Active clinical trials for "Atrial Fibrillation"

Studies in the past have shown that yoga could relieve stress which is the most common trigger for recurrent episodes of atrial fibrillation. Breathing exercises in yoga are found to influence the autonomic nervous system (particularly parasympathetic) and thus reduce palpitations. This study hypothesizes that patients with atrial fibrillation might benefit by practicing yoga. Yoga may also help to better control heart rate and rhythm when used in combination with usual medical management.

The laboratory test, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), has become well established as a marker of inflammation. Recently a high CRP level (indicating an increase in inflammation) was identified as a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. We are conducting this study with patients such as yourself with atrial fibrillation who are planning to undergo cardioversion to determine what sort of relationship exists between CRP levels and atrial fibrillation. We will then look at success rates of converting atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm, compared to patients' CRP levels.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac cause of ischemic stroke. Detecting atrial fibrillation after a stroke or TIA is critical because highly effective secondary stroke prevention therapy is available for individuals who are recognized to have atrial fibrillation. However, atrial fibrillation is likely under-diagnosed after stroke and TIA because atrial fibrillation is often difficult to detect as it is frequently paroxysmal and asymptomatic, and patients do not routinely undergo prolonged screening. The purpose of this study is to determine the diagnostic yield of a novel 30-day cardiac event monitor compared to a repeat 24-hour Holter monitor for detecting occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with a recent ischemic stroke or TIA of undetermined etiology after completion of a standard clinical stroke work-up (including an initial negative Holter monitor.)

About one-third of patients with stroke have no documented cause for the cerebrovascular event (known as cryptogenic strokes). Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of stroke, but when transient (paroxysmal) it may remain undiagnosed. Recent data suggest that occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may be identified in patients with cryptogenic strokes using prolonged ambulatory cardiac rhythm monitors. The investigators designed this study pursuing the following goals: To determine the prevalence of occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke using long-term mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry. To compare this prevalence to that found in a control group with stroke of known, non-cardioembolic cause. To look for clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and imaging data that serve as risk factors for occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke. To examine the utility of mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry, a relatively new diagnostic tool, in the evaluation of patients with cryptogenic stroke.

An alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich diet in the Lyon Heart Study reduced sudden cardiac deaths possibly by reducing cardiac arrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation (Lancet 1994). Since then, there has been a growing interest in ALA as a cardioprotective nutrient. Much of the interest has focused on the potential antiarrhythmic effect of ω-3 fatty acids, especially the longer chain ω-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, derived from fish. We therefore concluded it important to test whether the shorter chain ω-3 vegetable oil ALA also had antiarrhythmic effects, since this might also explain the beneficial effects seen on cardiovascular mortality in the Lyon Heart Study.

This research study is done to find out if genetic make up of a person plays a role in complications and recovery after the Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) operation. As you may be aware, the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a chemical in our body that carries the genetic information. There are common but very small variations (polymorphisms) that occur in DNA. We would like to find out if these common variations put a person at increased risk for developing complications- especially rapid irregular heart beat after the CABG operation.

The objective of this trial is to show the therapeutic efficacy of the preventive pacing therapies of the Selection 9000 and Vitatron T70 DR pacemakers, dedicated to handle atrial fibrillation (AF). Two new algorithms (post-AF response and ventricular rate stabilization [VRS]) will be assessed in a combined pathway, compared to a control group. The efficacy of the overall available therapies to prevent AF and its symptoms will then be assessed also.

Researchers are determining whether the use of the Sentinel cerebral protection device during atrial fibrillation ablation will affect the occurrence of new cerebral infarcts in brain MRI. We are also studying if laboratory tests can be used to predict the rate of cerebral infarction and microbleeds in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures with and without use of the Sentinel Device.

The study is aimed at testing the hypothesis whether atrial fibrillary rate (AFR), as a measure of atrial electrical remodeling assessed from surface ECG, is predictive of sinus rhythm maintenance after electrical cardioversion. Earlier studies performed in a retrospective fashion suggested that high AFR exceeding 350-360 fibrillations per minute is an independent predictor of AF relapse after cardioversion, particularly in patients with duration of AF episode not exceeding 30 days, however this hypothesis has not been tested in a prospective study. CASAF is an observational study that will enroll patients with short duration (< 30 days) AF admitted for electrical cardioversion. Admission ECG will be extracted in a digital format and processed off-line for estimation of AFR. AF relapse will be assessed during 6-weeks long follow-up period during which ECG control will be scheduled at week 1 and 6.

Background: Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disturbance affecting some 1-2% of the western population. It may cause symptoms such as irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It may also be asymptomatic (ie "silent atrial fibrillation). In some cases, atrial fibrillation is permanent whereas in others it is sporadic. Regardless of symptoms, there is an increased risk of stroke in some patients with this condition. Novel technologies are being developed to increase detection of silent atrial fibrillation, in order to find patients who might benefit from treatment with oral anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications) in order to reduce the risk of stroke. One of these technologies is thumb-ECG, a simple way for a patient to have his or her heart rhythm reliably analyzed at home. Hyperthyroidism (sometimes referred to as "toxic goiter") is defined as an excessive production of thyroid hormone. It is known that hyperthyroidism may cause atrial fibrillation in about 8% of cases. Objective: To provide thumb-ECG-monitors to hyperthyroid patients before and after treating their hormonal disturbance, in order to find episodes of silent atrial fibrillation. Design: Prospective observational study. Hypotheses: Primary hypothesis: Silent atrial fibrillation is at least as common as overt atrial fibrillation in hyperthyroid patients. Secondary hypothesis nr 1: Atrial fibrillation continues to be more prevalent compared to the normal population even after hyperthyroidism is treated. Secondary hypothesis nr 2: The majority of patients with hyperthyroidism and atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of stroke and should be considered for treatment with oral anticoagulants.