0000000000709044
AUTHOR
Dominik Linz
Device Therapy for Rate Control: Pacing, Resynchronisation and AV Node Ablation
Atrioventricular node ablation (AVNA) is generally reserved for patients whose atrial fibrillation (AF) is refractory all other therapeutic options, since the recipients will often become pacemaker dependent. In such patients, this approach may prove particularly useful, especially if a tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is suspected. Historically, an "ablate and pace" approach has involved AVNA and right ventricular pacing, with or without an atrial lead. There is also an evolving role for atrioventricular node ablation in patients with AF who require cardiac resynchronisation therapy for treatment of systolic heart failure. A mortality benefit over pharmacotherapy has been demonstrated in…
Gut microbiome and atrial fibrillation - results from a large population-based study
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important heart rhythm disorder in aging populations. The gut microbiome composition has been previously related to cardiovascular disease risk factors. Whether the gut microbial profile is also associated with the risk of AF remains unknown. Methods We examined the associations of prevalent and incident AF with gut microbiota in the FINRISK 2002 study, a random population sample of 6763 individuals. We replicated our findings in an independent case–control cohort of 138 individuals in Hamburg, Germany. Findings Multivariable-adjusted regression models revealed that prevalent AF (N = 116) was associated with nine microbial genera. Incident AF (N = 5…