The Managing AF Risk Factors Panel at the 2015 Get in Rhythm, Stay in Rhythm National Atrial Fibrillation Patient Conference included David J. Wilber, MD, FHRS speaking about the impact of Obesity, Diabetes, and Hypertension on Atrial Fibrillation; Susan Redline, MD, MPH speaking about Sleep Apnea as a Hidden Trigger for AF; and Mark S. …
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UPDATE: As of 6-10-14, triathletes with afib are still needed. Please contact Dr. Opondo (contact info below) if you can help. ------- The Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine (IEEM), in conjunction with UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, is seeking healthy individuals to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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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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 …
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