Arrhythmia

The Practical Cardiology™ Arrhythmia clinical resource center provides information and insights for those interested in the latest from the field of heart rhythm disorders. From atrial fibrillation to ventricular tachycardia and everything in between, this page is where readers can find articles, videos, podcasts, and conference coverage related to arrhythmias and electrophysiology.

DOACs May be More Effective than Warfarin for Valvular AFib

March 30, 2021

An analysis of claims data by investigators at University of Pennsylvania indicates DOACs were associated with a 36% lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism and was also associated with a reduction in risk of major bleeding.

American Indians at Increased Stroke Risk, Regardless of Whether They Had AFib

March 03, 2021

Data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project detail the apparent increase in risk of stroke faced by American Indian individuals, regardless of whether or not they had atrial fibrillation.

Large-Scale Genetic Analysis Indicates Increased Blood Pressure Causes Atrial Fibrillation

February 11, 2021

An analysis of data from the International Consortium of Blood Pressure-Genome Wide Association Studies suggests every 1 mmHg increase in blood pressure was linked to a 1.4-2.6% increase in risk of atrial fibrillation.

USPSTF Reiterates Stance Against Universal Screenings for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

February 07, 2021

The USPSTF statement reaffirms its stance against universal screenings for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in the general adult population.

Intravenous Alcohol Has Immediate Effect on Cardiac Electrophysiology, Trial Finds

January 29, 2021

Results of the How Alcohol Induces Atrial Tachyarrhythmias (HOLIDAY) trial offer insight into the effects of alcohol on cardiac electrophysiology from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Analysis Suggests Wealthier Countries Seeing Greater Incidence of AFib Deaths

January 26, 2021

An analysis of 27 years of data sheds further light on the incidence of atrial fibrillation-related deaths based on socioeconomic status and sex differences in a group of 20 European nations.

One Drink Per Day Increases Risk of AFib 16% in Healthy Patients

January 14, 2021

An analysis of more than 100k people from five community-based cohorts indicates consuming one alcoholic drink per day could increase risk of atrial fibrillation by 16%, while consuming four per day increased risk by 47%.

Paul D. Thompson, MD: Is Digoxin Back from the Dead?

January 13, 2021

In this column, Dr. Paul Thompson offers his perspective on the use of digoxin and explains why he has maintained use in certain patient populations despite its waning popularity in recent years.

Left Atrial Strain Helps Predict Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure Patients

January 12, 2021

A retrospective cohort study suggests peak atrial longitudinal strain and peak atrial contraction strain could help clinicians identify HFpEF patients at greatest risk for developing atrial fibrillation.

Gregory Weiss, MD: Guidelines on Quality Measures for AFib

December 11, 2020

Dr. Gregory Weiss explores and gives perspective on the latest guidelines from the AHA and ACC outlining quality measures for adults with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter