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.

2 out of 5 AFib patients develop heart failure later in life
Stroke is typically seen as the biggest danger for patients after they receive an AFib diagnosis. This study, however, suggests heart failure could be an even bigger threat.
FDA grants fast track designation to new drug for Friedreich's ataxia cardiomyopathy
The new gene therapy candidate is now one step closer to being approved by the FDA.
FDA grants anticoagulant its orphan drug designation for treating patients with implanted devices
The anticoagulant was originally developed for patients with end-stage renal disease and atrial fibrillation.
Biosense Webster takes key step toward FDA approval for Varipulse PFA system
The company already received CE mark approval for its new PFA offering and hopes it will soon be approved for sale in the United States.
Cardiologists are first in world to remove unstable Watchman devices with FDA-cleared retrieval system
A team of specialists in Houston made history, using the new-look device to treat three patients over the age of 80. The group shared its experience in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

FDA announces recall of 48,000 Boston Scientific pacemakers, CRT-Ps

This is a Class I recall, which means the issue can lead to serious injury or death.

August 6, 2021

Tablet projecting metaphorical medical hologram

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."

August 2, 2021

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.

July 30, 2021

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

Researchers presented the new data at Heart Rhythm 2021.

July 29, 2021

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.

July 26, 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.

July 23, 2021

Researchers said they were surprised to learn that "no pain, no gain" was so accurate for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). A news study found patients should push past the pain because it improves outcomes.

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.

July 22, 2021

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.

July 22, 2021

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Heart Rhythm

2 out of 5 AFib patients develop heart failure later in life

FDA grants fast track designation to new drug for Friedreich's ataxia cardiomyopathy

FDA grants anticoagulant its orphan drug designation for treating patients with implanted devices

Biosense Webster takes key step toward FDA approval for Varipulse PFA system

Cardiologists are first in world to remove unstable Watchman devices with FDA-cleared retrieval system

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