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.

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American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society launch new efforts to boost AFib care in underserved areas

The new collaboration is designed to help clinicians reach and treat AFib patients in communities that don't always receive the most attention. 

AFib patients are missing out on the care they need

The study, published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology, included data from more than 3,000 patients. 

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Long-term cardiac monitoring detects unsuspected AFib among stroke patients

After 12 months, AFib detection was much higher in stroke patients treated with an insertable cardiac monitor than those who received usual care. 

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Yes, Apple’s iPhone can interfere with implantable cardiac devices—here’s what you should know

This issue “has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapies,” according to a new analysis in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Cardiac arrest numbers highlight the pandemic’s long-term impact on patient care

Researchers will be tracking COVID-19's impact on healthcare for many years to come.

Cardiologist shares a warning fish oil can no longer be considered harmless

After studying the latest research, a veteran cardiologist is no longer recommending fish oil supplements to his patients.

Digital health specialists gain 2 new FDA clearances for cardiac care portfolio

The company's flagship monitor and AI capabilities both received key regulatory approvals. 

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Stress and anxiety from U.S. presidential election led to a 77% increase in heart rhythm issues

The trend was seen among both Republican and Democrat voters—but it appeared to affect Democrats much more. 

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

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