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 …
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First, our thoughts go out to those who suffered from Hurricane Ike over the weekend, from those who are dealing with the devastating aftermath of the winds and water in Galveston, Houston, and all along the Texas coast, to those throughout the middle portion of the country who are dealing with flooding from Ike. We …
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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. …
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A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology evaluated 137 patients who had undergone closure or removal of the left atrial appendage (LAA) during maze or mini maze surgery and found a high failure rate and that surgical LAA closure may not always protect against blood clots or strokes. Read more …
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Lately there have been questions, comments, and requests for atrial fibrillation information that already exists in the StopAfib.org news story archives. So with September being Atrial Fibrillation Month, it seems appropriate to call attention to the important afib documents and stories in our News archives. You'll generally find there stories that are more than 3 months old. Go to StopAfib.org Archived …
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At StopAfib.org, we asked Dr. Lishan Aklog, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at The Heart and Lung Institute of St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, to address an atrial fibrillation patient question regarding the use of amiodarone for mini maze surgery. You will find his answer here: FAQ: Dr. Lishan Aklog Addresses Patient Question on Whether to Use Amiodarone …
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I recently wrote Olympic Athlete Nicola Coles Fights Atrial Fibrillation about the New Zealand rower who experienced atrial fibrillation during her final training for Beijing. You may have wondered if Nicola's afib impacted her during the Olympics. You'll find the answer in the updated story: Nicola Coles and Other Olympic Athletes Fight Atrial Fibrillation Just …
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Dr. Natale has answered the atrial fibrillation questions that you posted recently over at the Journal of Atrial Fibrillation. You can also post questions there for the next guest expert to answer. Please click on the link below to learn more (the doctors will not be answering comments posted to this blog). Click here to read the …
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I talk a lot in speeches, programs, and articles about the financial toll that atrial fibrillation takes on us and our families. A new study from The Commonwealth Fund reinforces the burden of rising medical costs in the U.S. on individuals and families. Those of us that have suffered with atrial fibrillation will not find this …
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If you are considering a procedure of any kind, especially an atrial fibrillation procedure, you'll want to read this about the importance of time outs in the operating room... Speak Up for Your Safety Before Your Procedure
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