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Digoxin use is associated with increased risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation — a nationwide population-based cohort study
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Digoxin is often used as a rate control agent in AF patients, particularly in those with systolic heart failure. Although digoxin use in AF patients can reduce heart failure symptoms, increase exercise capacity and decrease hospitalizations , unfavorable effects on long-term outcomes have been reported . In the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) study, a post-hoc analysis showed a higher rate of mortality in patients treated with digitalis medication . A study of the “Registry of Information and K...
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - September 23, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Shih-Sheng Chang, Kuan-Cheng Chang, Yu-Chen Wang, Chih-Hsin Muo, Pei-Ying Pai, Chi-Bin Chang, Chi-Yuan Li, Fung-Chang Sung Tags: Online Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Vitamin D deficiency and atrial fibrillation
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke, but there is no consensus regarding the possible association between vitamin D deficiency and atrial fibrillation (AF). Vitamin D negatively regulates the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone-system (RAAS), mediates calcium homeostasis, binds to vitamin D receptors on cardiac myocytes, and has antioxidant properties that may reduce levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the atria, which contribute to inflammation and proarrhythmic substrate formation.
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - February 10, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Joseph Thompson, Rynda Nitiahpapand, Prashan Bhatti, Antonios Kourliouros Tags: Review Source Type: research

Massive Left Ventricular Calcification
94-year-old male presented for follow-up for shortness of breath. He has a history of two episodes of anterior and inferior myocardial infarction (MI) (eight and thirteen years ago) with stent revascularization, ischemic cardiomyopathy, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and stroke. Lab investigation showed normal kidney function and calcium level. Echocardiography showed a reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction of 25%, diastolic dysfunction, severe anteroseptal hypokinesis, otherwise normal LV.
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - April 28, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Anas Alani Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate modulates arrhythmogenic activity and calcium homeostasis of left atrium
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest sustained arrhythmia, and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and mortality. Calcium (Ca2+) overload and oxidative stress are thought to participate in the pathogenesis of AF. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has an antioxidative effect and been shown to be beneficial in promoting cardiovascular health. However, it is not clear if EGCG directly modulates the electrophysiological characteristics and Ca2+ homeostasis of the left atrium (LA).
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - January 13, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Jun-Hei Chang, Shih-Lin Chang, Po-Da Hong, Ping-Nan Chen, Chih-Hsueng Hsu, Yen-Yu Lu, Yao-Chang Chen Source Type: research