In the past week I’ve been approached by several folks in their eighties who are interested in catheter ablation or surgery for atrial fibrillation. But eighty is often considered the upper limit for these procedures due to concerns about the health of the patient. Perhaps not any more as a new study out of Canada [...]
Focus on Preventing Silent Strokes for World Stroke Day
World Stroke Day is being observed on October 29th and focuses on preventing the silent strokes that occur five times as often as conventional strokes. Read: October 29 is World Stroke Day If you have atrial fibrillation, please re-examine your stroke risk, or arrange to review it with your doctor, as things may have changed. [...]
Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis May Increase Rate of Atrial Fibrillation
Are you on bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, or Reclast, to prevent osteoporosis, or are you considering them? If you have atrial fibrillation, or could be at risk for it, this new study will be of interest to you. While this study found absolute risk of atrial fibrillation to be low, bisphosphonates may lead [...]
Heart Rate and Beta Blocker Studies For Those with Atrial Fibrillation
Recently there have been a number of new beta blocker and heart rate studies, some of which are contradictory. The findings from some of these recent studies may apply to those with atrial fibrillation: Heart rates over 70 beats per minute predict heart attack risk Slowing the heart rate doesn’t protect those with hypertension—or does [...]
Stopping and re-starting amiodarone for atrial fibrillation is more dangerous than continuous use
A study in the October 15 issue of JAMA indicates that reducing how often a patient receives amiodarone for atrial fibrillation does not decrease side effects, but does increase atrial fibrillation recurrence and the risk of death and hospitalizations. Read: Continuous use of amiodarone for atrial fibrillation better than episodic use
Is Atrial Fibrillation in Women Less Diagnosed?
A new study has shed light on gender bias in diagnosing heart disease, which may apply to diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in women as well. Read: Why Atrial Fibrillation May Be Missed More in Women After reading the article, please come back here to the Atrial Fibrillation Blog to add your comments and experiences.
Patient Perspectives on Living with Atrial Fibrillation
StopAfib.org and Mellanie True Hills’ story of living with atrial fibrillation were featured in the September 2008 issue of EP Lab Digest. The article has a sidebar offering a patient perspective for doctors and staff, including five statements that afib patients wish their doctors wouldn’t make. Read EP Lab Digest Features Patient Perspectives on Living with Atrial [...]
