tldrdailynews.com logo
Tag

Atrial Fibrillation

All articles tagged with #atrial fibrillation

Rectal exam unexpectedly slows AFib heartbeat in case report
health20 days ago

Rectal exam unexpectedly slows AFib heartbeat in case report

A 29-year-old man with atrial fibrillation experienced a racing heartbeat at hospital admission. A routine digital rectal exam, combined with a Valsalva maneuver, is thought to have stimulated the vagus nerve and slowed his heart rate to about 80 bpm, with the irregular rhythm resolving and not returning months later. Standard AFib treatments typically involve medications or electrical cardioversion; this rectal-exam approach is not established therapy and requires more research. The patient was also prescribed an anticoagulant to prevent clots.

via Yahoo|
#arrhythmia#atrial-fibrillation#health
Rectal exam unexpectedly halts AFib in a 29-year-old man
health27 days ago

Rectal exam unexpectedly halts AFib in a 29-year-old man

A 29-year-old man in Queens developed sudden atrial fibrillation with a heart rate around 140 bpm. After admission, doctors planned cardioversion but first performed a digital rectal exam to check for GI bleeding before anticoagulation. During the exam, his heart rate slowed to 80 bpm and the AFib rhythm resolved to normal sinus rhythm; Palpitations subsided and he was discharged, with no recurrence at a 3‑month follow-up. The report suggests the rectal exam may have stimulated the vagus nerve via the Valsalva maneuver, increasing parasympathetic activity and slowing heart conduction, potentially counteracting the arrhythmia. Researchers caution it should not replace standard AFib treatments and call for more study to validate this approach.

via Live Science|
#atrial-fibrillation#autonomic-nervous-system#cardioversion
LAA Closure Shows Noninferiority to NOACs in AFib, with Less Bleeding (CHAMPION-AF)
health1 month ago

LAA Closure Shows Noninferiority to NOACs in AFib, with Less Bleeding (CHAMPION-AF)

In CHAMPION-AF, patients with nonvalvular AFib eligible for long-term anticoagulation were randomized to left atrial appendage closure with the WATCHMAN FLX device versus NOAC therapy. Over three years, LAA closure met noninferiority for the composite endpoint of ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, cardiovascular death, and systemic embolism (5.7% vs 4.8%), with a slight uptick in ischemic strokes but substantially less non-procedural bleeding (10.9% vs 19%); secondary analyses showed fewer major/nonmajor bleeding events with closure. The trial supports LAA closure as a reasonable alternative to NOACs in selected patients, though longer-term data are needed and shared decision-making remains important; editors caution that results do not yet support replacing NOACs broadly.

via American College of Cardiology|
#atrial-fibrillation#champion-af#health
Watchman FLX Noninferior to DOACs in AF, but With Important Caveats
health1 month ago

Watchman FLX Noninferior to DOACs in AF, but With Important Caveats

CHAMPION-AF showed that left atrial appendage occlusion with the Watchman FLX was noninferior to direct oral anticoagulants for a three-year composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, and systemic embolism in AF patients eligible for anticoagulation, and it reduced clinically relevant nonprocedural bleeding. However, the trial had low event rates, a signal of more ischemic strokes in the device arm, and questions about periprocedural bleeding and applicability, which means LAAO should be considered as an option in shared decision-making rather than a universal substitute for NOACs. Longer-term data from ongoing trials will help clarify its role in high-risk AF.

via tctmd.com|
#atrial-fibrillation#champion-af#doacs
Marathons and the Heart: Doctors Outline Benefits, Risks, and Safe Training
health2 months ago

Marathons and the Heart: Doctors Outline Benefits, Risks, and Safe Training

Running is generally heart‑healthy and linked to longevity, but high‑volume endurance can transiently elevate cardiac biomarkers and, rarely, trigger emergencies—especially in people with undiagnosed heart conditions. Safety hinges on medical screening, symptom awareness, and individualized plans: watch for chest pain or fainting, consider baseline tests and anemia checks for women. A balanced training approach (roughly four cardio days and two strength days) with proper recovery and Mediterranean-style nutrition supports heart health. While atrial fibrillation and other rare issues can occur, the overall message is that marathons are not inherently dangerous when risk is understood and training is smart.

via Women's Health|
#atrial-fibrillation#cardiology#endurance-training
Magnetic Gel Seals Heart Pouch to Cut Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation
science2 months ago

Magnetic Gel Seals Heart Pouch to Cut Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation

Researchers are testing a magnetically guided magnetogel injected into the left atrial appendage to seal it from within, potentially lowering stroke risk for atrial fibrillation patients. Animal studies in rats and pigs showed the gel forms a complete, smooth seal with the heart lining and avoids tissue damage seen with rigid implants, but the approach remains experimental with long safety, delivery, and MRI-compatibility concerns before human use.

via ScienceAlert|
#atrial-fibrillation#catheter#left-atrial-appendage
health4 months ago

Omega-3 Supplements Linked to Higher Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk in Healthy Adults

A BMJ study of about 400,000 UK Biobank participants found healthy adults taking fish-oil omega-3 supplements had higher risks of atrial fibrillation (roughly 13%) and stroke (about 5%), though causation isn’t proven and results vary for those with existing heart conditions; experts note missing data on supplement type and dosage and urge cautious interpretation, while NHS guidelines still encourage consuming two portions of fish weekly.

via LADbible|
#atrial-fibrillation#health#heart-health
Hidden heart risk finally catches up with a lifelong cyclist
fitness4 months ago

Hidden heart risk finally catches up with a lifelong cyclist

Phil Cavell, a veteran cyclist and author, recounts how years of endurance riding masked Mobitz type-II heart block, a dangerous heart‑conduction issue, leading to a hospital stay and the implantation of a pacemaker. He notes that atrial fibrillation is more common in masters endurance athletes and stresses the importance of heart screening (QRISK), moderating extreme training and alcohol, and listening to warning signs. The piece underscores that, with timely diagnosis and care, midlife athletes can return to cycling with greater awareness and safety.

via Cycling Weekly|
#atrial-fibrillation#cycling#fitness
New Study Finds Coffee May Protect Against Irregular Heartbeats
health6 months ago

New Study Finds Coffee May Protect Against Irregular Heartbeats

A US study suggests that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of irregular heartbeats, specifically atrial fibrillation, challenging the common advice to avoid caffeine for those with the condition. The Decaf trial found coffee drinkers had a lower recurrence of irregular heartbeats and longer intervals before episodes, though limitations exist. The findings could influence future dietary recommendations for individuals with atrial fibrillation.

via The Guardian|
#atrial-fibrillation#cardiology#coffee