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November 16, 2009 5:18 AM CT By Peggy Noonan Researchers have found a new “major predictor” of the development of new cases of atrial fibrillation (AF).  The key is N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Previous studies have shown that levels of a related hormone, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), can predict atrial fibrillation and even death. …

October 31, 2009 5:21 AM CT By Peggy Noonan and Mellanie True Hills New research shows sleep apnea, a disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep, increases the risk of having arrhythmias. Sleep apnea is believed to be linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) but until now, we didn’t know if apnea could actually trigger arrhythmias like …

October 29, 2009 5:21 AM CT By Peggy Noonan Research shows that the sooner atrial fibrillation surgery is done, the less likely AF is to recur. A study in the European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery reports that those in permanent atrial fibrillation who underwent left atrial ablation surgery in conjunction with surgery for other heart …

October 29, 2009 5:21 AM CT World Stroke Day 2009 celebrates that everyone can do something about stroke. As an atrial fibrillation patient, you can learn about your stroke risk and do something about it. Check out the following resources: Stroke risks from afib 2006 ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation …

October 21, 2009 5:21 AM CT By Peggy Noonan Afib is the most common irregular heartbeat but its cause hasn’t been clear. Now new research on humans and mice, just published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, has found a cell that may trigger afib. Like the skin cells called melanocytes that make pigment, these …

October 06, 2009 5:21 AM CT The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, has introduced a new 10-minute video that may be of interest to those with atrial fibrillation who are on anticoagulant medications, such as Coumadin or warfarin. The video, Staying Active and Healthy …

October 5, 2009 5:23 AM CT Women with diabetes have a 26% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. These findings, from a Kasier Permanente study, were published in the October issue of Diabetes Care, an American Diabetes Association journal. While we already knew that having diabetes increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, this study …

October 03, 2009 5:34 AM CT As we go into flu season, there is growing apprehension over the H1N1 influenza, commonly called "swine flu". We have lost several children to it recently here in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, so concerns have escalated, especially with delays in getting the vaccine. Seasonal flu shots are available, as is …

September 30, 2009 5:21 AM CT We already know that more men than women have atrial fibrillation, but that women have a higher rate of strokes and death, with women accounting for about 61% of stroke deaths. A recent research study at Rush University Medical Center reviewed findings from past studies and found additional implications …