StopAfib.org Blog

StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Dr. Steven Hao Discusses THERMOCOOL® Catheter Trial for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation – Video

In this video interview, Dr. Steven Hao talks about the atrial fibrillation ablation trial, using the THERMOCOOL® catheter, which was presented at the Heart Rhythm Society 2009 annual meeting. He also discussed upcoming catheter ablation studies for afib and improvements in technology to customize atrial fibrillation treatment to a patient's individual anatomy. Video Interview with …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Is a Top Federal Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) Priority

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the US federal government has allocated $1.1 billion for research into the comparative effectiveness of different medical treatments. New reports just out prioritize atrial fibrillation treatment on this comparative effectiveness research agenda. Comparative effectiveness research has the potential to improve atrial fibrillation patient treatment and save …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Prolonged PR Interval on EKG Warns of Atrial Fibrillation Risk, Pacemaker, or Death

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds a potential warning sign for three heart rhythm issues—the risk of atrial fibrillation, the need for a pacemaker, and the risk of death. When EKGs show a prolonged PR interval, that is traditionally considered relatively benign, but that may not be the …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Sleep Apnea Increases Atrial Fibrillation Risk

A new study just published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that increasing severity of sleep apnea is associated with a progressively increasing risk of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias. The type of sleep apnea matters: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of ventricular events Central sleep apnea is common in heart …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation Research Study Seeks Those Who Have Taken Antiarrhythmic Drugs and are Near San Francisco, Cincinnati, or New Jersey

UPDATED 6-30-09: Study is now complete.  An afib research study is looking for afib patients who are near San Francisco, Cincinnati, or New Jersey/New York and who have taken certain anti-arrhythmic medications (Flecainide, Rythmol, Propafenone, and similar). They are offering an honorarium for your time. Find out if you qualify at: Atrial Fibrillation Research Study …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

AF Stat Patient Profiles: NBA Hall-of-Famer Jerry West and Mellanie True Hills

We recently mentioned that StopAfib.org is a proud member of AF StatTM: A Call to Action for Atrial Fibrillation. It's exciting to have 24 organizations, along with Dr. Eric Prystowsky, Senator Bill Frist, MD, and NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West, working together to raise afib awareness. To learn more: About AF Stat and see …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Get the Latest Atrial Fibrillation Information at the New and Improved StopAfib.org

StopAfib.org now has more atrial fibrillation information, updated references, and some sections have even been expanded. There are updates throughout, but especially check out the following areas: What is Afib - Updated throughout, especially What Causes Afib Can Afib be Cured - Updated and expanded catheter ablation and maze procedure sections and an updated mini maze procedure section …

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

Follow Atrial Fibrillation Tweets

Do you follow tweets on Twitter? If you're an afibber and information-junkie like me, you may like this list of folks that I follow who tweet on atrial fibrillation or afib-related topics or breaking health and medical news. See: Twitter: Atrial Fibrillation Tweets

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StopAfib.org - For Patients. By Patients - Stop Atrial Fibrillation

How Long Should You Be Monitored to Determine Success of an Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Eric Oddleifson, a member of the afib patient community, reported from a session at the Heart Rhythm 2009 AF Summit where Dr. James Edgerton presented findings and recommendations on post-procedure monitoring. After ablation, some doctors rely on patient self-reporting, which can be inaccurate 50% of the time due to silent afib. Through various analyses, Dr. …

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