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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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The "Out of Sync: The State of Afib in America" survey compared the perspectives of patients who have been diagnosed with afib, and the physicians and nurses who treat afib patients. The results revealed a clear disconnect between medical professionals and patients about their understanding of afib risks. According to the survey: Less than half …
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As Baby Boomers approach their Medicare years, a diverse group of healthcare leaders has joined together to launch AF Stat™: A Call to Action for Atrial Fibrillation (AF Stat), and to announce the formation of the AF Stat Working Group. This first-of-its-kind, national initiative aims to elevate understanding, diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation (afib) …
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