Articles tagged with Atrial Fibrillation
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A new study by Yale researchers suggests that a catheter-delivered device called the Watchman may be a more cost-effective treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation. The device, which is permanently implanted in the opening of the left atrial appendage, prevents blood clots from forming and reducing the risk of stroke.
A new consensus paper defines and classifies atrial cardiomyopathies, which can lead to atrial fibrillation, strokes, and other complications. The guidelines also discuss the triggers of atrial fibrillation and provide advice on prevention and treatment options.
A study of nearly three million motor vehicle accident victims found atrial fibrillation associated with a higher risk of death, longer hospital stays, and increased costs. Patients with atrial fibrillation were more likely to die in the hospital and required longer stays and greater resources.
A 15-year study of 1.1 million patients with atrial fibrillation found that women are 23% more likely to be hospitalised for acute ischaemic stroke than men, regardless of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or region. Women consistently had a higher risk of stroke hospitalization than men over the past 15 years.
Researchers found that female atrial fibrillation patients are less likely than men to receive blood thinning therapies. The study used a computerized decision support tool to review medical therapies for over 1,500 patients and found significant sex differences in treatment.
A study of nearly 35,000 women found that those developing new-onset atrial fibrillation had an increased risk of cancer over a 20-year period. The risk was highest for colon cancer and persisted even after adjusting for other factors.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that women with atrial fibrillation (AF) exhibit more symptoms, functional impairment, and poorer quality of life compared to men. However, women also demonstrated a higher risk-adjusted survival rate and lower cardiovascular death rate despite their AF-related challenges.
A study of over 1,100 patients who underwent mitral valve repair found that older age and preoperative atrial fibrillation significantly increased the risk of developing tricuspid regurgitation. The risk was further exacerbated by impaired heart function, with patients experiencing devastating effects from severe TR.
The MR CLEAN trial demonstrated the effectiveness of physical removal of blood clots in improving outcome for stroke patients. The HERMES collaboration found that patients with large ischemic core volumes can still benefit from thrombectomy, while the ACTION study showed promise with intravenous natalizumab for acute ischemic stroke. O...
A computerized decision support tool helps physicians and patients make informed decisions about blood thinning treatment to prevent strokes in individuals with atrial fibrillation. The tool, which takes into account patient characteristics and medical therapies, resulted in a significant reduction in deviations from recommended treatm...
Researchers found that patients treated with as-needed blood thinners and regular pulse monitoring had lower stroke risk compared to those taking long-term anticoagulation medications. The study showed minimal bleeding incidents and no strokes or transient ischemic attacks among participants.
A new study found that catheter ablation does not reduce the long-term risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Adult patients with the condition continue to have a significant risk of developing atrial fibrillation regardless of age at procedure.
A new study of over 10,000 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and those without found that AF patients treated with warfarin had higher rates of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. The study suggests that the efficacy of therapy is strongly associated with dementia risk.
A new study from Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that atrial fibrillation patients taking warfarin require proper management to prevent kidney failure. The study showed that patients with low anticoagulation levels were at risk of developing kidney dysfunction and failure.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that well-managed warfarin therapy is associated with a low risk of complications in patients with atrial fibrillation. The annual incidence of all-cause mortality was 2.19%, and intracranial bleeding rates were 0.44%.
A new generation of blood thinners can significantly reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation without requiring frequent monitoring. However, careful consideration must be given to individual patient factors such as age and kidney function before prescribing these medications.
A recent case report found that a patient's activity tracker and smartphone helped identify the onset time of his atrial fibrillation, allowing for timely electrical cardioversion. The device provided critical information to medical providers, enabling more effective treatment decisions.
Research found that the death of a partner is linked to an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure. The risk is highest among people under 60 and when the loss is least expected.
A new biomarker-based tool, 'ABC risk score,' allows for personalized treatment to prevent strokes with minimal bleeding complications. The app is available as a web-based instrument and will soon be available as an app.
The FIRE AND ICE trial showed that radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation are equally effective in treating atrial fibrillation, with similar rates of recurrence and no significant differences in safety outcomes. Cryoballoon patients were more likely to experience phrenic nerve injury, but this was rare and resolved in most cases.
A new study found that two common treatments for post-operative atrial fibrillation, rhythm control and rate control, are equally safe and effective. The study, conducted by the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network, showed that both strategies were associated with low rates of complications and no difference in hospital days.
A study found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at highest stroke risk are often not prescribed the recommended oral anticoagulant therapy. The study included over 429,000 AF patients and found that only less than half of high-risk patients received an oral anticoagulant prescription.
Researchers found nearly half of AF patients at the highest stroke risk were not prescribed oral anticoagulants, highlighting a significant treatment gap. The study emphasizes the need to address barriers to anticoagulant prescription and optimize risks versus benefits for these high-risk patients.
Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who practiced yoga for 12 weeks experienced improved quality of life, lower heart rates, and decreased blood pressure compared to those in a control group. Yoga may provide patients with AF a method to gain self-control over their symptoms.
A study of 31,951 US veterans found that older adults initiating warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of traumatic intracranial bleeding. Several factors, including dementia and labile INR, were identified as risk contributors.
The new CVIA journal published its second issue with a special focus on Electrophysiology. Key findings include strategies for preventing stroke in high-risk atrial fibrillation patients, catheter ablation as a cornerstone in AF management, and the role of multimodality imaging in substrate characterization.
A European Heart Rhythm Association/European Society of Cardiology survey found that patients with no schooling missed treatment targets more often and were less aware of bleeding risks. The study highlights the importance of providing user-friendly education about risk factors for stroke and adequate use of anticoagulants.
Researchers found that digoxin decreased levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides by 41% and 54%, respectively, in mice treated with high-dose digoxin. Digoxin also lowered LDL-cholesterol levels by 20%. The study suggests a potential link between the drug and reduced plaque buildup.
A new study found that flu vaccination is associated with a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a heart condition linked to increased stroke risk. The study suggested that flu infection may trigger an inflammatory response that increases the risk of AF.
An irregular heartbeat is a stronger risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and death in women than in men. The cause is unclear, but the results support more aggressive treatment of risk factors in women.
Older men with central sleep apnea are at greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a recent study. The research suggests that addressing central sleep-disordered breathing may help prevent AF in this population.
Researchers found that asymptomatic AF doubles the risk of stroke and premature death compared to age and gender matched people without AF. Treating asymptomatic AF with anticoagulants can nearly completely reverse the increased risk of stroke.
Researchers found that weight loss significantly improves ablation success rates for patients with atrial fibrillation, with those who lose 10 pounds or more experiencing better outcomes. Maintaining weight and avoiding weight regain are also crucial for preventing AF recurrence.
Researchers found that Botox injections significantly reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) after bypass surgery. In contrast, saline injections showed no such benefit. The study's results could lead to Botox being used as a preventive measure for AF in patients undergoing heart bypass or valve repair.
A study found that pacemaker checks can identify asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), allowing for early initiation of anticoagulation to prevent strokes. The research involved 223 patients who received a pacemaker and showed that nearly all with undiagnosed AF needed anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk.
A study found that primary care physicians often misestimate stroke and bleeding risk in AFib patients, leading to inadequate treatment. This resulted in under- and over-prescription of oral anticoagulation therapy, increasing the risk of stroke and bleeding events.
A large meta-analysis of four studies involving nearly 250,000 individuals found no association between moderate coffee consumption and increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study's results suggest that people who like coffee can safely continue to consume it in moderation without the risk of developing this condition.
The XANTUS study found that rivaroxaban is safe and effective for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients with low rates of bleeding and stroke. The study confirmed the positive benefit-risk profile of rivaroxaban established in clinical trials, demonstrating its efficacy and tolerability in real-world practice.
An 11-year study of over 425,000 patients found that atrial fibrillation's contribution to ischemic stroke risk was negligible in those with multiple comorbidities. The study suggests that stroke prevention should focus on the combined effects of multiple risk factors rather than a single factor.
A large-scale study found that cold weather is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The risk was highest during winter months and lowest in summer, with a 10% increase in risk for every 5°C decrease in daily temperature.
A recent study found that adding adenosine triphosphate to pulmonary vein isolation treatment for atrial fibrillation did not significantly reduce late recurrences of the condition. The study, which included 2,113 patients, used ATP to identify and address potential gaps in electrical conduction around the pulmonary veins.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who received antithrombotic management according to ESC guidelines had better outcomes than those who did not. Guideline-adherent patients had significantly lower rates of major adverse events during one year follow up compared to over- or under-treated patients.
A new study found that antiarrhythmia drug therapy after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation does not reduce arrhythmia recurrence rates at one year. The treatment, which had shown a temporary benefit in earlier studies, lost its effectiveness once the medication was stopped.
A recent trial published at ESC Congress 2015 found that patient education programs did not significantly impact apixaban adherence. Adherence rates were high across both the control and education groups, with minimal difference observed between the two.
The BELIEF study shows that left atrial appendage (LAA) isolation, combined with standard treatment, significantly improves the success rate of catheter ablation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. LAA isolation reduces AF recurrence rates by 30% compared to standard treatment alone.
A study found that improving cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the risk of arrhythmia recurrence in obese atrial fibrillation patients. Patients with higher exercise capacity showed a significant reduction in arrhythmia risk, with 84% being free from arrhythmia after four years.
More adults are visiting doctors for anticoagulant treatment due to the popularity of new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which have fewer food and drug interactions than warfarin. The study found that DOACs have risen to nearly match the use of warfarin, with 57% of anticoagulant visits related to warfarin use in 2014.
A study led by Duke Medicine found that stopping blood thinners before elective surgery has no higher risk of blood clots and less risk of major bleeding compared to traditional 'bridge' therapy.
Atrial fibrillation is a serious medical condition characterized by an irregular heart rate, which can lead to poor blood flow and increase the risk of strokes. The BRIDGE trial, sponsored by the NIH, found that forgoing bridging anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation who need temporary interruption of warfarin for electi...
Researchers from Duke University and Mayo Clinic analyzed data from the ARISTOTLE trial to explore COPD's connection to stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. They found that COPD was associated with increased mortality, particularly cardiovascular death, but not an increased risk of stroke or systemic embolism.
A Loyola Medicine study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke during the first 12 months after surgery. Among bladder cancer patients, 24.8% experienced a heart attack or stroke with POAF, compared to 10.9% without POAF.
Behnaz Ghoraani's novel algorithm allows improved and patient-specific localization of electrical disturbance sites, enabling clinicians to better target the problem. The technology helps doctors 'see' what's going on in the atrium by analyzing patterns of electrical signals, guiding them to where they need to sense.
A systematic review of over 320,000 patients found digoxin associated with a 21% increased risk of death from any cause. High levels of digoxin in the blood correlate with an increased death rate in patients. The authors call for randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that specific altered function in the left atrium may signal stroke risk in those with a-fib and possibly those without it. The study suggests that certain features of the heart's upper left chamber could be used to tell apart low-risk from high-risk patients.
Researchers found that atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder, is associated only with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) type of heart attack, increasing risk by 63 percent overall and higher rates in women. Atrial fibrillation has long been known to be a risk factor for stroke.
A study found that appropriate patient selection and pharmacist-led monitoring are associated with higher adherence rates to dabigatran. Modifiable site-level practices, such as collaboration between pharmacists and clinicians for nonadherent patients, also improved adherence rates.
A quarter of all atrial fibrillation patients at the lowest risk for stroke receive unnecessary blood thinners from cardiology specialists. Researchers found that males and older patients were more likely to be prescribed oral anticoagulation despite having no risk factors for stroke.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that catheter ablation significantly reduces atrial fibrillation symptoms and hospitalization rates compared to Amiodarone in heart failure patients. Patients who underwent catheter ablation had a higher rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation after two years, with 71% being symptom-...
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that obese patients with atrial fibrillation who lost at least 10% of their body weight were six times more likely to achieve long-term freedom from the condition. Sustained weight loss was also associated with significant beneficial structural changes in the heart and improved other ...
Patients who received ablation along with mitral valve surgery had better rhythm control and fewer episodes of atrial fibrillation compared to those who only received the valve surgery alone. However, they were more likely to require pacemaker implantation in the year following their surgery.