Treat AFib ‘Diagnosed’ by Smartwatch? | Impact Factor

madman · May 25, 2025

We discuss a fascinating case: a 77-year-old man diagnosed with AFib using traditional methods, compared to how this condition is now often identified through smartwatch notifications. This shift raises important questions about the implications of early detection of subclinical AFib — a state where patients are often asymptomatic.

Key Topics Explored:

* The evolution of AFib diagnosis: from symptoms to smartwatch alerts

* The risks and benefits of anticoagulant treatment for subclinical AFib

* Insightful findings from the ARTESIA and NOAH-AFNET 6 randomized trials

* Innovative research that compares quality of life outcomes for patients with and without treatment

* The ethical implications of direct-to-consumer health monitoring and its influence on patient care

With data suggesting that treatment may yield minimal benefits in quality of life while posing real risks, we delve deep into the complexities of making informed medical decisions in this new landscape.

madman · May 25, 2025

Post in thread 'Fluoroless Pulsed Field Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation'

Feb 15, 2025

New Procedures Offer Alternatives to Long-Term Blood Thinners for AFib Patients

Doctors in Maine are using American Heart Month to raise awareness about new treatments that could reduce the need for long-term medications for atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is an irregular heart rhythm that increases the risk of blood clots, strokes, and other heart complications.

Pulsed Field Ablation: A Safer Alternative

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) was the first in the state to offer pulsed field ablation...

Thread 'Central Maine Medical Center first in state to offer atrial fibrillation procedure'

Feb 15, 2025

Central Maine Medical Center's Heart and Vascular Institute offers pulsed field ablation and left atrial appendage closure procedures.

Thread 'Atrial Fibrillation: Guideline Update for Primary Care'

Apr 27, 2024

I'm Dr Neil Skolnik. Today we are going to talk about the 2023 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is common and is often first identified in the primary care office. AF substantially increases the risk for stroke, dementia, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.

When AF is detected, three areas of care need to be addressed: symptoms, stroke risk, and modifiable lifestyle factors. Patients with AF should have an echocardiogram done as well as laboratory tests (CBC, CMP...