Although the total number of stroke deaths declined by more than 50 percent between 1978 and 2006, racial disparities in stroke deaths have remained and efforts to eliminate health disparities have been unsuccessful. Between ages 45 and 65, blacks are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from stroke than whites, but we haven’t [...]
Full-Body Scans, Federally-Mandated Groping, and Atrial Fibrillation, Oh My!
By Mellanie True Hills I just got home from a one-week multi-city trip and have so much catching up to do. But with the furor over the new airport security screening procedures that have just gone into effect in the US, I have some thoughts that I simply must share before my head explodes. This [...]
What Factors Can Predict Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation Success
Doctors are trying to identify the characteristics that predict which patients aren’t likely to be successful with a catheter ablation for their atrial fibrillation. At a session at the recent Heart Rhythm Society annual meeting, some of the factors discussed included left atrial size, left atrial volume, left ventricle dysfunction (improper functioning of the left [...]
Where in the U.S. are you most at risk for atrial fibrillation hospitalization or strokes?
One of the most interesting things about atrial fibrillation is how geography—the location where you grew up, where you live now, and even where you visit—can affect your risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke. A fascinating map from the CDC (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) dramatically illustrates which parts of the country had [...]
Psoriasis is Newly-Recognized Risk Factor for Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
A new study just presented at the American College of Cardiology scientific sessions found psoriasis to be a significant and independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and a stroke risk factor, too. Mild psoriasis increases afib risk by 22% while moderate-to-severe psoriasis raises afib risk by 51%. This chronic inflammatory condition also raises other [...]
Why Those With Atrial Fibrillation Should Consider Pneumonia Vaccination
For those in the northern hemisphere, where winter is coming on, this message could save your life. This applies to most people with atrial fibrillation since the majority have underlying heart disease. It may also apply to many with lone atrial fibrillation who may in fact have undiscovered or undiagnosed heart disease. This is valuable information even for those [...]
Does Air Pollution Cause Atrial Fibrillation?
I write and talk a lot about air pollution and heart disease. We’ve known for a long time, from a wide array of studies, that air pollution can lead to heart disease and heart attacks. Air pollution has always caused my heart to race, but I thought I was unusual in that regard. Apparently not. [...]
Women, Atrial Fibrillation, and Inflammation
Since I posted a few days ago on Statins Help Women with Atrial Fibrillation, Hans Larsen, owner of the Lone Atrial Fibrillation Bulletin Board, created a great recap of studies related to inflammation and atrial fibrillation, including lone atrial fibrillation (afib without any underlying heart disease). It’s definitely worth checking out to find out more about inflammation. Some findings he included [...]
Statins Help Women with Atrial Fibrillation
Post-menopausal women with existing heart disease have less risk of having or developing atrial fibrillation if they are taking statin drugs. This finding was reported at the Heart Rhythm Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco. It appears that it’s the anti-inflammatory properties of statins that cause this. More about study… While the news stories say “older women benefit from [...]
Does Stress Cause Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is so sneaky. So is afib really stress in disguise? Afib seems to sneak up on you when you least expect it and you wonder “where did that come from?” It’s hard to pin down an atrial fibrillation cause or trigger when it’s different every time. For some, it’s triggered by alcohol or [...]
