Indications for suboptimal low-dose direct oral anticoagulants for non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients
Conclusions With good adherence, the clinical course associated with DOACs is comparatively good. In the future, suboptimal low-dose DOAC therapy may serve as an appropriate choice for some patients with a high risk of stroke and bleeding. (Source: Journal of Arrhythmia)
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - July 1, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Left atrial remodeling: Regional differences between paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation
Conclusion PAF and PerAF seem to be characterized by differences in the regional voltage in the LA and PVs. The LA structural remodeling of PerAF may initiate from the right PVs and their antra and LA septum, roof, and posterior wall. (Source: Journal of Arrhythmia)
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - June 30, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Landiolol suppression of electrical storm of torsades de pointes in patients with congenital long-QT syndrome type 2 and myocardial ischemia
Publication date: Available online 27 June 2017 Source:Journal of Arrhythmia Author(s): Ryota Kitajima, Takeshi Aiba, Tsukasa Kamakura, Kohei Ishibashi, Mitsuru Wada, Yuko Inoue, Koji Miyamoto, Hideo Okamura, Takashi Noda, Satoshi Nagase, Yu Kataoka, Yasuhide Asaumi, Teruo Noguchi, Satoshi Yasuda, Kengo Kusano A 76-year-old man who had been diagnosed with long-QT syndrome type 2 had frequent syncopal attacks. The electrocardiogram was monitored, and frequent torsades de pointes (TdP) was detected despite administration of conventional medications: oral propranolol, verapamil, intravenous magnesium sulfate,...
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - June 27, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

2017 consensus of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Publication date: Available online 27 June 2017 Source:Journal of Arrhythmia Author(s): Chern-En Chiang, Ken Okumura, Shu Zhang, Tze-Fan Chao, Chung-Wah Siu, Toon Wei Lim, Anil Saxena, Yoshihide Takahashi, Wee Siong Teo Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, causing a 2-fold increase in mortality and a 5-fold increase in stroke. The Asian population is rapidly aging, and in 2050, the estimated population with AF will reach 72 million, of whom 2.9 million may suffer from AF-associated stroke. Therefore, stroke prevention in AF is an urgent issue in Asia. Many innovative advances in the ...
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - June 27, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Radiofrequency catheter ablation is effective for atrial fibrillation patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by decreasing left atrial pressure
Conclusions The LA pressure in the HCM group decreased immediately after AF RFCA. Patients with HCM and drug-refractory AF may benefit from RFCA. (Source: Journal of Arrhythmia)
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - June 24, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring devices for evaluating transient loss of consciousness or other related symptoms
In this report, based on our clinical experience, we review the usefulness of ambulatory ECG monitoring devices, especially of ELR, for evaluating T-LOC and other potentially arrhythmia-related symptoms. Specifically, we focus on the use of ELR and ICM for evaluating Japanese patients with T-LOC. (Source: Journal of Arrhythmia)
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - June 1, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Association between serum soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor and atrial fibrillation
Conclusions Serum suPAR was associated with AF, particularly NPAF, as demonstrated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Whether suPAR promotes or maintains AF should be investigated in further studies. (Source: Journal of Arrhythmia)
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - May 31, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Long-Term Survival of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Recipients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Conclusion ESRD patients are at significantly increased risk of mortality as compared with a non-dialysis cohort. While the majority of these patients survive more than one year post-diagnosis, the three-year mortality is high (43%). Randomized studies addressing the benefits of ICDs in ESRD patients are needed to better define their value for primary prevention of SCD. (Source: Journal of Arrhythmia)
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - May 31, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Arrhythmogenic Left Atrial Roof Vein
Publication date: Available online 25 May 2017 Source:Journal of Arrhythmia Author(s): Hidehira Fukaya, Shinichi Niwano, Hironori Nakamura, Tazuru Igarashi, Tamami Fujiishi, Naruya Ishizue, Akira Satoh, Jun Kishihara, Junya Ako A seventy year-old male was referred to our hospital to undergo radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Pre-operative three-dimensional computed tomography revealed a unique left atrial (LA) roof vein. Electrophysiological findings showed expansion of the myocardial sleeve and local firing in the LA roof vein. We performed isolation...
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - May 25, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Reflex syncope: Diagnosis and treatment
Publication date: Available online 17 May 2017 Source:Journal of Arrhythmia Author(s): Richard Sutton For the diagnosis of reflex syncope, diligent history-building with the patient and a witness is required. In the Emergency Department (ED), the assessment of syncope is a challenge which may be addressed by an ED Observation Unit or by a referral to a Syncope Unit. Hospital admission is necessary for those with life-threatening cardiac conditions although risk stratification remains an unsolved problem. Other patients may be investigated with less urgency by carotid sinus massage (>40 years), tilt testing, and e...
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - May 18, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Driving restrictions for patients with reflex syncope
Publication date: Available online 17 May 2017 Source:Journal of Arrhythmia Author(s): Masataka Sumiyoshi Reflex syncope is the most common form of syncope that occurs while driving. The 2014 revision of Japanese Road Traffic Laws placed stricter driving restrictions, along with some associated legal penalties, on individuals with recurrent syncope. “Recurrent syncope” is defined as the occurrence of more than two episodes of syncope over a period of 5 years. No restrictions are recommended for private drivers unless they experience syncope without a reliable prodrome while driving or sitting. For commercial drivers...
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - May 18, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recurrences and quality of life in symptomatic patients: A crossover study of flecainide and pilsicainide
Conclusions This study found no difference in AF frequency or QOL between symptomatic paroxysmal AF patients who received flecainide or pilsicainide. (Source: Journal of Arrhythmia)
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - May 18, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

2017 HRS/EHRA/ECAS/APHRS/SOLAECE Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Publication date: Available online 12 May 2017 Source:Journal of Arrhythmia Author(s): Hugh Calkins, Gerhard Hindricks, Riccardo Cappato, Young-Hoon Kim, Eduardo B. Saad, Luis Aguinaga, Joseph G. Akar, Vinay Badhwar, Josep Brugada, John Camm, Peng-Sheng Chen, Shih-Ann Chen, Mina K. Chung, Jens Cosedis Nielsen, Anne B. Curtis, D. Wyn Davies, John D. Day, André d'Avila, N.M.S. (Natasja) de Groot, Luigi Di Biase, Mattias Duytschaever, James R. Edgerton, Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, Patrick T. Ellinor, Sabine Ernst, Guilherme Fenelon, Edward P. Gerstenfeld, David E. Haines, Michel Haissaguerre, Robert...
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - May 13, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Brain magnetic resonance imaging examination in a patient with non-magnetic resonance conditional pacemaker
Publication date: Available online 13 May 2017 Source:Journal of Arrhythmia Author(s): Toshiko Nakai, Toshiaki Sato, Kyoko Soejima, Yusuke Takamine, Mitsuru Watanabe, Kazutaka Kobayashi, Hideki Oshima, Chikashi Fukaya, Yasuo Okumura, Kimie Ohkubo, Satoshi Kunimoto, Ichiro Watanabe, Atsuo Yoshino, Atsushi Hirayama Clinical dilemmas arise when patients with a non-magnetic resonance (MR) conditional pacemaker are required to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We encountered a pacemaker patient with debilitating non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, who required an MRI prior to deep brain stimulatio...
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - May 13, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Incidence and predictors of pericardial effusion as an early complication of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: The Japanese Catheter Ablation Registry of Atrial Fibrillation (J-CARAF)
Conclusions Critical PE occurred in 1% of AF ablation procedures in Japan. Our results suggest that 3-D imaging system use independently reduces the frequency of PE. DOACs in the setting of catheter ablation of AF seemed to be non-inferior to warfarin in terms of safety and effectiveness. (Source: Journal of Arrhythmia)
Source: Journal of Arrhythmia - May 12, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research