To Bridge or Not To Bridge? Is it the Wrong Question?
Results of two recent studies suggest that perioperative "bridge" anticoagulation may do more harm than good in some patients.
Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Increased in HFpEF
Data from a recent study suggest that paroxysmal AF may be underdiagnosed in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.
At Long Last, an Antidote for a NOAC!
The anticoagulant reversal agent idarucizumab was approved as the antidote to dabigatran via the FDA's accelerated approval program.
Persistent AF Improved via LAA Isolation
Results of the BELIEF study presented at ESC 2015 suggest the adjunctive ablation procedure may enhance long-term rhythm control.
ESC '15: Real World Patients, Real World Numbers from GARFIELD-AF
The first results from the largest ongoing international registry of newly diagnosed AF patients were long awaited, and worth the wait.
3D Printing Technology in Cardiac Procedure Planning
What if you could test the fit and function of a cardiac device in an exact replica of your patient's heart and head off complications before you start?
Progression of Atrial Fibrillation: 3 Questions
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a first and only dx for some patients; for others it is just the beginning. What do you know about AF progression?
GLP-1 Agonist Pop Quiz
Take a short break from the clinic and try 2 quick questions about the injectable gut hormone analogs.
3 Things You (Still) Need to Know About GLP-1 Agonists
Incretin mimetic therapy for type 2 diabetes has been on the market for more than 10 years. Find out what you've learned about the GLP-1 agonists, here.
Obesity and AF: A Dose-dependent Relationship
A recent literature analysis found a 10% to 29% excess risk for AF conferred by incremental increases in BMI. The study in 9 slides, here.
Secondary AF: Risk of Recurrence Found in Framingham
Is new-onset AF linked to an acute precipitant less likely to recur than spontaneous AF? Is it any less dangerous? A new study finds answers in Framingham data.
Gender Affects Exercise Tolerance in Atrial Fibrillation
Another Win for Uninterrupted Anticoagulation in the OR
There is a razor edge differential between pharmacologic thrombus prevention and risk for excessive bleeding during procedures for AF. More guidance from a new study.
GLP-1: Used Only as Needed
The ADA recommends GLP-1 agonists as second-line therapy against type 2 diabetes. What makes this class unique in its impact on hyperglycemia?
Just Say No to Anticoagulation for These Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Guidelines say “no” to anticoagulation for young, otherwise healthy persons with atrial fibrillation. New research finds that clinical practice looks quite different.
3 Myths About New Oral Anticoagulants Debunked for Primary Care Physicians
No monitoring necessary; don't use them before electrical cardioversion; and count them out for periprocedural use during AF ablation. Really?
To Ablate, or Not to Ablate? How Will You Answer the Question?
Ablation therapy may be an option for these two patients with heart disease. What is your recommendation? And, does the evidence support it?
Oral Anticoagulation: Would You Recognize a Candidate?
What does the patient with atrial fibrillation who would benefit from oral anticoagulation look like today? Q & A, here.
Weight Loss Improves Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiometabolic Profile
Results of the LEGACY study show long-term weight loss decreases AF burden and supports sustained sinus rhythm. A short slide show summarizes the 2015 ACC late-breaking abstract.
Atrial Fibrillation: More Than an Electrical Problem
A small study highlights a big point: manage risk factors that affect the atrial fibrillation substrate and ablation therapy success rates improve (ARREST-AF Cohort Study).
Primary Care Quiz: CHA2DS2-VASc Stroke Risk Calculator
What is your command of the components of this risk prediction tool for patients with atrial fibrillation? Find out with our 4-question quiz.
Game Change in the World of Atrial Fibrillation
The absence of an antidote may soon disappear as a reason to avoid prescribing a novel oral anticoagulant to patients with atrial fibrillation, based on promising phase III trial results.
Top 5 Things to Remember About Rhythm Control in AF
When is a rhythm control strategy appropriate? Which patients are candidates for amiodarone? When is AF ablation the answer? Here, a top-line review of rhythm control for atrial fibrillation.
Dabigatran Increases “Real-World” Bleeding
The risk for major bleeding and GI hemorrhage in patients taking dabigatran was greater than in those taking warfarin; warfarin, however, was associated with a greater risk of intracranial hemorrhage.
Amiodarone-warfarin Interaction Ups Risk in ARISTOTLE Patients
In analysis of this randomized controlled trial of apixaban vs warfarin for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, there was an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism among patients taking amiodarone and warfarin.
Trends in Atrial Fibrillation Therapy: 2002 to 2011
Overall it looks as though pharmacologic rate control is still the preferred therapy for new onset AF, but a new study identifies some interesting trends in the use of drugs for both rhythm and rate.
Atrial Fibrillation Characteristics Linked to Dementia
Atrial fibrillation and dementia have long been linked, partly because both tend to affect the elderly. But there may be a causal link as well related to management of anticoagulation.
Fish Oils Fail to Impact Endpoints in AF
The recent AFFORD trial suggests no clinical role for omega-3 fatty acids in preventing atrial fibrillation or in modulating disease markers.
iECG May Prove Cost-Effective for Screening Occult Atrial Fibrillation
A new study finds that iPhone-based technology deployed in local pharmacies can detect asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. iECG anyone?