A newly published study shows obesity is a major risk factor for left atrial enlargement (LAE), a condition in which the left upper chamber of the heart is oversized. That’s important to people who are concerned about atrial fibrillation (AF) because LAE is a risk factor for afib, stroke and death. Read more: Obesity Raises [...]
Obesity Raises Risk of Left Atrial Enlargement and Atrial Fibrillation
December 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment
New Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Stroke Risk Factors Reveal That More Should Be on Coumadin or Warfarin, Especially Women
December 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
This very important story may change how afib patients and their doctors decide if they should be on anticoagulant medications (blood thinners), such as Coumadin or warfarin. The CHADS2 scoring system is how doctors now decide who should be on Coumadin or warfarin to avoid strokes, but a newly-published study adds new stroke risk factors [...]
Men with Severe Sleep Apnea are at Twice the Risk of Death — What Those with Atrial Fibrillation Need to Know
August 20, 2009 By 3 Comments
Sleep apnea is an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation. It is also associated with hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, diabetes, and insulin resistance, all of which are risk factors for, or results of, atrial fibrillation. Now a new study has just reported that men between the ages of 40 and 70 who [...]
Heart Rate and Beta Blocker Studies For Those with Atrial Fibrillation
October 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment
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 [...]
Information for Those Being Treated for High Blood Pressure with Thiazide Diuretics
September 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Since many who have atrial fibrillation also have high blood pressure, this interesting new study out of Vanderbilt University Medical Center may be of value to know about. This study finds that, contrary to the current U.S. hypertension guidelines, thiazide diuretics need to be combined with “potassium-sparing” drugs to reduce sudden cardiac death risk. Read [...]
