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.

When Apple previewed its watchOS 9 update in early June, one of the key features the company highlighted was a new tracking option for atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients. The AFib History feature, approved for patients 22 years and older who have been diagnosed with AFib, was designed to help users gain a better understanding of their symptoms and easily share data with healthcare providers.

Apple Watch AFib feature becomes first-ever digital tool approved by FDA to evaluate medical devices

Healthcare technology companies can now use AFib findings recorded by an Apple Watch to help demonstrate the effectiveness of their devices to the FDA.

May 2, 2024
IVUS guidance during DES implantation boosts long-term outcomes in new study

Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF

Researchers explored data from nearly 2,500 AFib ablation patients, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.

April 26, 2024
pharmaceutical drug approval process

American Heart Association thinks pharmacists can play a bigger role in AFib care

Pharmacists interact with patients on a regular basis and are seen as a trusted source of health information. Can they help cardiologists improve care for AFib patients? 

April 24, 2024
Even patients who were never hospitalized for COVID-19 face a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues. #longcovid

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.

April 18, 2024
pharmaceutical drug approval process

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. 

April 17, 2024

First look at data on Biosense Webster Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF platform for atrial fibrillation presented at EHRA Congress

The Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF Catheter is the first dual energy pulsed field (PF) ablation / radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter integrated with a PF and RF ablation index.

April 10, 2024
Patient with LVAD

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. 

April 9, 2024
Biosense Webster gained CE mark approval for its Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in Europe

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.

March 25, 2024

Around the web

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