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Innovative procedure outperforms drugs for advanced atrial fibrillation

A minimally invasive catheter ablation procedure has been shown to provide substantial benefits for patients with advanced forms of atrial fibrillation. By targeting faulty electrical signaling in the heart, the procedure can lead to improved control of the disease and reduced risk of serious adverse events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 27, 2026

Regular exercise reduces atrial fibrillation recurrence by nearly 50% after catheter ablation, study shows

A new study from CU Anschutz researchers found that regular physical activity can significantly lower post-ablation atrial fibrillation recurrence risk. Adults who engaged in moderate exercise for 30 minutes three times a week had markedly lower rates of AF recurrence compared to those who were less active.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalJournal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology·DateFeb 6, 2026

UPF and the Royal Veterinary College make the first 3D reconstructions of cat hearts to compare them with humans’

Scientists at UPF and the Royal Veterinary College have generated 3D reconstructions of cat hearts to analyze thrombi formation. The study reveals a similar risk pattern between cats and humans, highlighting the importance of heart morphology in blood clotting.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2025

UPF and Côte d’Azur University establish that the inclination with which the pulmonary veins reach the heart influences the risk of thrombi

Researchers found that the angle at which pulmonary veins reach the left atrial appendage affects blood flow and thrombus formation. The study used a sample of 130 patients to investigate the relationship between pulmonary vein morphology and thrombi risk in atrial fibrillation patients.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Transcatheter mitral valve repair in heart failure patients significantly reduces hospitalizations and improves survival

A new study shows that transcatheter mitral valve repair significantly reduces hospitalizations by almost 50 percent and death by nearly 30 percent in heart failure patients with severe mitral regurgitation. The procedure, using Abbott's MitraClip system, improves symptoms, reduces hospitalizations, and leads to longer survival.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 5, 2023

Johns Hopkins researchers find link between dementia and atrial cardiopathy

Researchers found a link between atrial cardiopathy and dementia in older adults, with those having the condition at a higher risk of developing dementia over time. The study suggests that subtle changes in the left atrium may be an independent risk factor for dementia, even after controlling for other vascular risk factors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 10, 2022

Simultaneous repair of heart valves may benefit some adults

A two-year follow-up of participants found that those who had both their mitral valve and tricuspid valve repaired at the same time experienced better outcomes, including less progression to moderate or severe leakage. This study provides high-level evidence for surgeons on how to perform tricuspid valve repair in these patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 16, 2021

Virtual heart sheds new light on heart defect

Researchers developed a virtual heart model to investigate atrial fibrillation, revealing electrical heterogeneity and fibre structure as key factors in the condition's initiation. The study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms underlying AF, paving the way for potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInterface Focus·DateJan 15, 2013

Unusual case of a woman who suffered stroke during sex

A 35-year-old woman suffered a stroke due to a blood clot caused by a heart defect and birth control pills. She received an interventional neuroradiologist-guided catheter delivery of tPA, resulting in immediate and dramatic improvement. Her stroke score improved from 13 to 1 after treatment.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateSep 15, 2008