Atrial Fibrillation News and Research

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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. A disorder in the heart’s electrical system causes AF and other types of arrhythmia. AF occurs when rapid, disorganized electrical signals in the heart’s two upper chambers, called the atria, cause them to contract very fast and irregularly (this is called fibrillation). As a result, blood pools in the atria and isn’t pumped completely into the heart’s two lower chambers, called the ventricles. When this happens, the heart’s upper and lower chambers don’t work together as they should. Often, people who have AF may not even feel symptoms. However, even when not noticed, AF can lead to an increased risk of stroke. In many patients, particularly when the rhythm is extremely rapid, AF can cause chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure. AF may occur rarely or every now and then, or it may become a persistent or permanent heart rhythm lasting for years.

FDA approves AliveCor algorithm for detecting AFib through ECG recordings on mobile phone

AliveCor, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the company clearance for its algorithm to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia.

From AliveCor, Inc. 21 Aug 2014

Delay in correcting abnormal cardiac rhythm linked with greater risk of thromboembolic complications

A delay of 12 hours or longer to correct an abnormal cardiac rhythm from atrial fibrillation was associated with a greater risk of thromboembolic complications such as stroke, according to a study in the August 13 issue of JAMA.

13 Aug 2014

Experiencing atrial fibrillation while hospitalized linked with increased long-term risk of stroke

In a study that included 1.7 million patients undergoing inpatient surgery, experiencing atrial fibrillation while hospitalized was associated with an increased long-term risk of ischemic stroke, especially following noncardiac surgery, according to a study in the August 13 issue of JAMA.

13 Aug 2014

Cardiome Pharma reports record revenues in second quarter 2014

Cardiome Pharma Corp. today reported financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014.

11 Aug 2014

New supplement covers current knowledge and methods for management of AAICH

The Journal of Neurosurgery is pleased to announce today's publication of a supplement to the August issue entitled "Race Against the Clock: Overcoming Challenges in the Management of Anticoagulant-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

1 Aug 2014

Study reveals impact of new onset postoperative AFib on patient mortality rates

New onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (AFib, or abnormal heartbeat) occurs in one-out-of-five heart surgery patients and is associated with an increased risk of additional complications, including double the risk of death, according to a study in the August 2014 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

31 Jul 2014

Catheter ablation improves quality of life for adults with atrial fibrillation

Adults who undergo a minimally invasive technique to treat atrial fibrillation are significantly less likely to die from a heart attack or heart failure, according to a long-term study by the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center.

30 Jul 2014

Four major health institutions jointly receive $7 million for health data research network

Four major health institutions, including Penn State College of Medicine, have jointly received nearly $7 million to develop and expand a health data research network.

30 Jul 2014

Monitoring pulse regularly after stroke helps prevent next stroke

New research suggests that regularly monitoring your pulse after a stroke or the pulse of a loved one who has experienced a stroke may be a simple and effective first step in detecting irregular heartbeat, a major cause of having a second stroke.

24 Jul 2014

Rates of stroke incidence, subsequent death decrease among black and white U.S. adults

In a study that included a large sample of black and white U.S. adults from several communities, rates of stroke incidence and subsequent death decreased from 1987 to 2011, with decreases varying across age-groups, according to a study in the July 16 issue of JAMA.

16 Jul 2014

New evidence for painless AF treatment to be presented at FCVB 2014

The first evidence for a shockless treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) will be presented today at Frontiers in CardioVascular Biology (FCVB) 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. T

4 Jul 2014

Use of catheter ablation lowers risk for atrial fibrillation

Use of catheter ablation is not only beneficial for treating atrial flutter but also can significantly reduce hospital visits - both inpatient and emergency - and lower the risk for atrial fibrillation, according to research by UC San Francisco.

1 Jul 2014

FDA accepts Pharmacyclics' IMBRUVICA sNDA for review

Pharmacyclics, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted for filing its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to support the review of IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who have received at least one prior therapy for a full approval.

9 Jun 2014

European Commission approves Boehringer Ingelheim's Pradaxa for prevention of DVT and PE

Boehringer Ingelheim today announces that Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) has been approved by the European Commission for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

6 Jun 2014

FCVB 2014 to feature cutting edge research in basic cardiovascular science

Cutting edge research in basic cardiovascular science will be presented at Frontiers in CardioVascular Biology (FCVB) 2014, held 4-6 July at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.

5 Jun 2014

ARIAD reports data from Iclusig Phase 2 trial in adult patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced, for the first time, data from its Phase 2 trial of Iclusig (ponatinib) in adult patients with refractory metastatic and/or unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

2 Jun 2014

iRhythm Technologies closes $17 million Series E financing

iRhythm Technologies, Inc., a healthcare information services company, today announced that it closed a $17 million Series E financing led by Novo A/S, a global life science investment firm.

22 May 2014

Study shows rise in hospital admissions for CVD during Greek financial crisis

Hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases increased during the Greek financial crisis, according to two studies from Athens. The research was presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2014, held 17-20 May in Athens, Greece.

19 May 2014

AFib patients who are on blood thinning medications are at higher risk of developing dementia

A new study by researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Salt Lake City has found that atrial fibrillation patients who are on blood thinning medications are at higher risk of developing dementia if their doses are not in the optimal recommended range.

12 May 2014

New research finds positive correlation between bariatric surgery and reduced risk of atrial fibrillation

New research has found that bariatric surgery is an effective way to control weight in morbidly obese patients who are at risk for developing atrial fibrillation (AF).

9 May 2014