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.

COVID-19 coronavirus burnout depression pandemic

10 helpful tips for heart rhythm patients as the COVID-19 pandemic continues

The new analysis, published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, was designed to help patients stay informed and avoid unnecessary stress during this challenging time. 

December 18, 2020
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors increase risk of myocarditis, arrhythmias, heart failure and CV death

The study’s authors tracked data from more than 13,000 patients with malignant melanoma and more than 25,000 patients with lung cancer.

December 16, 2020
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American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association update AFib performances measures

The Heart Rhythm Society also contributed to the guidance.

December 11, 2020
Big Social Data

EHR data detects patients at a higher risk of AFib, stroke or heart failure

When the patient had a history of stroke or heart failure, the researchers noted, their prediction model was less accurate. 

December 10, 2020
The AHA Mission: Lifeline Program was designed to reduce STEMI patient transfer times, but response times still often lag, and new protocols may be needed to expedite STAT transfers.

COVID-19 led to a surge in overdose-related cardiac arrests

The authors emphasized the importance of investing in "substance use treatment, harm reduction, and structural drivers of overdose" as the pandemic continues. 

December 7, 2020
Social Distancing

Hydroxychloroquine unable to limit spread, or severity, of COVID-19 after exposure

There are no benefits to treating patients with hydroxychloroquine after they have already been exposed to COVID-19, according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

December 7, 2020
Alcoholic drinks

AFib patients should limit alcohol consumption—it might just save their life

Drinking too much alcohol in a given week can put AFib patients at an increased risk of stroke, embolism and other significant health issues.

December 3, 2020
Functional magnetic resonance imaging can offer providers insight into brain connectivity abnormalities and how they correlate with cognitive impairments observed in patients with insomnia. #insomnia #troublesleeping

82% of AFib patients have undiagnosed sleep apnea, highlighting the importance of screening

Obstructive sleep apnea is known to be a "modifiable risk factor" for recurrent AFib, the authors explained. 

December 3, 2020

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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