Cardiac arrhythmias are probably more common in horses than in any other domestic animal species where poor performance and exercise intolerance is the most frequent clinical complaint. Atrial fibrillation is a type o...Cardiac arrhythmias are probably more common in horses than in any other domestic animal species where poor performance and exercise intolerance is the most frequent clinical complaint. Atrial fibrillation is a type of cardiac arrhythmia that appears as a common finding during medical examinations in humans, large breed dogs and horses. Clinical presentations are of a particular value in racehorses in high performing activities. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, secondary to a primary disease or without any sign of comorbidity. The generation and maintenance of Atrial Fibrillation requires a substrate. Some breeds have a genetic predisposition to developing Atrial Fibrillation. Most cases of Atrial Fibrillation are of the paroxysmal type and self-regulate within a few hours to days without the need for treatment. The focus of this study is on the arrhythmic agents that are used for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation, therefore other arrhythmic agents may not be included, or are included to demonstrate their effect on increasing, inhibiting or decreasing efficacy when used together with medications for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. The “working horse” for the pharmacological treatment of Atrial Fibrillation is Quinidine.展开更多
Background Medication adherence is an integral part of the comprehensive care of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving oral anticoagulations (OACs) therapy. Many patients with AF are elderly and may suf...Background Medication adherence is an integral part of the comprehensive care of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving oral anticoagulations (OACs) therapy. Many patients with AF are elderly and may suffer from some form of cognitive impairment. This study was conducted to investigate whether cognitive impairment affects the level of adherence to anticoagulation treatment in AF patients. Me- thods The study involved 111 AF patients (mean age, 73.5±8.3 years) treated with OACs. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The level of adherence was assessed by the 8-item Mot^sky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Scores on the MMAS-8 range from 0 to 8, with scores 〈 6 reflecting low adherence, 6 to 〈 8 medium adherence, and 8 high adherence. Re- sults 46.9% of AF patients had low adherence, 18.8% had moderate adherence, and 33.3% had high adherence to OACs. Patients with lower adherence were older than those with moderate or high adherence (76.6 ±8.7 vs. 71.3 ~ 6.4 vs. 71.1 ± 6.7 years) and obtained low MMSE scores, indicating cognitive disorders or dementia (MMSE = 22.3 ± 4.2). Patients with moderate or high adherence obtained high MMSE test results (27.5 ±1.7 and 27,5 ± 3.6). According to Spearman's rank correlation, worse adherence to treatment with OACs was determined by older age (rs = -0.372) and lower MMSE scores (rs = 0.717). According to multivariate regression analysis, the level of cognitive function was a significant independent predictor of adherence (b = 1.139). Conclusions Cognitive impairment is an independent determinant of compliance with pharmacological therapy in elderly patients with AF. Lower adherence, beyond the assessment of cognitive function, is related to the age of patients.展开更多
Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular complications around the globe and one of the most common medical conditions.Atrial fibrillation(AF)is the most common supraventricular arrhyth...Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular complications around the globe and one of the most common medical conditions.Atrial fibrillation(AF)is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia,with a rapidly increasing prevalence.T2DM has been closely associated with the risk of AF development,identified as an independent risk factor.Regarding cardiovascular complications,both AF and T2DM have been linked with high mortality.The underlying pathophysiology has not been fully determined yet;however,it is multifactorial,including structural,electrical,and autonomic pathways.Novel therapies include pharmaceutical agents in sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors,as well as antiarrhythmic strategies,such as cardioversion and ablation.Of interest,glucose-lowering therapies may affect the prevalence of AF.This review presents the current evidence regarding the connection between the two entities,the pathophysiological pathways that link them,and the therapeutic options that exist.展开更多
AIM To study whether remote ischemic preconditioning(RIPC) has an impact on clinical outcomes, such as post-operative atrial fibrillation(POAF).METHODS This was a prospective, single-center, single-blinded,randomized ...AIM To study whether remote ischemic preconditioning(RIPC) has an impact on clinical outcomes, such as post-operative atrial fibrillation(POAF).METHODS This was a prospective, single-center, single-blinded,randomized controlled study. One hundred and two patients were randomized to receive RIPC(3 cycles of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion in the upper arm after induction of anesthesia) or no RIPC(control). Primary outcome was POAF lasting for five minutes or longer during the first seven days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, incidence of inpatient mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. RESULTS POAF occurred at a rate of 54% in the RIPC group and 41.2% in the control group(P = 0.23). No statistically significant differences were noted in secondary outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION This is the first study in the United States to suggest that RIPC does not reduce POAF in patients with elective or urgent cardiac surgery. There were no differences in adverse effects in either group. Further studies are required to assess the relationship between RIPC and POAF.展开更多
This review discusses atrial fibrillation according to the guidelines of Brazilian Society of Cardiac Arrhythmias and the Brazilian Cardiogeriatrics Guidelines. We stress the thromboembolic burden of atrial fibrillati...This review discusses atrial fibrillation according to the guidelines of Brazilian Society of Cardiac Arrhythmias and the Brazilian Cardiogeriatrics Guidelines. We stress the thromboembolic burden of atrial fibrillation and discuss how to prevent it as well as the best way to conduct cases of atrial fibrillatios in the elderly, reverting the arrhythmia to sinus rhythm, or the option of heart rate control. The new methods to treat atrial fibrillation, such as radiofrequency ablation, new oral direct thrombin inhibitors and Xa factor inhibitors, as well as new antiarrhythmic drugs, are depicted.展开更多
For patients with atrial fibrillation with an increased risk of stroke and contraindications to long-term anticoagulation,percutaneous left atrial appendage closure(LAAC)has become an important alternative to long-ter...For patients with atrial fibrillation with an increased risk of stroke and contraindications to long-term anticoagulation,percutaneous left atrial appendage closure(LAAC)has become an important alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation.Incomplete closure of the LAAC during the procedure leads to faster blood flow in the interstitial space around the device,resulting in peri-device leak(PDL),which is not uncommon.Studies are still inconclusive in determining the incidence,long-term safety,and management of PDL.Therefore,this article reviewed the progress made in the research and treatment of PDL after LAAC.展开更多
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is fairly common in patients with chronic mitral valve disease and a markedly dilated left atrium. These patients rarely return to sinus rhythm spontaneously, even after a successful mitral...Atrial fibrillation (AF) is fairly common in patients with chronic mitral valve disease and a markedly dilated left atrium. These patients rarely return to sinus rhythm spontaneously, even after a successful mitral valve operation. The Maze procedure, developed by Cox and associates,15 has been used in patients undergoing a mitral valve operation. Restoration of normal sinus rhythm and atrial contraction in such patients have been reported by some groups. This study will summarize retrospectively a group of patients who underwent the Cox Maze procedure for the treatment of AF associated with rheumatic mitral valve disease in China.展开更多
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is becoming increasingly evident diabetes is a significant risk factor for the deve...Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is becoming increasingly evident diabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of AF. The reason for this link is not clearly understood, however it is clear that other co-morbid diseases associated with diabetes such as hypertension and obesity may be implicated or there may be direct arrthymogenic affects of glucose dysregulation on the myocardium. The development of AF in patients with diabetes may be an ominous sign given the increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and we propose this is an under researched area where treatments may bring benefits over and above those patients without diabetes in terms of morbidity or death from cardiovascular disease.展开更多
Cardiac thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is most commonly found in the left atrial appendage (LAA). The incidence of LAA thrombus ranges from 1.2% to 22.6%, with the vast variation in incidence attri...Cardiac thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is most commonly found in the left atrial appendage (LAA). The incidence of LAA thrombus ranges from 1.2% to 22.6%, with the vast variation in incidence attributed to the patient’s condition. The effective rate of anticoagulation for thrombus dissolution therapy is only 50%-60%, and long-term anticoagulation treatment increases the risk of bleeding. Direct percutaneous LAA closure in AF patients with LAA thrombus in a suitable location is another alternative treatment option. LAA resection with cardiac surgery is also an effective treatment. This review presents the development of the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombus in LAA.展开更多
文摘Cardiac arrhythmias are probably more common in horses than in any other domestic animal species where poor performance and exercise intolerance is the most frequent clinical complaint. Atrial fibrillation is a type of cardiac arrhythmia that appears as a common finding during medical examinations in humans, large breed dogs and horses. Clinical presentations are of a particular value in racehorses in high performing activities. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, secondary to a primary disease or without any sign of comorbidity. The generation and maintenance of Atrial Fibrillation requires a substrate. Some breeds have a genetic predisposition to developing Atrial Fibrillation. Most cases of Atrial Fibrillation are of the paroxysmal type and self-regulate within a few hours to days without the need for treatment. The focus of this study is on the arrhythmic agents that are used for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation, therefore other arrhythmic agents may not be included, or are included to demonstrate their effect on increasing, inhibiting or decreasing efficacy when used together with medications for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. The “working horse” for the pharmacological treatment of Atrial Fibrillation is Quinidine.
文摘Background Medication adherence is an integral part of the comprehensive care of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving oral anticoagulations (OACs) therapy. Many patients with AF are elderly and may suffer from some form of cognitive impairment. This study was conducted to investigate whether cognitive impairment affects the level of adherence to anticoagulation treatment in AF patients. Me- thods The study involved 111 AF patients (mean age, 73.5±8.3 years) treated with OACs. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The level of adherence was assessed by the 8-item Mot^sky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Scores on the MMAS-8 range from 0 to 8, with scores 〈 6 reflecting low adherence, 6 to 〈 8 medium adherence, and 8 high adherence. Re- sults 46.9% of AF patients had low adherence, 18.8% had moderate adherence, and 33.3% had high adherence to OACs. Patients with lower adherence were older than those with moderate or high adherence (76.6 ±8.7 vs. 71.3 ~ 6.4 vs. 71.1 ± 6.7 years) and obtained low MMSE scores, indicating cognitive disorders or dementia (MMSE = 22.3 ± 4.2). Patients with moderate or high adherence obtained high MMSE test results (27.5 ±1.7 and 27,5 ± 3.6). According to Spearman's rank correlation, worse adherence to treatment with OACs was determined by older age (rs = -0.372) and lower MMSE scores (rs = 0.717). According to multivariate regression analysis, the level of cognitive function was a significant independent predictor of adherence (b = 1.139). Conclusions Cognitive impairment is an independent determinant of compliance with pharmacological therapy in elderly patients with AF. Lower adherence, beyond the assessment of cognitive function, is related to the age of patients.
文摘Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular complications around the globe and one of the most common medical conditions.Atrial fibrillation(AF)is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia,with a rapidly increasing prevalence.T2DM has been closely associated with the risk of AF development,identified as an independent risk factor.Regarding cardiovascular complications,both AF and T2DM have been linked with high mortality.The underlying pathophysiology has not been fully determined yet;however,it is multifactorial,including structural,electrical,and autonomic pathways.Novel therapies include pharmaceutical agents in sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors,as well as antiarrhythmic strategies,such as cardioversion and ablation.Of interest,glucose-lowering therapies may affect the prevalence of AF.This review presents the current evidence regarding the connection between the two entities,the pathophysiological pathways that link them,and the therapeutic options that exist.
文摘AIM To study whether remote ischemic preconditioning(RIPC) has an impact on clinical outcomes, such as post-operative atrial fibrillation(POAF).METHODS This was a prospective, single-center, single-blinded,randomized controlled study. One hundred and two patients were randomized to receive RIPC(3 cycles of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion in the upper arm after induction of anesthesia) or no RIPC(control). Primary outcome was POAF lasting for five minutes or longer during the first seven days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, incidence of inpatient mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. RESULTS POAF occurred at a rate of 54% in the RIPC group and 41.2% in the control group(P = 0.23). No statistically significant differences were noted in secondary outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION This is the first study in the United States to suggest that RIPC does not reduce POAF in patients with elective or urgent cardiac surgery. There were no differences in adverse effects in either group. Further studies are required to assess the relationship between RIPC and POAF.
文摘This review discusses atrial fibrillation according to the guidelines of Brazilian Society of Cardiac Arrhythmias and the Brazilian Cardiogeriatrics Guidelines. We stress the thromboembolic burden of atrial fibrillation and discuss how to prevent it as well as the best way to conduct cases of atrial fibrillatios in the elderly, reverting the arrhythmia to sinus rhythm, or the option of heart rate control. The new methods to treat atrial fibrillation, such as radiofrequency ablation, new oral direct thrombin inhibitors and Xa factor inhibitors, as well as new antiarrhythmic drugs, are depicted.
基金Supported by Zhejiang Provincial Foundation for Medical and Health Sciences,No.2021KY980.
文摘For patients with atrial fibrillation with an increased risk of stroke and contraindications to long-term anticoagulation,percutaneous left atrial appendage closure(LAAC)has become an important alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation.Incomplete closure of the LAAC during the procedure leads to faster blood flow in the interstitial space around the device,resulting in peri-device leak(PDL),which is not uncommon.Studies are still inconclusive in determining the incidence,long-term safety,and management of PDL.Therefore,this article reviewed the progress made in the research and treatment of PDL after LAAC.
文摘Atrial fibrillation (AF) is fairly common in patients with chronic mitral valve disease and a markedly dilated left atrium. These patients rarely return to sinus rhythm spontaneously, even after a successful mitral valve operation. The Maze procedure, developed by Cox and associates,15 has been used in patients undergoing a mitral valve operation. Restoration of normal sinus rhythm and atrial contraction in such patients have been reported by some groups. This study will summarize retrospectively a group of patients who underwent the Cox Maze procedure for the treatment of AF associated with rheumatic mitral valve disease in China.
文摘Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is becoming increasingly evident diabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of AF. The reason for this link is not clearly understood, however it is clear that other co-morbid diseases associated with diabetes such as hypertension and obesity may be implicated or there may be direct arrthymogenic affects of glucose dysregulation on the myocardium. The development of AF in patients with diabetes may be an ominous sign given the increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and we propose this is an under researched area where treatments may bring benefits over and above those patients without diabetes in terms of morbidity or death from cardiovascular disease.
基金supported by Collaborative Medical-Enterprise Project of Hangzhou Health and Health Commission (2021JWCY239).
文摘Cardiac thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is most commonly found in the left atrial appendage (LAA). The incidence of LAA thrombus ranges from 1.2% to 22.6%, with the vast variation in incidence attributed to the patient’s condition. The effective rate of anticoagulation for thrombus dissolution therapy is only 50%-60%, and long-term anticoagulation treatment increases the risk of bleeding. Direct percutaneous LAA closure in AF patients with LAA thrombus in a suitable location is another alternative treatment option. LAA resection with cardiac surgery is also an effective treatment. This review presents the development of the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombus in LAA.