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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Early rhythm control therapy beneficial for AFib patients with suspected heart failure

According to the study's authors, their findings suggest that "all patients with signs or symptoms of heart failure should be considered for rhythm control therapy within a year of being diagnosed with AFib."

Cardiac monitors maintained by specialists more accurate than AI-powered alternatives

The new analysis, presented at Heart Rhythm 2021, focused on patients from an outpatient arrhythmia clinic.

DOACs reduce stroke risk better than aspirin among high-risk ablation patients

Researchers presented the new data at Heart Rhythm 2021.

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Antibacterial envelope lowers risk of infection among CIED patients who develop hematomas

Additional findings from this analysis are scheduled to be presented at Heart Rhythm 2021.

Confirmed: Watchman FLX LAAC device safe for nonvalvular AFib patients

New two-year findings, presented at TVT 2021, suggest that the Watchman FLX device is a safe alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation therapy.

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Increased physical activity after ICD implantation lowers the risk of death, hospitalization

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs remains low, the authors wrote, but this study showed that it can make a significant impact on patient outcomes. 

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Lifestyle behaviors in young adults tied to AFib risk

Risk factors such as a high waist circumference, hypertension, cigarette smoking and poor sleep quality put young adults at a greater risk of developing AFib.

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Catheter ablation a cost-effective option for HF patients with AFib

Researchers shared their full analysis in the Journal of the American Heart Association.