Atrial Fibrillation

A large population-based study found more patients already had atrial fibrillation at gout diagnosis compared with controls.

Concern that equipment error may have led to higher doses of warfarin than necessary call the huge trial's findings into question.

Results of two recent studies suggest that perioperative "bridge" anticoagulation may do more harm than good in some patients.

Study results presented at the 2015 AHA meeting reinforce, once again, the critical role of persistent patient education on treatment adherence.

Data from a recent study suggest that paroxysmal AF may be underdiagnosed in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

The anticoagulant reversal agent idarucizumab was approved as the antidote to dabigatran via the FDA's accelerated approval program.

Younger patients with AF of longer duration were found at higher risk for dementia, a recent study found.

Guidelines recommend AF catheter ablation to help avoid use of oral anticoagulation. True or False? Answer this and 2 other queries on ablation.

Results of the BELIEF study presented at ESC 2015 suggest the adjunctive ablation procedure may enhance long-term rhythm control.

The first results from the largest ongoing international registry of newly diagnosed AF patients were long awaited, and worth the wait.

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?

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?

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.

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.

Two lesions have been slowly expanding on an older man’s chest for 2 years. What is the problem? This and questions on 3 other topics in this quiz.

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.

Guidelines say “no” to anticoagulation for young, otherwise healthy persons with atrial fibrillation. New research finds that clinical practice looks quite different.

No monitoring necessary; don't use them before electrical cardioversion; and count them out for periprocedural use during AF ablation. Really?

Ablation therapy may be an option for these two patients with heart disease. What is your recommendation? And, does the evidence support it?

What does the patient with atrial fibrillation who would benefit from oral anticoagulation look like today? Q & A, here.

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.

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).

What is your command of the components of this risk prediction tool for patients with atrial fibrillation? Find out with our 4-question quiz.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New drugs that treat stubborn illness seen often in primary care lead this group of Top 5 Papers for 2014. Type 2 diabetes, cryptogenic stroke, and hep-C are key targets.