Holiday heart syndrome, often triggered by binge drinking and salty foods during holidays, can cause atrial fibrillation, a serious heart rhythm disorder. While modern treatments and monitoring have improved outcomes, awareness and moderation are key to preventing these preventable episodes, especially for those with underlying risk factors.
Abbott's Volt™ Pulsed Field Ablation System has received FDA approval to treat atrial fibrillation, offering a minimally invasive, effective, and safer option for patients, with clinical trials demonstrating strong safety and efficacy results.
A recent study suggests that drinking coffee may reduce the recurrence of atrial fibrillation, challenging the traditional advice for heart patients to avoid caffeine, with coffee drinkers experiencing a 39% lower risk of AF episodes compared to abstainers.
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.
A recent study suggests that drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee daily may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation by 39%, challenging the common advice for heart patients to avoid caffeine, and indicating potential protective effects of coffee on heart rhythm disorders.
The CLOSURE-AF trial found that percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) was inferior to best medical therapy in preventing stroke and related outcomes in high-risk atrial fibrillation patients, with procedural risks and signals of inefficacy raising concerns about its use.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat that can be life-threatening due to its association with increased stroke risk. Common signs include heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and sometimes no symptoms at all. Risk factors include age, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, thyroid issues, and sleep apnea. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications, and individuals should consult a doctor if they experience symptoms or have risk factors.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat that can be symptomless but increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and dementia. Common signs include heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and underlying medical conditions. Regular check-ups and monitoring are crucial, especially for those over 50 or with risk factors, as early detection and treatment can significantly reduce serious health risks.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Rolling Stone
Francis Ford Coppola was hospitalized in Italy due to atrial fibrillation but is now reported to be well after a scheduled medical update with his long-time doctor, and he was in Italy to present a film and scout locations for his next project.
A study published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases suggests that climbing at least 110 steps daily can reduce the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a major stroke risk factor, by 31%. Researchers tracked nearly half a million people over 12 years and found that regular stair climbing significantly lowered the likelihood of this heart condition. The study highlights stair climbing as a simple, effective preventive measure against strokes, which are often caused by blood clots resulting from atrial fibrillation.
A trial investigating the use of the anticoagulant rivaroxaban to prevent cognitive decline in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients was halted due to lack of efficacy. The BRAIN-AF study found no significant difference in cognitive decline between patients taking rivaroxaban and those on placebo, despite a high overall rate of cognitive decline. The study, which involved low-risk AF patients, suggests that other mechanisms beyond microemboli may contribute to AF-related cognitive decline, warranting further research.
A study by NYU Langone Health researchers, presented at an American Heart Association meeting, reveals that adding just an hour of physical activity per week can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (Afib) by 11%. The study utilized data from over 6,000 Fitbit users, showing that moderate activities like walking or gardening can significantly lower the risk of this common heart arrhythmia, which affects over 10 million Americans. The research highlights the importance of regular exercise, even in small amounts, for heart health.
A study by NYU Langone Health, to be presented at the American Heart Association meeting, found that engaging in 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity weekly, such as walking, can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation by 60%. Activities like brisk walking, cleaning, and jogging contribute to heart health without the need for intense exercise. Additional benefits of walking include improved metabolism, reduced back pain, and enhanced mental health. To further lower atrial fibrillation risk, managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, is recommended.
A recent British Medical Journal report and various clinical trials reveal mixed outcomes for omega-3 fish oil supplements. While they may reduce major cardiovascular events in those with existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), they can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke in those without CVD. High doses of omega-3s are particularly linked to increased AF risk. Prescription omega-3s are FDA-approved for certain conditions, but over-the-counter supplements should be used cautiously and never as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle.
A U.K. study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that regular use of fish oil supplements may increase the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation in healthy individuals, though they could benefit those with known cardiovascular disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 415,000 people, highlights the need for more research and emphasizes the importance of obtaining omega-3s from food sources rather than supplements.