factor. Researchers analyzed data from 79,793 people in Europe and found that men had higher diagnosis rates, especially after age 50, while women's rates increased after age 60.
Atrial fibrillation patients can use My AF app to access condition information, treatment options, and lifestyle tips. The app also enables face-to-face consultations with healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, AF Manager app helps healthcare providers import patient data, suggest personalized treatment plans, and share notes with patients.
Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation using non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) may be at increased risk of major bleeding when combined with certain medications that share metabolic pathways. Concurrent use of amiodarone, fluconazole, rifampin, and phenytoin significantly increases the incidence rate of major bleeding.
The PCORI Board approved funding for a new study comparing UVB treatment in a doctor's office versus at home for people with psoriasis. The study aims to improve treatment options for patients burdened by frequent in-office visits.
A team of engineers and clinicians at Rochester Institute of Technology are developing a non-contact video recording technology to detect atrial fibrillation. The app will capture heart activity data while patients use tablets or smartphones, providing valuable insights for medical practitioners.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart arrhythmia that can lead to strokes. The REHEARSE-AF trial found that twice-weekly ECG recording by patients increased AF diagnosis in patients with stroke risk factors, suggesting the potential to reduce strokes through earlier treatment.
The CAPTAF trial found that ablation of atrial fibrillation significantly improved quality of life and general health compared to antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Ablation was also shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF.
The EMANATE trial shows that apixaban lowers stroke risk in anticoagulation-naïve patients with atrial fibrillation scheduled for elective cardioversion. Patients treated with apixaban had fewer strokes than those receiving usual care, with similar bleeding rates to warfarin.
A new study published at ESC Congress shows that blood pressure variability is strongly associated with adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study found that consistency in blood pressure control is vital, regardless of patient age or blood pressure level.