Top arrhythmia news of 2019: Wearable devices show promise, EP training, approvals and more
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Healio and Cardiology Today present the most-read articles on arrhythmia disorders published in 2019. In no particular order, Healio readers were most interested in results of the Apple Heart Study, the impact of wearable technologies on cardiology care, a Commentary that tackles the recent decline in the number of cardiology fellows who have chosen to pursue advanced training in cardiac electrophysiology and more.
Apple Heart Study forms ‘solid foundation’ for AF detection via smartwatch Anticipated results of the Apple Heart Study, which evaluated how well a smartwatch can identify and prompt subsequent clinical evaluation, were presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session. Read more
Wearable devices and the revolution of cardiology via continuous care, remote monitoring
Wearable technology, including wrist-worn smartwatches and fitness monitors, is no longer the “future” of medicine. The use of wearable technologies and the potential in cardiology has become an intense topic of discussion in recent years. The Cardiology Today August 2019 Cover Story focuses on recent advances and reaction from leading cardiologists. Read more
Electrophysiology training in crisis
In a recent Commentary, Peter R. Kowey, MD, FACC, FAHA, FHRS; Victoria M. Robinson, MBChB, MRCP, and Douglas Esberg, MD, FACC, FHRS, with Lankensau Medical Center, discuss the recent decline in the number of cardiology fellows who have chosen to pursue advanced training in cardiac electrophysiology. The authors address intellectual development, limited academic activity, occupational hazards and ideas to restructure fellowship. Read more
Catheter ablation for AF: Debate continues over benefit
The debate on the use of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation has intensified among cardiologists after results of the anticipated CABANA trial demonstrated that the procedure conferred better outcomes in patients with AF compared with medical therapy in per-protocol and on-treatment analyses, but not in an intention-to-treat analysis. The Cardiology Today October 2019 Cover Story presents perspective from leading cardiologists on this issue. Read more
TREAT-AF: Vagus nerve stimulation reduces AF burden
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve reduced atrial fibrillation burden compared with a sham procedure, researchers from the TREAT-AF study reported. Read more
Children exposed to secondhand smoke at home at greater risk for AF
Children who were exposed to secondhand smoke by a parent not only had a significantly higher risk for developing atrial fibrillation but also were more likely to begin smoking themselves. Read more
Second-generation antidote for two direct oral anticoagulants approved
In January 2019, Portola Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA approved its Prior Approval Supplement for the second generation of andexanet alfa, allowing for its broad commercial launch in the U.S. Read more
FDA approves first generic versions of apixaban
The FDA announced it approved two applications for the first generic versions of apixaban tablets to reduce risk for stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Read more
Good oral hygiene may lower risk for HF, AF
Patients with improved oral hygiene had a lower risk for atrial fibrillation and HF compared with those with poor oral hygiene, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Read more
His-SYNC: His bundle pacing not superior to biventricular pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy
His bundle pacing as first-line therapy did not improve ECG or echocardiographic parameters compared with biventricular pacing in patients with HF requiring cardiac resynchronization therapy, according to the His-SYNC trial presented at the Heart Rhythm Society Annual Scientific Sessions. Read more
Atrial fibrillation more likely with low-carb diet
A diet low in carbohydrates may lead to a greater risk for atrial fibrillation, according to findings presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session. Read more