Atrial Fibrillation Blog

Sleep Apnea Multiplies Risk of Arrhythmias Like Atrial Fibrillation — Odds Are 18 Times Higher

Mellanie — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:59:59 +0000

Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep, is believed to be linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) but until now, we didn’t know if apnea could actually trigger arrhythmias like afib. Now a new study shows the odds of having an abnormal heartbeat are 18 times higher immediately after an apnea episode, compared to the risk during normal sleep breathing.

Read: Sleep Apnea Multiplies Risk of Arrhythmias Like Atrial Fibrillation

Houston Afib Education Dinner presented by Clear Lake Medical Center

Mellanie — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:54:38 +0000

The Clear Lake Medical Center would like to invite the public to a free Afib education dinner in the Houston, TX area on November 12, 2009.

Click here for more details.

October 29, 2009 is World Stroke Day: What Atrial Fibrillation Patients Should Know About Stroke Risk

Mellanie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:54:59 +0000

Learn more about World Stroke Day and what atrial fibrillation patients need to know about their stroke risk.

Having Atrial Fibrillation Procedure Within Two Years Slashes Risk of Afib Recurrence

Mellanie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:54:44 +0000

Research shows the sooner an atrial fibrillation surgical procedure is done, the less likely afib is to recur. People in permanent atrial fibrillation who underwent surgery for other heart diseases and had a left atrial ablation procedure for AF at the same time were more likely to be afib-free if the procedure was done within two years and their left atrium size was normal.

Study participants had atrial fibrillation procedures concomitant (at the same time) with open-heart mitral valve, aortic valve, or coronary artery bypass surgery. The procedures were done using either microwave or radiofrequency energy.

The study found that afib recurrence was not influenced by age, gender, primary heart disease, history of blood clots, technology, or use of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Atrial Fibrillation Trigger Found That Could Lead to Effective Afib Treatments

Mellanie — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:10:08 +0000

A newly published study reports on a type of cell found in the upper chamber (atrium) of the heart and in the pulmonary veins that triggers atrial fibrillation. Like the skin cells that make pigment, the afib-trigger cells produce an enzyme called DCT. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to new research and effective atrial fibrillation treatments.

You’re Invited to an Indianapolis Atrial Fibrillation Patient Education Event — 11/7/09

Mellanie — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:43:20 +0000

Are you in the Indianapolis area? Then come join Mellanie True Hills, CEO of StopAfib.org, and St. Francis physicians Dr. Marc Gerdisch and Dr. John “Trey” Moore III for an atrial fibrillation patient event on November 7.

Learn about the symptoms, approach to diagnosis and new innovative treatment options for atrial fibrillation.

Learn more at: Indianapolis Atrial Fibrillation Education Luncheon

You’re Invited to an Allentown, Pennsylvania Atrial Fibrillation Patient Education Event — 10/21/09

Mellanie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:14:40 +0000

Are you in the Allentown, PA area? Then come join Mellanie True Hills, CEO of StopAfib.org, and heart rhythm specialists for an atrial fibrillation patient event on October 21 presented by the Lehigh Valley Health Network. The event will be presented live at the Cedar Crest hospital, and will be simulcast at the Muhlenberg hospital.

Learn more at: Allentown, PA Atrial Fibrillation Patient Education Event

Afib Patients Tell Doctors and Hospitals What to Consider in Planning Atrial Fibrillation Patient Events

Mellanie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:01:37 +0000

When we at StopAfib.org prepare for afib patient events, we try to share what we have learned from patients attending previous events to make each event go as smoothly as possible. We’ve summarized what we have heard and would like your input.

Please check out our list of things for hospital marketing folks and doctors to consider in planning atrial fibrillation patient events-it’s posted in the Events section at StopAfib.org so we can keep it updated with the latest findings.

Once you’ve read it, please come back here to post your comments below. Do you agree or disagree? What did we leave out that doctors and hospitals should consider in planning an afib patient event? Thanks for your help.

Open Letter to Doctors and Hospitals Planning Atrial Fibrillation Patient Event

Video to Help Safely Manage Blood Thinners Coumadin and Warfarin

Mellanie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:38:02 +0000

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has introduced a video to help those on anticoagulant drugs, such as Coumadin or warfarin, to use them safely. The video is designed to complement what patients learn from their doctors, pharmacies, or Coumadin clinics.

Anticoagulants reduce the risk of stroke in those with atrial fibrillation by avoiding the formation of blood clots, but they can also be difficult to use and are a major source of hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The video, Staying Active and Healthy with Blood Thinners, aims to make them easier to manage by introducing four steps for patients to follow. The video, which is available in both English and Spanish, is also accompanied by a booklet.

Find out more: Video Helps Those with Atrial Fibrillation to Safely Manage Anticoagulant Medications Coumadin and Warfarin

Diabetes is an Independent Risk Factor that Increases by 26% a Woman’s Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

Mellanie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:10:25 +0000

In a newly-published study, diabetes was found to be an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation in women, increasing their risk of afib by 26%. The connection was not as strong for men, who were more at risk of obesity and high blood pressure from diabetes.