Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
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.
A clinical trial conducted by researchers at the University of Utah Health found that radiofrequency catheter ablation lowered hospitalization and mortality rates by 47% and 44%, respectively, in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that catheter ablation may be a more effective treatment option than traditional drug t...
The RACE 3 trial found that risk factor-driven upstream rhythm control is effective in improving maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with early short-lasting AF and heart failure. Sinus rhythm was present in 75% of patients in the upstream therapy group compared to 63% in the control group.
A new study found that using two anticlotting medicines instead of three can reduce the risk of major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation who have had a stent placed. The RE-DUAL PCI trial showed that dabigatran, combined with either clopidogrel or ticagrelor, cut the risk of bleeding by half compared to standard triple therapy.
A new study, CASTLE-AF, shows that catheter ablation significantly improves outcomes for patients with left ventricular dysfunction and atrial fibrillation. The treatment reduces the risk of stroke, blood clots, and heart failure in these patients.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that implanted cardiac monitors detected a substantial incidence of previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AFib) in high-risk patients. The detection rate was nearly 30% at 18 months, with even higher rates at longer follow-up periods.
The study found that individuals with kidney disease have a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The risk increased step-wise with decreasing kidney function, and the link held even after accounting for other factors such as cardiovascular health.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins developed a mathematical method to predict the effectiveness of catheter ablation for treating Afib. The study found that improving electrical communication in the heart immediately after the procedure can predict longer-term success rates.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who work long hours (55+ hours/week) are approximately 40% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation over a ten-year period. The risk is higher among those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and other risk factors.
Researchers developed a scoring system using electronic medical records to predict patients at high risk for atrial fibrillation after stroke. The system identifies seven risk factors and assigns patients to one of three risk groups, enabling personalized treatment.
A new study found that patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who received early cardiology care had a 9% lower risk of stroke and an 11% lower risk of death. Early prescription of anticoagulants also appeared to lower the risk of stroke.
Newly diagnosed asymptomatic atrial fibrillation patients have a higher rate of previous stroke compared to those with symptoms. The study found that patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation have a five-fold increased risk of stroke, and strokes in these patients tend to be severe and disabling.
A study by the University of Birmingham reveals a significant treatment gap for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, where fewer are prescribed anticoagulants for stroke prevention. This results in preventable strokes, increased risk of death and disability.
Research published in the journal Heart found that regular chocolate consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. For women, one weekly serving was linked to a 21% lower risk, while for men, two to six weekly servings were associated with a 23% lower risk.
A large study found that consuming moderate amounts of chocolate was associated with a significantly lower risk of atrial fibrillation, a common and dangerous type of irregular heartbeat. The study suggested that even small amounts of cocoa consumption can have a positive health impact.
Research found that measures of OSA severity were significant predictors of AF, with oxygen desaturation remaining a significant predictor after adjusting for known risk factors. Women with sleep apnea were more likely to develop AF hospitalizations, highlighting the potential for gender-specific mechanisms.
A study by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that long-term aspirin therapy does not lower the risk of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation who are considered low-risk for stroke. Instead, it increases the risk of gastrointestinal and genitourinary bleeding.
A new study has found that delayed treatment with anticoagulation therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation increases the risk of dementia. The study, conducted by researchers at Intermountain Medical Center, included over 76,000 patients and found a significant increase in dementia rates among those who received delayed treatment.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that CHD patients can safely undergo AF ablation, with similar success rates as those with normal hearts. The multicenter study showed 53% complete success and improved outcomes compared to non-CHD patients.
Researchers have identified a microRNA biomarker that shows a strong association with atrial fibrillation incidence. The study found that low levels of miR 21 are strongly linked to the development of atrial fibrillation, which can increase stroke risk and negatively impact quality of life.
Researchers found combining Intermountain Mortality Risk Score (IMRS) with traditional CHA2DS2-VASc score improves identification of atrial fibrillation patients at higher risk of dementia. This study used data from nearly 75,000 AFib patients with no history of dementia.
A new study combines traditional CHA2DS2-VASc risk score with the Intermountain Mortality Risk Score to provide more accurate evaluations of atrial fibrillation patients' individual risks. This allows for better decision-making regarding blood thinners use, taking into account both clinical and biological factors.
Patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation post-TAVR have a nearly five-fold greater risk of early stroke compared to those without AF. The BRAVO-3 trial found that patients with existing or new AF had higher rates of pre-existing comorbidities and were more likely to receive oral anticoagulants.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias. The research, which monitored participants as they drank, found that even moderate drinking can lead to abnormal heart rhythms.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery has released a new consensus statement on surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness in reducing early death and late stroke risk. The guidelines also recommend hybrid procedures, optimal ablation tools, and standardized training.
Research found that bigger women have a significantly higher risk of atrial fibrillation due to their larger body size, with those in the highest body surface area quartile having nearly three times the risk as those in the lowest. The study's findings suggest that avoiding excess weight may be beneficial for tall individuals.
A new analysis found that apixaban, a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC), is superior to warfarin in reducing brain bleeds and stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study showed that apixaban reduced intracranial hemorrhage by 58% compared to warfarin.
A recent study found that direct acting oral anticoagulants and aspirin may increase heart attack risk compared to vitamin k antagonists like warfarin. Researchers are urging more research on the topic as use of these medications increases.
Researchers combined two independent risk measurements to improve stroke and mortality predictions in atrial fibrillation patients. The new tool provides a more accurate scale of low and high risk, helping physicians determine the need for blood thinners in treatment.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute have identified three microRNA molecules linked to AFib recurrence after ablation therapy. These molecular markers hold promise as screening tools to help determine which patients will benefit from various therapies.
Researchers found that patients with persistent AF who are successfully treated with ablation may no longer need blood thinners. In fact, 174 participants discontinued blood thinner use at some point in the three years, and 174 remained off blood thinners at their last follow-up.
A new study suggests that a low dose of apixaban, an oral anticoagulant, can be maintained at safe levels in dialysis patients to potentially prevent strokes. The research indicates that this dosage may be effective for stroke prevention in these patients.
A study of over 94,000 patients with atrial fibrillation found that only 16% received recommended anticoagulation therapy prior to stroke. Patients who did receive treatment had less severe stroke outcomes and lower mortality rates. Adherence to guidelines could prevent up to 88,000 strokes per year in the US
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that nearly 84% of patients with atrial fibrillation who experienced a stroke were not receiving therapeutic anticoagulation prior to their stroke. Therapeutic anticoagulation was associated with lower odds of moderate or severe stroke and lower odds of in-hospital mortality.
A UBC Okanagan study used digital cameras to collect photos from older patients with atrial fibrillation, providing valuable insights into their daily care and environmental context. The images revealed nuances of living with a chronic condition in rural communities.
A systematic review of 14 randomized trials found that vitamin C significantly reduced the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients. The review also showed that vitamin C decreased hospital stay length and intensive care unit stay, with intravenous administration having greater effects.
A new study reveals that catheter ablation significantly reduces symptoms in over half of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition that increases the risk of stroke and death. The procedure's success rate is higher than expected, but monitoring after treatment is often inadequate.
New clinical practice guidelines recommend surgical ablation for treating atrial fibrillation, showing improved heart rhythm, quality of life, and stroke reduction. Surgical ablation is an effective treatment option for Afib, with significant improvements in long-term outcomes.
Researchers at Nocturnal and GW are developing a new generation of catheters for treating atrial fibrillation with real-time lesion visualization tools. The technology aims to improve treatment options for millions of people affected by the condition.
A UK study found that nearly half of stroke patients were not prescribed preventative drugs, including those with high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. Researchers estimate that up to 12,000 first strokes could be prevented annually through optimal prescribing.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who use warfarin are two to three times more likely to develop dementia compared to those without atrial fibrillation. Erratic blood levels of warfarin contribute to the risk, suggesting that managing abnormal heart rhythm may also lower dementia risk.
A study found that only 46% of hospitalized atrial fibrillation patients receive oral anticoagulants, which can help prevent strokes. Researchers say this highlights a gap in care and emphasizes the need for better optimization of medication decisions during hospital stays and at discharge.
A smartphone application called Cardiio Rhythm uses facial signals to detect subtle beat-to-beat variations in heart rate, correctly identifying over 92% of cases with atrial fibrillation. The technology's convenience makes it attractive for large-scale community screenings.
The RE-DUAL PCI study evaluates the safety and efficacy of dabigatran etexilate in AF patients undergoing PCI. This first-ever study to use a dual versus triple antithrombotic regimen with NOAC dosages already approved for stroke prevention will inform optimal anticoagulant choices for AF patients requiring PCI.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016 found that disrupted sleep, including insomnia, is independently associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from three sources and showed a 26% higher risk for those who frequently woke up during the night.
A new study found that combining rivaroxaban with single or dual anti-platelet therapy reduces clinically significant bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo stenting procedures. The treatment strategy also lowers risks of rehospitalization and death from all causes.
Researchers found that catheter ablations lower the long-term risk of recurrent stroke by 50% in atrial fibrillation patients with a prior history of stroke. The procedure creates scar tissue to prevent rapid electric currents from causing abnormal heart rhythms.
Researchers found that short episodes of atrial fibrillation are associated with a low risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications. Patients experiencing only brief episodes of the condition were at no greater risk than those without atrial fibrillation, suggesting that anticoagulants may not be necessary in this group.
A smartphone app combined with a hand-held ECG monitor can detect atrial fibrillation with a high degree of accuracy. The condition affects nearly one in 10 people and is associated with a heightened risk of stroke and death.
A team of researchers found that widely accepted atrial fibrillation risk prediction algorithms do not accurately predict incidence when applied to electronic medical records. The study suggests that existing models may be incompatible with EMR data, leading to inconsistent predictions and potential misdiagnosis.
A new imaging technique can predict who is most at risk for stroke due to atrial fibrillation. The technique, called 'atrial 4D flow CMR,' detects blood flow velocity and can help reduce over-treatment of patients.
A Mayo Clinic study found that NOACs dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban are at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. However, apixaban was associated with lower major bleeding rates, while rivaroxaban had a higher risk of serious bleeding.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has released updated guidelines for managing atrial fibrillation, prioritizing the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over warfarin. The new recommendations aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce stroke risk.
A large study found that atrial fibrillation is associated with a wide range of serious events, including heart attacks, chronic kidney disease, and sudden cardiac death. The risk of these events is higher than stroke, prompting calls for interventions to reduce non-stroke outcomes.
Atrial fibrillation, a common irregular heartbeat, is linked to genetic variations in genes controlled by Tbx5 and Pitx2. The study offers insights into the mechanisms underlying heart arrhythmias, potentially leading to targeted treatments for patients with AF.
A large-scale clinical trial found that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) can be safely used as an alternative to warfarin before cardioversion in atrial fibrillation patients. Edoxaban was shown to be equally effective as current use of warfarin, and expedited the process from initial standard treatment.
The ENSURE-AF trial shows edoxaban as an effective and safe alternative to standard therapy, with comparable rates of stroke and bleeding events. Patients can start edoxaban 2 hours prior to cardioversion if they have access to transoesophageal echocardiography.
A study found that alcohol-related hospitalization is associated with a doubled risk of ischemic stroke in low-risk patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The study included over 25,000 patients and showed that age and alcohol-related hospitalization were significant predictors of stroke risk.
A study of over 43,000 patients with atrial fibrillation found that new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) provided similar stroke prevention to warfarin, but caused fewer bleeding incidents. NOACs were associated with a lower risk of intracranial bleeding, particularly when compared to warfarin.
The new guidelines aim to improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation by integrating input from different specialties. They recommend oral anticoagulation with NOACs as the first line treatment for eligible patients, and catheter ablation as a first line treatment for selected patients.