Heart Rhythm

Hearts should have normal rhythm to their beats, but when these beats are out of synch, it causes inefficient pumping of blood. Irregular heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's beats do not work properly. This can cause beats that are too fast (tachycardia), or too slow (bradycardia). Tachycardias include atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Bradycardias include sick sinus syndrome and conduction block. Electrophysiology arrhythmia treatments include medications, life style changes, and the EP lab interventions of catheter ablation, and implantable pacemakers or defibrillators.

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Heart Rhythm 2025 Heart Rhythm Society President Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD

Heart Rhythm 2026 to feature late-breaking EP data, hands-on training and more

Heart Rhythm 2026 in Chicago will include a total of 18 late-breaking clinical trials—and that is just the beginning. The four-day event kicks off April 23.

pediatric patient young patient child chlidren kid

FDA approves fast-acting heart drug for children

Landiolol, sold under the brand name Rapiblyk, is only meant to be administered in a hospital setting. It was initially approved for adult patients in 2024.

One of the big late-breaking trials presented at the 2026 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions was the CHAMPION-AF, which showed left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) can offer a safe, non-drug alternative to anticoagulation therapy, even in patients with atrial fibrillation who are not at high risk for bleeding. First author of the study Shephal Doshi, MD, FACC, an electrophysiologist at Cedars Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, discussed the details of the trial. #LAAO #ACC #ACC26

New data point to LAAO as a safe alternative to long-term drug therapy

At the end of the day, one electrophysiologist explained, these decisions should still be made on a case-by-case basis.

heart drugs with stethoscope

Long-term antidepressant use may increase risk of sudden cardiac death

The risk appears to be greatest when patients are still actively taking antidepressants. Researchers noted that many more studies on this topic are still necessary.

Heart cardiologists doctors surgery

PFA associated with heightened stroke risk

PFA is still quite safe overall. However, new data out of EHRA 2026 suggest cardiologists have much to learn about minimizing risk during treatment. 

Post-TAVR bleeding in AFib patients much less common with apixaban than rivaroxaban

When it came to all-cause mortality and ischemic stroke, however, the two popular DOACs were associated with comparable outcomes. 

Johnson & Johnson announced the launch of its new Varipulse Pro pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in Europe following CE mark approval. It is five times faster at ablation delivery at a cooler temperature than the previous version.

Johnson & Johnson launches faster PFA system in Europe

The new version of the PFA system is five times faster than the current catheter to improve workflow.

Xiaodong Zhang, MD, PhD,

Cardiologist makes history with first commercial implant of new pacing lead for LBBAP

The first FDA-approved pacing lead specifically developed for LBBAP is now being implanted throughout the United States. 

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