Atrial Fibrillation https://greenmedinfo.com/taxonomy/term/887/all en 80 percent of patients who undergo cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter after AF ablation have recurrence. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/80-percent-patients-who-undergo-cardioversion-persistent-atrial-fibrillation-o PMID:  J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2010 Jan;21(1):27-32. Epub 2009 Sep 28. PMID: 19793148 Abstract Title:  Outcomes in patients requiring cardioversion following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Abstract:  INTRODUCTION: Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias is commonly noted after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The long-term outcomes of patients who require cardioversion for persistent AF after AF ablation is not known. This study reports the outcomes of patients who underwent cardioversion for persistent AF or atrial flutter following an AF ablation procedure.METHODS: The patient population comprised 55 patients (mean age 58 +/- 10 years, 35% paroxysmal) who underwent catheter ablation of AF and subsequently required electrical cardioversion for persistent AF (45 patients) or atrial flutter (10 patients). Cardioversion was defined as early (within 90 days of the ablation procedure) or late (between 90 and 180 days following ablation).RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 15 +/- 8 months. Forty-six of the 55 patients (84%) patients experienced recurrence during follow-up. The average time to recurrence after cardioversion was 37 days. Of the 55 patients, 8 (15%) patients had a complete success, 11 (20%) patients had a partial success and 36 patients (65%) had a failed outcome. Seven of the 43 patients (16%) who underwent early cardioversion had a complete success as opposed to one of 12 patients (8%) who underwent late cardioversion (P = 0.49).CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that&gt;80% of patients who undergo cardioversion for persistent AF or atrial flutter after AF ablation have recurrence. The timing of cardioversion did not affect the outcome. These findings allow clinicians to provide realistic expectations to patients regarding the long-term outcome and/or requirement for a second ablation procedure. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/80-percent-patients-who-undergo-cardioversion-persistent-atrial-fibrillation-o#comments Atrial Fibrillation Atrial Fibrillation: Ablation Atrial Fibrillation: Cardioconversion Atrial Flutter Atrial Fibrillation: Ablation Cardioconversion: Atrial Fibrillation Human Study Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:42:43 +0000 greenmedinfo 60066 at https://greenmedinfo.com A case of atrial fibrillation connected with anabolic steroid use has been reported. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/case-atrial-fibrillation-connected-anabolic-steroid-use-has-been-reported PMID:  J Emerg Med. 1999 Sep-Oct;17(5):851-7. PMID: 10499702 Abstract Title:  Atrial fibrillation and anabolic steroids. Abstract:  A young male bodybuilder, consuming large doses of anabolic steroids (AS), presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with symptomatic rapid atrial fibrillation (AF). Echocardiogram revealed significant septal hypokinesis, and posterior and septal wall thickness at the upper limit of normal for highly trained athletes. The atrial fibrillation had not recurred at 10 weeks after discontinuation of AS use. Consumption of these agents in athletes has been associated with hypertension, ischemic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and sudden death. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/case-atrial-fibrillation-connected-anabolic-steroid-use-has-been-reported#comments Atrial Fibrillation Cardiotoxic Testoterone: Exogenous Human: Case Report Wed, 18 May 2011 15:43:48 +0000 greenmedinfo 63932 at https://greenmedinfo.com A low plasma vitamin D concentration was strongly associated with atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic heart failure. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/low-plasma-vitamin-d-concentration-was-strongly-associated-atrial-fibrillation PMID:  Adv Clin Exp Med. 2016 Jul-Aug;25(1):51-7. PMID: 26935498 Abstract Title:  Low-Level Vitamin D Is Associated with Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently accompanies heart failure (HF), and causes exacerbation of symptoms and treatment failure in such patients. Vitamin D was recently suggested to be an important mediator of cardiovascular disease, including HF.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and AF in patients with chronic HF.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 180 chronic HF patients that were divided into 2 groups based on having sinus rhythm [AF (-) group] or chronic AF [AF (+) group]. Vitamin D status was assessed via measurement of the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration.RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 66 ± 8.7 years and 53.9% were male. There weren&#039;t any significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, etiology or chronic HF stage between the 2 groups. The vitamin D level in the AF (+) group was significantly lower than in the AF (-) group (11.05 ng/mL vs. 20 ng/mL, p  https://greenmedinfo.com/article/low-plasma-vitamin-d-concentration-was-strongly-associated-atrial-fibrillation#comments Atrial Fibrillation Heart Failure Vitamin D Vitamin D Deficiency Human Study Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:51:57 +0000 greenmedinfo 124533 at https://greenmedinfo.com A number of natural substances have therapeutic value in the partial prevention of cardiac remodeling and atrial fibrillation. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/number-natural-substances-have-therapeutic-value-partial-prevention-cardiac-re PMID:  Med Hypotheses. 2010 Jan 16. Epub 2010 Jan 16. PMID: 20083360 Abstract Title:  Practical prevention of cardiac remodeling and atrial fibrillation with full-spectrum antioxidant therapy and ancillary strategies. Abstract:  A wealth of research data points to increased oxidative stress as a key driver of the cardiac remodeling triggered by chronic pressure overload, loss of functional myocardial tissue, or atrial fibrillation. Oxidative stress is a mediator of the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, the cardiac fibrosis, and the deficits in cardiac function which typify this syndrome, and may play a role in initiating and sustaining atrial fibrillation. Nox2- and Nox4-dependent NADPH oxidase activity appears to be a major source of this oxidative stress, and oxidants can induce conformational changes in xanthine dehydrogenase, nitric oxide synthase, and the mitochondrial respiratory chain which increase their capacity to generate superoxide as well. Consistent with these insights, various synthetic antioxidants have been shown to suppress cardiac remodeling in rodents subjected to myocardial infarction, aortic constriction, or rapid atrial pacing. It may prove feasible to achieve comparable benefits in humans through use of a &quot;full-spectrum antioxidant therapy&quot; (FSAT) that features a complementary array of natural antioxidants. Spirulina is a rich source of phycocyanobilin, a derivative and homolog of biliverdin that appears to mimic the potent inhibitory impact of biliverdin and free bilirubin on NADPH oxidase activity. Mega-doses of folate can markedly increase intracellular levels of tetrahydrofolates which have potent and versatile radical-scavenging activities - including efficient quenching of peroxynitrite-derived radicals Supplemental coenzyme Q10, already shown to improve heart function in clinical congestive failure, can provide important antioxidant protection to mitochondria. Phase 2 inducer nutraceuticals such as lipoic acid, administered in conjunction with N-acetylcysteine, have the potential to blunt the impact of oxidative stress by boosting myocardial levels of glutathione. While taurine can function as an antioxidant for myeloperoxidase-derived radicals, its positive inotropic effect on the failing heart seems more likely to reflect an effect on intracellular calcium dynamics. These measures could aid control of cardiac modeling less directly by lowering elevated blood pressure, or by aiding the perfusion of ischemic cardiac regions through an improvement in coronary endothelial function. Since nitric oxide functions physiologically to oppose cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis, and is also a key regulator of blood pressure and endothelial function, cocoa flavanols - which provoke endothelial release of nitric oxide - might usefully complement the antioxidant measures recommended here. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/number-natural-substances-have-therapeutic-value-partial-prevention-cardiac-re#comments Alpha-Lipoic Acid Antioxidant formulas Atrial Fibrillation Cardiac Arrhythmias Cardiac Hypertrophy Cocoa Coenzyme Q10 NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) Spirulina Commentary Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:48:28 +0000 greenmedinfo 49833 at https://greenmedinfo.com Acacetin, a natural flavone from the traditional Chinese medicine Xuelianhua (Saussurea), prevents atrial fibrillation in dogs. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acacetin-natural-flavone-traditional-chinese-medicine-xuelianhua-saussurea-pre PMID:  Circulation. 2008 May 13;117(19):2449-57. Epub 2008 May 5. PMID: 18458165 Abstract Title:  Acacetin, a natural flavone, selectively inhibits human atrial repolarization potassium currents and prevents atrial fibrillation in dogs. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: The development of atrium-selective antiarrhythmic agents is a current strategy for inhibiting atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study investigated whether the natural flavone acacetin from the traditional Chinese medicine Xuelianhua would be an atrium-selective anti-AF agent. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effects of acacetin on human atrial ultrarapid delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(Kur)) and other cardiac ionic currents were studied with a whole-cell patch technique. Acacetin suppressed I(Kur) and the transient outward K(+) current (IC(50) 3.2 and 9.2 mumol/L, respectively) and prolonged action potential duration in human atrial myocytes. The compound blocked the acetylcholine-activated K(+) current; however, it had no effect on the Na(+) current, L-type Ca(2+) current, or inward-rectifier K(+) current in guinea pig cardiac myocytes. Although acacetin caused a weak reduction in the hERG and hKCNQ1/hKCNE1 channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells, it did not prolong the corrected QT interval in rabbit hearts. In anesthetized dogs, acacetin (5 mg/kg) prolonged the atrial effective refractory period in both the right and left atria 1 to 4 hours after intraduodenal administration without prolongation of the corrected QT interval, whereas sotalol at 5 mg/kg prolonged both the atrial effective refractory period and the corrected QT interval. Acacetin prevented AF induction at doses of 2.5 mg/kg (50%), 5 mg/kg (85.7%), and 10 mg/kg (85.7%). Sotalol 5 mg/kg also prevented AF induction (60%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that the natural compound acacetin is an atrium-selective agent that prolongs the atrial effective refractory period without prolonging the corrected QT interval and effectively prevents AF in anesthetized dogs after intraduodenal administration. These results indicate that oral acacetin is a promising atrium-selective agent for the treatment of AF. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acacetin-natural-flavone-traditional-chinese-medicine-xuelianhua-saussurea-pre#comments Atrial Fibrillation Saussurea Animal Study Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:59:49 +0000 greenmedinfo 48050 at https://greenmedinfo.com Acupuncture has therapeutic value in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and post-herpetic neuralgia. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupuncture-has-therapeutic-value-treatment-atrial-fibrillation-and-post-herpe PMID:  Acupunct Med. 2008 Mar;26(1):51-6. PMID: 18356799 Abstract Title:  Possible effects of acupuncture on atrial fibrillation and post-herpetic neuralgia--a case report. Abstract:  A 72 year old female with a main complaint of severe post-herpetic neuralgia and a secondary complaint of atrial fibrillation (AF) received two series of acupuncture treatments totalling 20 treatments over a four month period. Her standard medical treatment remained unchanged. The primary focus of the acupuncture was pain relief; however, two acupuncture points (PC6, SP4) were included in both treatment series because of possible effects on both costal or chest pain and cardiac arrhythmias, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaching and limited research. As recorded by her pacemaker, estimated weekly episodes of AF in the patient decreased significantly, and percentage time in AF decreased with borderline statistical significance, from the pretreatment estimates during the second series of treatments (weekly AF episode estimates: pretreatment=71.4; second series=16.5, difference estimates=-54.9, 95% CI -6.5 to -103.3, P=0.02; percentage time in AF estimates: pretreatment=30.6; 2 second series=18.0, difference estimates=-12.6, 95% CI 0.9 to -26.0, P=0.08). The pain levels were also significantly reduced following the acupuncture treatment series by more than 67%. Further studies are warranted to further explore these observations of a possible effect of acupuncture on both atrial fibrillation and post-herpetic neuralgia. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupuncture-has-therapeutic-value-treatment-atrial-fibrillation-and-post-herpe#comments Atrial Fibrillation Post-Herpetic Neuralgia Human Study Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:38:07 +0000 greenmedinfo 53196 at https://greenmedinfo.com Acupuncture treatment prevents arrhythmic recurrences after cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupuncture-treatment-prevents-arrhythmic-recurrences-after-cardioversion-pati PMID:  J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2010 Aug 30. Epub 2010 Aug 30. PMID: 20807278 Abstract Title:  Efficacy of acupuncture in preventing atrial fibrillation recurrences after electrical cardioversion. Abstract:  Antiarrhythmic Effect of Acupuncture. Introduction: In traditional Chinese medicine, stimulation of the Neiguan spot has been utilized to treat palpitations. We evaluated whether acupuncture might prevent or reduce the rate of arrhythmia recurrences in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: We studied 80 patients with persistent AF after restoring sinus rhythm with electrical cardioversion. Twenty-six subjects who were already on amiodarone treatment constituted the AMIO reference group. The remaining patients were randomly allocated to receive acupuncture (ACU group, n = 17), sham acupuncture (ACU-sham group, n = 13), or neither acupuncture nor antiarrhythmic therapy (CONTROL group, n = 24). Patients in the ACU and ACU-sham groups attended 10 acupuncture sessions on a once-a-week basis. Only in the former group the Neiguan, Shenmen, and Xinshu spots were punctured. During a 12-month follow-up, AF recurred in 35 patients. Cumulative AF recurrence rates in the AMIO, ACU, ACU-sham, and CONTROL patients were 27%, 35%, 69%, and 54%, respectively (P = 0.0075, log-rank test). Ejection fraction (P = 0.0005), hypertension (0.0293), and left atrial diameter (P = 0.0361) were also significantly associated with AF recurrence. Compared with AMIO group, recurrence rate was similar in ACU patients (hazard ratio: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.38-3.49; P = 0.801) but significantly higher in ACU-sham and CONTROL patients (3.77, 1.39-10; P = 0.009 and 3.15, 1.23-8.06; P = 0.017, respectively) after adjustment for ejection fraction, hypertension, and left atrial diameter using Cox modeling. Conclusion: Our data indicate that acupuncture treatment prevents arrhythmic recurrences after cardioversion in patients with persistent AF. This minimally invasive procedure was safe and well tolerated. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 1-7). https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupuncture-treatment-prevents-arrhythmic-recurrences-after-cardioversion-pati#comments Arrhythmias: Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Acupuncture Human Study Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:25:44 +0000 greenmedinfo 57058 at https://greenmedinfo.com Acute electrophysiologic effects of the polyphenols resveratrol and piceatannol in rabbit atria. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acute-electrophysiologic-effects-polyphenols-resveratrol-and-piceatannol-rabbi PMID:  Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2018 Jun 29. Epub 2018 Jun 29. PMID: 29956844 Abstract Title:  Acute electrophysiologic effects of the polyphenols resveratrol and piceatannol in rabbit atria. Abstract:  The natural polyphenol resveratrol and its analogue piceatannol have various beneficial effects including antiarrhythmic properties. The aim of the present study was to examine potential electrophysiologic effects in an experimental whole-heart model of atrial fibrillation (AF). Simultaneous infusion of resveratrol (50μM) or piceatannol (10μM) in rabbit hearts resulted in an increase of atrial refractory period. Both agents induced a significant slowing of atrial conduction and of intrinsic heart rate. In both groups, a trend towards a reduction of AF and a regularization of AF was observed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. <p><a href="https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acute-electrophysiologic-effects-polyphenols-resveratrol-and-piceatannol-rabbi" target="_blank">read more</a></p> https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acute-electrophysiologic-effects-polyphenols-resveratrol-and-piceatannol-rabbi#comments Atrial Arrhythmias Atrial Fibrillation Piceatannol Resveratrol Cardioprotective Animal Study Mon, 02 Jul 2018 16:49:17 +0000 greenmedinfo 166706 at https://greenmedinfo.com Alendronate use is associated with an increased risk for atrial fibrillation in women. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/alendronate-use-associated-increased-risk-atrial-fibrillation-women PMID:  Arch Intern Med. 2008 Apr 28;168(8):826-31. PMID: 18443257 Abstract Title:  Use of alendronate and risk of incident atrial fibrillation in women. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: A recent publication from the HORIZON (Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence With Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly) trial in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis reported a higher risk of serious atrial fibrillation (AF) in zoledronic acid recipients than in placebo recipients. This adverse effect was unexpected and had not been recognized previously. METHODS: We studied alendronate sodium ever use in relation to the risk of incident AF in women in a clinical practice setting. This population-based case-control study was conducted at Group Health, an integrated health care delivery system in Washington State. We identified 719 women with confirmed incident AF between October 1, 2001, and December 31, 2004, and 966 female control subjects without AF, selected at random from the Group Health enrollment and frequency matched on age, presence or absence of treated hypertension, and calendar year. RESULTS: More AF case patients than controls had ever used alendronate (6.5% [n = 47] vs 4.1% [n = 40]; P = .03). Compared with never use of any bisphosphonate, ever use of alendronate was associated with a higher risk of incident AF (odds ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-3.15) after adjustment for the matching variables, a diagnosis of osteoporosis, and a history of cardiovascular disease. Based on the population-attributable fraction, we estimated that 3% of incident AF in this population might be explained by alendronate use. CONCLUSION: Ever use of alendronate was associated with an increased risk of incident AF in clinical practice. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/alendronate-use-associated-increased-risk-atrial-fibrillation-women#comments Atrial Fibrillation Alendronate (trade name Fosamax) Bisphosphonates Human Study Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:27:50 +0000 greenmedinfo 56205 at https://greenmedinfo.com Alpha lipoic acid therapy reduces serum levels of common markers of inflammation in ablated patients. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/alpha-lipoic-acid-therapy-reduces-serum-levels-common-markers-inflammation-abl PMID:  Am J Cardiol. 2017 May 1 ;119(9):1382-1386. Epub 2017 Feb 10. PMID: 28258730 Abstract Title:  Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid on Multiple Cytokines and Biomarkers and Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation Within 1 Year of Catheter Ablation. Abstract:  Catheter ablation (CA) is a procedure commonly used to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, AF recurrence after CA remains a relevant clinical issue. We tested the effects of an oral antioxidant treatment (alpha lipoic acid [ALA]) on AF recurrence post-CA. Patients with paroxysmal AF have been enrolled in a randomized, prospective, double-blind, controlled placebo trial. After CA, patients have been randomly assigned to receive ALA oral supplementation (ALA group) or placebo (control group) and evaluated at baseline and after a 12-month follow-up: 73 patients completed the 12-month follow-up (ALA: 33 and control: 40). No significant difference has been detected between the 2 groups at baseline. Strikingly, 1 year after CA, ALA therapy significantly reduced serum markers of inflammation. However, there was no significant difference in AF recurrence events at follow-up comparing ALA with placebo group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the only independent prognostic risk factor for AF recurrence after CA is age. In conclusion, ALA therapy reduces serum levels of common markers of inflammation in ablated patients. Nevertheless, ALA does not prevent AF recurrence after an ablative treatment. <p><a href="https://greenmedinfo.com/article/alpha-lipoic-acid-therapy-reduces-serum-levels-common-markers-inflammation-abl" target="_blank">read more</a></p> https://greenmedinfo.com/article/alpha-lipoic-acid-therapy-reduces-serum-levels-common-markers-inflammation-abl#comments Alpha-Lipoic Acid Atrial Fibrillation C-Reactive Protein Inflammation Anti-Inflammatory Agents Antioxidants Human Study Sat, 01 Jul 2017 01:20:07 +0000 greenmedinfo 149889 at https://greenmedinfo.com An increased concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in serum (especially DHA), a marker of fish or fish oil consumption, may protect against atrial fibrillation in men. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/increased-concentration-omega-3-fatty-acids-serum-especially-dha-marker-fish-o PMID:  Circulation. 2009 Dec 8;120(23):2315-21. Epub 2009 Nov 23. PMID: 19933935 Abstract Title:  Serum long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of hospital diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in men. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia. Regular fish consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of AF in some but not all studies. Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from fish have been suggested to account for these beneficial effects. We tested this hypothesis by studying the association between the serum long-chain n-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid and risk of AF in men. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 2174 men from the prospective population-based Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study, 42 to 60 years old and free of AF at baseline in 1984 to 1989, were studied. During the average follow-up time of 17.7 years, 240 AF events occurred. In the Cox proportional hazards model, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio in the highest (&gt;5.33%) versus the lowest (&lt;3.61%) quartile of eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid was 0.65 (95% confidence interval 0.44 to 0.96, P for trend=0.07). Evaluated individually, only serum docosahexaenoic acid was associated with the risk of AF (hazard ratio in the highest versus the lowest quartile 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.42 to 0.92, P for trend=0.02). Exclusion of subjects (n=233) with myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure either at baseline or that preceded the AF event during follow-up slightly strengthened the associations. Serum intermediate chain-length n-3 PUFA, alpha-linolenic acid, or hair methylmercury concentration were not associated with the risk. CONCLUSIONS: An increased concentration of long-chain n-3 PUFAs in serum, a marker of fish or fish oil consumption, may protect against AF. Serum docosahexaenoic acid concentration had the greatest impact. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/increased-concentration-omega-3-fatty-acids-serum-especially-dha-marker-fish-o#comments Atrial Fibrillation DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) Fish Oil Human Study Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:06:43 +0000 greenmedinfo 48752 at https://greenmedinfo.com Anabolic steroid abuse may be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/anabolic-steroid-abuse-may-be-risk-factor-atrial-fibrillation PMID:  Int J Cardiol. 2010 Nov 19;145(2):365-7. Epub 2010 Mar 9. PMID: 20215037 Abstract Title:  Androgens and atrial fibrillation: friends or foes? Abstract:  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. The prevalence of AF increases with age, and this age-specific prevalence is higher in men than in women. However, the mechanisms of aging-induced AF have not been fully elucidated, and this may be related to decline of testosterone with advancing age. On the other hand, anabolic steroid abuse may precipitate the occurrence of AF. Until now, the possible relationship between androgens and AF was not comprehensively reviewed. We intend to review some recent evidence on this issue and propose some potential mechanisms. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/anabolic-steroid-abuse-may-be-risk-factor-atrial-fibrillation#comments Atrial Fibrillation Cardiotoxic Testoterone: Exogenous Review Wed, 18 May 2011 15:39:18 +0000 greenmedinfo 63930 at https://greenmedinfo.com Arrhythmias: Cardiac https://greenmedinfo.com/disease/arrhythmias-cardiac <div class="field field-image"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <img class="imagefield imagefield-field_image" width="450" height="450" alt="" src="//cdn.greenmedinfo.com/sites/default/files/Heart_1.jpg?1468514069" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-copyright"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Copyright: &lt;a href=&#039;http://www.123rf.com/profile_pablofdezr&#039;&gt;pablofdezr / 123RF Stock Photo&lt;/a&gt; </div> </div> </div> <fieldset class="fieldgroup group-facebook-like-info"><legend>Facebook Like Info</legend><div class="field field-facebook-total-count"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 0 </div> </div> </div> </fieldset> Atrial Fibrillation Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:14:10 +0000 greenmedinfo 19047 at https://greenmedinfo.com Ascorbic acid is safe and well tolerated at the time of atrial fibrillation ablation and may be associated with a blunted rise in C-reactive protein. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/ascorbic-acid-safe-and-well-tolerated-time-atrial-fibrillation-ablation-and-ma PMID:  J Am Heart Assoc. 2020 Feb 4 ;9(3):e014213. Epub 2020 Jan 30. PMID: 32013700 Abstract Title:  Vitamin C Intravenous Treatment In the Setting of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Results From the Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled CITRIS-AF Pilot Study. Abstract:  Background Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but high levels of post-procedure inflammation predict adverse clinical events. Ascorbic acid (AA) has shown promise in reducing inflammation but is untested in this population. We sought to test the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effects on inflammatory biomarkers in the CITRIS-AF (Vitamin C Intravenous Treatment In the Setting of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation) pilot study. Methods and Results Patients scheduled to undergo AF ablation (N=20) were randomized 1:1 to double-blinded treatment with AA (200 mg/kg divided over 24 hours) or placebo. C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were obtained before the first infusion and repeated at 24 hours and 30 days. Pain levels within 24 hours and early recurrence of AF within 90 days were recorded. Median and interquartile range were aged 63 (56-70) years, 13 (65%) men, and 18 (90%) white. Baseline data were similar between the 2 groups except ejection fraction. Baseline C-reactive protein levels were 2.56 (1.47-5.87) mg/L and similar between groups (=0.48). Change in C-reactive protein from baseline to 24 hours was +10.79 (+6.56-23.19) mg/L in the placebo group and +3.01 (+0.40-5.43) mg/L in the AA group (=0.02). Conversely, change in interleukin-6 was numerically higher in the AA group, though not statistically significant (=0.32). One patient in each arm developed pericarditis; no adverse events related to the infusions were seen. There were no significant differences between aggregated post-procedure pain levels within 24 hours or early recurrence of AF (both&gt;0.05). Conclusions High-dose AA is safe and well tolerated at the time of AF ablation and may be associated with a blunted rise in C-reactive protein, although consistent findings were not seen in interleukin-6 levels. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the potential benefit in improving clinically relevant outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03148236. <p><a href="https://greenmedinfo.com/article/ascorbic-acid-safe-and-well-tolerated-time-atrial-fibrillation-ablation-and-ma" target="_blank">read more</a></p> https://greenmedinfo.com/article/ascorbic-acid-safe-and-well-tolerated-time-atrial-fibrillation-ablation-and-ma#comments Atrial Fibrillation C-Reactive Protein Inflammation Vitamin C: Intravenous Anti-Inflammatory Agents Cardioprotective Human Study Thu, 06 Feb 2020 19:34:51 +0000 greenmedinfo 210690 at https://greenmedinfo.com Atrial fibrillation hospitalization is associated with exposure to fine particulate air pollutants. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/atrial-fibrillation-hospitalization-associated-exposure-fine-particulate-air-p PMID:  Environ Health. 2019 Dec 30 ;18(1):117. Epub 2019 Dec 30. PMID: 31888649 Abstract Title:  Atrial fibrillation hospitalization is associated with exposure to fine particulate air pollutants. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Although air pollutants have been associated with cardiopulmonary mortality, their effects on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (Afib) remain unclear. This study examined the association between ambient air pollutants and Afib occurrence.METHODS: Using a representative sample from the National Health Insurance Database of Taiwan, we applied a case-crossover study design to explore the associations between air pollutants and patients hospitalized with Afib from 2006 to 2011. The event day was when a patient was hospitalized with Afib, and the control days were the same days of the following weeks of the same month. The association between Afib occurrence and levels of ambient air pollutants (including particulate matter [PM] 2.5 PM, NO, SO, and O) was examined after adjusting for temperature and relative humidity. A two-pollutant model was used to examine the effect of the second pollutant when the first pollutant was determined to be significantly related to Afib.RESULTS: During 2006-2011, 670 patients hospitalized with the first onset of Afib were identified. The occurrence of Afib was associated with PM, in which a 22% (95% confidence interval = 3-44%) increase was related to an interquartile range increase (26.2 μg/m3) on the same day and a 19% (95% confidence interval = 0-40%) increase on the second day. A two-pollutant model was applied, and the results indicated that the effect of PMwas significantly associated with the occurrence of Afib. Patients aged over 65 years with DM and with hyperlipidemia were more susceptible to the effect of PM.CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the occurrence of Afib was associated with short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollutants in the general population. <p><a href="https://greenmedinfo.com/article/atrial-fibrillation-hospitalization-associated-exposure-fine-particulate-air-p" target="_blank">read more</a></p> https://greenmedinfo.com/article/atrial-fibrillation-hospitalization-associated-exposure-fine-particulate-air-p#comments Air Pollution Linked Toxicity Atrial Fibrillation Increased Risk Human Study Wed, 01 Jan 2020 11:51:55 +0000 greenmedinfo 206707 at https://greenmedinfo.com