Two biomarkers linked to the risk of suffering from atrial fibrillation have been discovered by scientists at the University of Navarra (Spain), in collaboration with clinicians from the University Hospital of Donostia. Atrial fibrillation, a cardiac ailment affects more than 33.5 million people in the world.
In the European Union, it is present in 8.8 million people over 55 years of age and, specifically in Spain, it affects more than 4% of the population over 40 years of age. The World Health Organization considers this disease as an epidemic due to its high morbidity and mortality, and a public health problem due to its high prevalence.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation may not be life-threatening in itself but it is important to understand the causes, symptoms and treatments because of the risk of life-threatening complications.
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‘Patients with low blood levels of the CITP/MMP-1 ratio and elevated levels of PICP have a high risk of developing atrial fibrillation and that it recurred after cardiac ablation. ’
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Atrial fibrillation is the most common alteration of the heart rhythm (arrhythmia). It happens when the heart pumps blood in an accelerated and irregular way, thus increasing the risk of suffering a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or other complications related to this organ. Some common causes are heart disease or hormonal changes. It can be treated with medications and procedures, such as cardiac ablation, to correct irregular heart rhythms.
Researchers at Cima, Clínica Universidad de Navarra and the Faculty of Sciences, have discovered that, by analyzing a blood sample, it is possible to predict the appearance of this cardiac ailment. "The alteration of three molecules related to collagen metabolism (CITP, MMP-1, and PICP) determine the risk of suffering atrial fibrillation and the response to its treatment," explains Dr. Javier Díez, director of the Cardiovascular Disease Program at Cima, Head of Research of the Department of Cardiology and co-director of the Department of Nephrology at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra.
![Quiz on Atrial Fibrillation]( "Quiz on Atrial Fibrillation")
Atrial fibrillation is a condition associated with increased heart rate and irregular rhythm, which requires immediate attention. Test your knowledge on atrial fibrillation by taking this quiz.
Advances toward precision medicine
The study was performed in 392 patients, 150 of them treated with cardiac ablation. "The confirmation of these findings can lay the foundations to precisely adjust the most optimal treatment and follow-up for each patient according to these two biomarkers," adds Dr. Díez, also from CIBERCV.
Source: Eurekalert
Quiz on Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a condition associated with increased heart rate and irregular rhythm, which requires immediate attention. Test your knowledge on atrial fibrillation by taking this quiz.
Advertisement
Advances toward precision medicine
The study was performed in 392 patients, 150 of them treated with cardiac ablation. "The confirmation of these findings can lay the foundations to precisely adjust the most optimal treatment and follow-up for each patient according to these two biomarkers," adds Dr. Díez, also from CIBERCV.
Source: Eurekalert
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 Blood Pressure Control Cuts Dementia Risk in Atrial Fibrillation PatientsStrict blood pressure control in midlife can help to prevent atrial fibrillation-associated dementia, said study. | Advertisement
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