Here is an update on the DECAAF study that Dr. Nassir Marrouche presented at the European Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam today. According to Dr. Marrouche, the amount of fibrosis (scar tissue created in the heart by atrial fibrillation), as measured on pre-ablation MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), predicts the success of catheter ablations for atrial …
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As reported at the European Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam, among patients with 0-2 stroke risk factors, those with atrial fibrillation had a three-fold risk of stroke over those who didn’t have afib. But that difference declined as the number of risk factors increased. The risk of stroke was high in those with 3 or …
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We’re finally getting a glimpse into what to expect from edoxaban, the 4th new anticoagulant medication. At the European Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam, it was reported that edoxaban was safer--in other words, had less bleeding--than warfarin for those with deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) or pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the …
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This confirms what we already knew... As reported today at the European Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam: "Women with AF receive less anticoagulation treatment than men despite the fact that they are at greater risk of stroke. The new CHA2DS2-VASc score should be used more stringently, especially in women, to optimise their treatment. Treatment of …
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People with atrial fibrillation may develop age-related cognitive decline (thinking and memory problems) at a younger age than those without afib, a new study says. We already knew that cognitive decline becomes more common as people get older, and that afib may have contributed to this cognitive decline. But we didn't know for sure until …
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In the late breaking clinical trials session at Heart Rhythm 2013, Dr. Nassir Marrouche presented results of the multicenter DECAAF trial. Dr. Marrouche talked with us on video about the results presented at HRS, including the role of hypertension (high blood pressure) in the development of atrial fibrosis and the evaluation by MRI of atrial …
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In the late breaking clinical trials session at Heart Rhythm 2013, Dr. Sanjiv Narayan presented early results of the multicenter PRECISE-PAF trial of FIRM ablation without pulmonary vein isolation. We caught up with Dr. Narayan and he talked with us on video about these findings along with other FIRM results presented at HRS. To watch …
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New research found that a Southern diet is associated with increased stroke risk. Stroke frequency was directly proportional to the quantity of Southern foods consumed by participants in the ongoing REGARDS study, accounting for a 30% increased risk of stroke. The relationship between Southern foods and stroke risk was consistent no matter where in the …
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StopAfib.org is pleased to unveil the Top Ten Atrial Fibrillation Videos of 2012. This year the FIRM ablation interviews with Dr. Narayan topped the list. Other popular topics included stroke prevention, new afib guidelines, sleep apnea, and medications. Stories about efficacy of catheter ablation and surgical procedures, comparisons of rate and rhythm control, and other …
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Patients with atrial fibrillation are at higher risk of suffering stroke and other complications related to the development of blood clots in their heart. Until 2010, the only oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) to prevent strokes in Afib was warfarin (Coumadin®). Now there are two new oral anticoagulants available in the United States--dabigatran (Pradaxa®) and rivaroxaban …
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