RECORD AF registry findings were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. This registry looked at how newly-diagnosed afib patients were being managed in the real world. These results differed from previously-reported research, such as the AFFIRM (Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management) trial.

In the real world, more cardiologists chose rhythm drugs over rate drugs for atrial fibrillation treatment. Though clinical outcomes were similar for both, rhythm control showed some advantages, including that far fewer progressed to permanent atrial fibrillation within the year.

Read more at: Which is Better, Rate Control or Rhythm Control For Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the RECORD AF Registry

Tags: Medication, Study, Treatment by Mellanie
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StopAfib.org salutes our friends at the Arrhythmia Alliance and the Atrial Fibrillation Association, including Founder Trudie Lobban and Executive Committee President Professor John Camm, for their Know Your Pulse campaign to raise awareness of atrial fibrillation in order to encourage diagnosis and treatment of it.

The Know Your Pulse campaign encourages easy and inexpensive pulse checks as a way to identify potential atrial fibrillation. The campaign aims to ensure that pulse checks become routine and is encouraging supporters to sign a government e-petition. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has just joined into this initiative.

• See Sir Roger Moore demonstrate how to take a pulse
• Learn more about the Know Your Pulse Campaign

Tags: Advocacy, Events, General, Symptoms by Mellanie
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A new study reports that blood levels of a protein hormone called N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) predicts new atrial fibrillation, regardless of other afib risk factors. Those with the highest levels were four times as likely to develop afib as those with the lowest levels. In the study, elevated levels of NT-proBNP occurred as much as 16 years before the onset of atrial fibrillation. Tests for NT-proBNP are available today, but are mainly used for screening for heart failure and heart disease.

To learn more, read: Study Finds Major Predictor for Development of New Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Tags: Causes or Triggers, Stroke, Study by Mellanie
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Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep, is believed to be linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) but until now, we didn’t know if apnea could actually trigger arrhythmias like afib. Now a new study shows the odds of having an abnormal heartbeat are 18 times higher immediately after an apnea episode, compared to the risk during normal sleep breathing.

Read: Sleep Apnea Multiplies Risk of Arrhythmias Like Atrial Fibrillation

Tags: Causes or Triggers, Prevention, Sleep Apnea, Study, Treatment by Mellanie
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