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References		 REFERENCESCaduceus


    1mayoclinic.org, "Atrial Fibrillation," "Other Treatment," 2001.
    2mayoclinic.org, "Heart Rhythm Disorders: Arrhythmias," "Atrial Fibrillation," "Treatment Options," 2001.
    3University of Pennsylvania, "Atrial Fibrillation Educational material," 2001, p. 2. http://www.a-fib.com/PennsylvaniaA-FibEdMaterial.htm
    4mayoclinic.org, "Atrial Fibrillation," "Catheter Ablation," 2001.
    5"Patients and physicians need to understand at the outset that atrial fibrillation is rarely eliminated." Wyndham C. "Atrial Fibrillation The Most Common Arrhythmia." Texas Heart Institute Journal, 2000;27,3, p. 261.
    6Haines D. "Atrial Fibrillation: New Approaches in Management." Un. of Virginia multi-media presentation, 1999, p. 2. http://www.a-fib.com/HainesUnOfVirginiaAtrialFibrillation.htm
    7Haines D. "Atrial Fibrillation: New Approaches in Management." Un. of Virginia multi-media presentation, 1999, p.3. http://www.a-fib.com/HainesUnOfVirginiaAtrialFibrillation.htm
    8Cannom, D. "Atrial Fibrillation: Nonpharmacologic Approaches." American Journal of Cardiology 2000;85: p. 25D
    9Haines D.,  "Atrial Fibrillation: New Approaches in Management." Un. of Virginia multi-media presentation, 1999, p. 4 http://www.a-fib.com/HainesUnOfVirginiaAtrialFibrillation.htm
    10"...pharmacologic conversion is successful in 10 to 30 percent of cases," Falk R. "Atrial Fibrillation." New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 344, No. 14; April 5, 2001, p. 1072.
    11Falk R. "Atrial Fibrillation." New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 344, No. 14; April 5, 2001, p. 1071
    12Haines D., "Atrial Fibrillation: New Approaches in Management." Un. of Virginia multi-media presentation, 1999, p. 4. http://www.a-fib.com/HainesUnOfVirginiaAtrialFibrillation.htm
    13Reiffel J., "Drug choices in the treatment of atrial fibrillation." American Journal of Cardiology May 2000;85, Issue 10, Supplement 1, p. 12.
    14Haines, D. "Atrial Fibrillation: New Approaches in Management." Un. of Virginia multi-media presentation, 1999, p.2. http://www.a-fib.com/HainesUnOfVirginiaAtrialFibrillation.htm
    15Scheinman M. "Nonpharmacological Approaches to Atrial Fibrillation." Circulation. 2001;103:p. 2120
    16"Atrial Fibrillation Educational Material" University of Pennsylvania. 2002, p. 3. http://www.a-fib.com/PennsylvaniaA-FibEdMaterial.htm
    17Haïssaguerre M. "Electrophysiological End Point for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Initiated From Multiple Pulmonary Venous Foci," Circulation. 2000;101:p. 1409.
    18"In the opinion of the author, the best technique currently available for curing paroxysmal AF (assuming it originates from the pulmonary veins) is segmental isolation of the pulmonary veins by discrete applications of radiofrequency energy at the ostia, guided by pulmonary vein potentials." Scheinman M. "Nonpharmacological Approaches to Atrial Fibrillation," Circulation. 2001:103: p. 2120.
    19Prystowsky E. "Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Therapeutic Options and Clinical Decisions,"  The American Journal of Cardiology. Vol. 85 (10A), May 25, 2000, p. 5D.
    20Olsson S. "Atrial fibrillation - where do we stand today?"  Journal of Internal Medicine. 2001;250: p. 19.21Haïssaguerre M. "Successful Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation," Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 5 (1994), pp. 1045-1052.

22Natale A. "First Human Experience With Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using a Through-the-Balloon Circumferential Ultrasound Ablation System for Recurrent
   Atrial Fibrillation," Circulation. 2000;102:pp.1879-1882.
    23Paydek H. "Atrial Fibrillation After Radiofrequency Ablation of Type I Atrial Flutter," Circulation. 1998;98:p.315.
    24Podrid P. "Oral Antiarrhythmic Drugs Used for Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Pharmacology," Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanisms and Management, edited by R. H. Falk and P. J. Podrid, Raven Press, Ltd., New York, 1992: p. 200.
    25Atwood J. "Exercise Hemodynamics of Atrial Fibrillation," Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanisms and Management, 2nd ed., edited by R. H. Falk and P. J. Podrid. Lippincott-Raven Publishers, Philadelphia, 1997: p. 222.
    26Allessie M. "Pathophysiology and Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation," Circulation. 2001;103(5):769.
    27Wyndham C. "Atrial Fibrillation The Most Common Arrhythmia," Texas Heart Institute Journal. Vol 27, Number 3, 2000: p. 261.
    28Brugada R. "Identification of a genetic locus for familial atrial fibrillation," New England Journal of Medicine 1997;336:p. 905-911.
    29Adams Jr. H. "How To Avoid Stroke," The Good Life. Boardroom Inc., 2001, p. 31.
    30Los Angeles Cardiology Associates Web site, "Radiofrequency Ablation," p. 4. http://www.lacard.com
    31Segmental vs. Circumferential Ablation Debate, NASPE Convention, San Diego, CA. May 9, 2002.
    32www.intelihealth.com (by Aetna)/atrial fibrillation/treatment.
    33"Atrial Fibrillation Educational Material," University of Pennsylvania, 2001, p.7 http://www.a-fib.com/PennsylvaniaA-FibEdMaterial.htm "Catheter ablation is a low-risk procedure."
    34Jais, P. "Ablation Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: Past, Present and Future," Cardiovascular Research, Vol. 54, Issue 2, May 2002, P. 343.
    35"...the linear atrial ablation technique (is) more suited for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and structural heart disease." Haines, D. "Atrial Fibrillation: New Approaches in Management." Un. of Virginia multi-media presentation, 1999, p.6.
    37Falk, Rodney H. "Atrial Fibrillation," The New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 344, No. 14, April 5, 2001, p. 1074.
    38"It's imperative that the patient receive anticoagulation before (electro)cardioversion, as well as a month after cardioversion." Haines, D. "Atrial Fibrillation: New Approaches in Management." Un. of Virginia multi-media presentation, 1999, p. 9.
    39Fuster, V. "Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation," the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, Inc. and the European Society of Cardiology, Vol. 38, No 4, 2001, p. 19.
    40Pappone, C. et al. "Atrial electroanatomical remodeling after circumferential radiofrequency pulmonary vein ablation. Efficacy of an anatomic approach in a large cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation." Circulation 2001;104:2539-2544.
    41Jaïs, P. NASPE Convention presentation, San Diego, CA, May 8, 2002.
    42Frost L., et al. "Atrial fibrillation and flutter after coronary artery bypass surgery: epidemiology, risk factors and preventive trials." International Journal of Cardiology. 1992;36:253-262.
    43Coumel P. "Role of the autonomic nervous system in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation." In: Touboul P, Walso AL, eds. Atrial Arrhythmias: Current Concepts and Management. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby-Year Book; 1990:248-261.
    44Allessie, Maurits A. et al. "Pathophysiology and Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation." Circulation. 2001;103:769.
    45Wyse, D. George. "Atrial Fibrillation: The Clinically Relevant Trials and Results." http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/25f9a.htm.
    46New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 336, Number 13, 905, March 27, 1997.
    47Haïssaguerre M et al. "Spontaneous initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating in the pulmonary veins." New England Journal of Medicine. 1998;339;659-666.
     48Chen, SA et al. "Initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating from the pulmonary veins: electrophysiological characteristics, pharmacological responses, and effects of radiofrequency ablation. Circulation. 1999;100:1879-1886.
    49http://www.irondisorders.org/Disorders/ p. 1. and http://ironoverload.org/information/anemia-pt2.html
    50http://www.medicinenet.com/iron_overload/article.htm and  http://www.medicinenet.com/iron_overload/article.htm
    51http://ironoverload.org/information/diagnosis-pt1.html
    52http://www.newcenturynutrition.com/public_html/webzine/
archives/iron_overload.shtml
    53http://www.affacts.org/Reseach/pvi_cath_maze.html
    54"Resting potential (RP) was less negative in PV cardiomyocytes, in association with reduced IK1 currents. PVs had smaller maximum phase 0 upstroke velocity (Vmax) due to Na+-current inactivation by reduced RP. ...IKr and IKs were greater in PV (by ~60% and ~50% respectively), whereas transient outward K+-current (Ito) and L-type Ca2+-current (ICa) were significantly smaller (by ~25% and ~30% respectively)."
    55"...antiarrhythmic drug therapy often becomes less effective over time, with approximately half of the patients eventually developing resistance to them. In addition, antiarrhythmic drugs can have severe side effects, including pulmonary fibrosis and impaired liver function." http://www.cardima.com/patients/options.html
    56"Bottom Line Personal," July 15, 2003, p. 10.
    57http://merck.praxis.md/index.asp?page=bpm_report&article_id=
BPM01CA18&section=report&ss=7 Prognosis section
    58Pappone, Carlo et al. "Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: the Milan Experience," Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Unit of the Department of Cardiology, San Raffaele University Hospital, Milan, Italy. 2003. p. 7. "...the term "electroanatomical remodeling" coined by us derives from the fact that circumferential PV ablation, when effective, determines a significant reduction in LA size and improvement in its transport function during follow-up."
    59"Bottom Line Personal," Vol. 25, Number 4, February 15, 2004. p. 9.
    60Boston A-Fib Symposium presentation, January 17, 2004 "PV Isolation vs. Left Atrial Ablation."
    61 http://www.londonafcentre.co.uk Symptoms, Signs and Risks, citing from the Framingham study.
    62http://www.londonafcentre.co.uk Treatment Options, Drugs.
    63http://www.londonafcentre.co.uk Treatment Options, Catheter Ablation.
    64http://www.rwjuh.edu/medical_services/
min_invasive_atrial_fibrillation.html. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, The Heart Center of New Jersey.
    65http://www.freewebs.com/lasalocid
    66James L. Cox, "The Role of Surgical Intervention in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation," Texas Heart Institute Journal, 2004; 31 (3): 257-265.
    67Garcia-Fernandez, Journal of American College of Cardiology 42:1253-8, 2003
    68Go, "Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) study. Prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation in adults: national implications for rhythm management and stroke prevention." JAMA, 2001:285:2370-2375.
    69Arch Intern Med 1987;147:1561-1564.
    70Feinberg, "Prevalence, age distribution, and gender of patients with atrial fibrillation: analysis and implications." Arch Intern Med 1995;155:469-473.
    71Go, "Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) study. Prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation in adults: national implications for rhythm management and stroke prevention." JAMA, 2001:285:2370-2375.
    72Feinberg, "Epidemiological features of asymptomatic cerebral infarction in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation." Arch Intern Med 1990;150:2340-2344.
    73Fuster, "ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation." J Am Coll Cardiol 1002;38:1231-1266.
    74van Walraven, "Oral anticoagulants vs aspirin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation." JAMA 2002;288:2441-2448.
    75Hylek, "Risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage in outpatients taking warfarin." Ann Intern Med 1994 120:897-902.
    76Camm, "Clinical Relevance of Silent Atrial Fibrillation: Prevalence, Prognosis, Quality of Life, and Management." Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 4, 369-382, 2000, p. 373.
    77"...there is a three-fold risk of developing heart failure in the presence of AF." Camm, "Clinical Relevance of Silent Atrial Fibrillation: Prevalence, Prognosis, Quality of Life, and Management." Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 4, 369-382, 2000, p. 376.
    78Camm, "Clinical Relevance of Silent Atrial Fibrillation: Prevalence, Prognosis, Quality of Life, and Management." Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 4, 369-382, 2000, p. 377.
    79"Atrio-esophageal fistula, thus far reported only after circumferential pulmonary vein ablations, may be related to the more extensive ablation lesions applied to the posterior left atrium." Prystowsky, "AF Ablation as First-Line Therapy." Circulation 2005;112:1214-1231, p. 1227.
    80Prystowsky, "Should atrial fibrillation ablation be considered first-line therapy for some patients?" Circulation 2005;112:1214-1231, p. 1228.
    81Ritchie, James "UC doctor rebuked for not divulging financial tie to ArtiCure." Cincinnati Business Courier, December 28, 2005, http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2005/12/26/daily12.html.
    And Armstrong, David "Surgery Journal Threatens Ban For Authors' Hidden Conflicts." The Wall Street Journal, December 28, 2005.
    82Van Wagoner, David "Atrial selective strategies for treating atrial fibrillation." Drug Discovery Today: Therapeutic Strategies Vol 2, No. 3, 2005. "We have detected increased levels of the systemic inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with A-Fib."
    83Wazni, "Radiofrequency ablation vs. antiarrhythmic drugs as first-line treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation: a randomized trial." J. Am. Med. Assoc. 2005:293,2634-2640.
    84Frustaci, A., "Histological substrate of atrial biopsies in patients with lone atrial fibrillation." Circulation 1997;96:1180-1184.
    85Dernellis, J.M., "Relationship between C-reactive protein concentrations during glucorticoid therapy and recurrent atrial fibrillation." Eur. Heart J. 2004;25: 1100-1107.
    86Van Wagoner, David. "Basic mechanisms of atrial fibrillation." Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, Vol. 70, Supplement 3, July, 2003.
    87Packer.
    88Keane, David. "Emerging Concepts on Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation from the Tenth Annual Boston Atrial Fibrillation Symposium." J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. Vol. 16.pp.1025-1028, September 2005.
    89"The tallest patients in a recent study were 32% more likely to have A-Fib than the shortest ones. Doctors estimate that for every six-inch increase in height, the risk for A-Fib increases by 50%." Bottom Line Health, July, 2006, p. 14.
    90 Downey, Brian C. et al. "UpToDate.com" Atrial Fibrillation Causes. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-atrial-fibrillation?source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~10
    91 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05346/621193.stm
    92 Haïssaguerre, et al. "Catheter Ablation of Long-Lasting Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Outcome and Mechanisms of Subsequent Arrhythmias." Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, Vol. 16, November 2005, pp. 1138-47.
Hopital Cardiologique du Haut-Leveque, Bordeaux-Pessac, France. jacques.clementy@pu.u-bordeaux2.fr

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is challenging in patients with long-standing persistent AF. The clinical outcome and subsequent arrhythmia recurrence after using an ablation method targeting multiple left atrial sites with the aim of achieving acute AF termination has not been characterized. METHODS: Sixty patients (mean age: 53 +/- 9 years) with persistent AF (mean duration: 17 +/- 27 months) were prospectively followed after catheter ablation. Catheter ablation targeting the following sites was performed in a random sequence: (i) electrical isolation of all pulmonary veins (PV); (ii) disconnection of other thoracic veins; (iii) atrial ablation at sites possessing complex electrical activity, activation gradients, or short cycle lengths. Finally, linear ablation of the LA roof and mitral isthmus was performed if sinus rhythm was not restored following energy delivery to the above sites. At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation, patients underwent clinical review and 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring to identify asymptomatic arrhythmia. Repeat mapping and catheter ablation was performed in any patient experiencing recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT). Clinical success was defined as the absence of any sustained atrial arrhythmia. RESULTS: AF terminated during ablation in 52 patients (87%). The fluoroscopy and procedural durations were 84 +/- 30 minutes and 264 +/- 77 minutes, respectively. Three months after ablation, sustained ATs were documented in 24 patients (associated with AF in 2). Mapping in 23 patients showed a single AT in 7 while multiple ATs were observed in 16. Macroreentry was confirmed to be due to gaps in the ablation lines, while focal ATs originated from discrete sites or isthmuses near the left atrial appendage, coronary sinus, pulmonary veins, or fossa ovalis; these sites were similar to those at which the greatest impact was observed on the fibrillatory process during the initial ablation procedure. After repeat ablation, at 11 +/- 6 months of follow-up, 57 patients (95%) were in sinus rhythm and 3 developed recurrent AF or AT. All patients in sinus rhythm demonstrated improved exercise capacity and all but 2 had evidence of atrial transport as assessed by Doppler echocardiography (mitral A wave velocity 34 +/- 17 cm/sec) by 6 months. CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation of long-lasting persistent AF associated with acute AF termination achieves medium to long-term restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm in 95% of patients. Arrhythmia recurrence in the majority of patients is AT.
    93Mantovan et al. "Comparison Between Anatomical and Integrated Approaches to Atrial Fibrillation: Adjunctive Role of Electrical Pulmonary Vein Disconnection."Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. Vol. 16, December, 2005. pp. 1293-1297.
    94http://www.medscape.com/pages/editorial/pressreleases/pr-crm-stereotaxis4
    95"Phrenic nerve injury after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: characterization and outcome in a multicenter study." Sacher, Journal of American Cardiology, 2006 Jun 20; 47(12): pp. 2498-503.
    96http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/first-visually-guided-catheter-ablation/story.aspx?guid={7B6E0E64-238B-4E8D-94CB-392793779250}&print=true&dist=printTop
    97 "Atrial reduction plasty Cox maze procedure: extended indications for atrial fibrillation surgery." Bolling, Ann Thorac Surg 2004;77:1282-1287. http://ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/77/4/1282.
    98"Atrial Fibrillation Is Associated With Lower Cognitive Performance in the Framingham Offspring Men." Elias, Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Vol. 15, No. 5 (September-October), 2006: pp. 214-222.
    99"Chronic atrial fibrillation and low cognitive function: Letters to the editor." Rozzini, Stroke 1999;30:109-191.
    100"Atrial fibrillation and dementia in a population-based study: The Rotterdam study." Ott, Stroke 1997;28:316-321.
    101http://www.afibcryoablation.com/cryoablation.asp
    102 Tse et al. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, 2001;5:167-172.
    103Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts by Richard E. Klabunde, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2004. http://www.cvphysiology.com/Arrhythmias/A006.htm
    104"Importance of Geometry and Refractory Period in Sustaining Atrial fibrillation: Testing the Critical Mass Hypotheses." Byrd et al. Circulation 2005; DOI: 10.1161/CirculationAHA.104.526210.
    105Briston-Meyers Squibb Company Medication Guide for Coumadin FDA approved NDA 9218/S-105, p. 13. http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2007/009218s105lblv2.pdf
    106 Gillinov AM, Blackstone EH, et al. "Atrial Fibrillation: Current surgical options and their assessment." Ann. Thorac. Surg. 2002; 74:2210-17.
    107 Blackshear JL, Odell JA. "Appendage obliteration to reduce stroke in cardiac surgical patients with atrial fibrillation." Ann. Thorac. Surg. 1996;61:755-759.
    108http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/406272_3
    109"In fact, those (rate control) drugs, which are quite valuable in achieving ventricular rate control, have not been shown in placebo-controlled studies to restore sinus rhythm." Alpert, Martin A. "Medical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation" Chest 2000;117:1529-1531, http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/117/6/1529
    110 Sopher, Malik and Camm, "Neural Aspects of Atrial Fibrillation," in Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanisms and Management, Falk and Podrid ed., Lippincott and Raven, 1997, p. 159.
    111 "Vagally Mediated Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation--A Patient's View, Victor Thuronyi. http://www.afibbers.org/victor2.html
    112Gorman, Christine, "A Candidate's Racing Heart," TIME, Sunday, Dec. 12, 1999. http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,35831,99.html
    113Los Angeles Times, November 27, 2007, p. A14.
    114Camm, "Stroke in atrial fibrillation: Update on pathology, new antithrombotic therapies, and evolution of procedures and devices." Annals of Medicine, 39:5, 371-391, 2007
    115Turpie, "New oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation." European Heart Journal advanced publication 12/19/07
    116Oral et al: "Risk of Thromboembolic Events After Percutaneous Left Atrial Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation."Circulation 2006;114:759-763.
    117http://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=108&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=39685&item_id=39691
    118http://www.theheart.org/article/876771.do
    119The PAFAC study. Fetsch at al: European Heart Journal, 2005.
    120Singh BN: New England Journal of Medicine 2007;357: 987-999.
    121Wazni OM et al: JAMA 2005; 293:2634-2400.
    122Stabile G et al: European Heart Journal 2006; 27:216-221,
    123Pappone C et al: J Am Coll Cardiol  2006; 48: 2340-47.
    124 A report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.
    Developed in partnership with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS); in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Endorsed and Approved by the governing bodies of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society, the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the Heart Rhythm Society.
    125Calkins H, Brugada J, Packer DL et al. HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for personnel, policy, procedures, and follow-up. Heart Rhythm Society 2007 Scientific Sessions; May 9, 2007: Denver, CO. DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2007.04.005
    126http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568210
    127Gramley, F. J. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2007. 18: 1076-82.
    128Heckbert, Susan. Bottom Line Personal, Vol. 29, Number 16, August 15, 2008, p. 1.
    129 Cigarette Smoking and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: The Rotterdam Study Jan Heeringa, MD; Jan A. Kors, PhD; Albert Hofman, MD, PhD; Frank J.A. van Rooij, DSc; Jacqueline C.M. Witteman, PhD
01/20/2009; American Heart Journal. 2008;156(6):1163-1169. © 2008 Mosby, Inc.
    130 http://www.wolfminimaze.com/physicianinfo.html
    131 Hans Larson, "The AFIB Report." Number 87, March 2009, p. 11.
    132 http://www.lifeextensionvitamins.com/cadico6otco.html
    133 http://www.lifeextensionvitamins.com/cadico8thc.html
    134 http://www.lifeextensionvitamins.com/cadico13thps.html
    135 http://www.lifeextensionvitamins.com/cadico14thvz.html (Sinatra, 1997)
    136 http://www.lifeextensionvitamins.com/cadico9thde.html
    137 http://www.lifeextensionvitamins.com/cadico11thh.html
    138 Steinberg JS et al. "Value of the P-wave signal-averaged ECG for predicting atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery." Circulation, Vol. 88, 2618-2622, 1993.
    139  http://www.theheart.org/article/966981.do
    140 Furberg CD et al. "Prevalence of atrial fibrillation in elderly subjects (the Cardiovascular Health Study)." Am J Cardiol. 1994; 74: 236-241.
    141 Abdon NJ et al. "Is occult atrial disorder a frequent cause of non-hemorrhagic stroke? Long term ECG in 86 patients." Stroke. 1982; 13: 832-837.
    142 Schuchert A et al. "Impact of long-term ECG recording on the detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients after acute ischemic stroke." Pacing Clin Electrophyiol. 1999' 22" 1082-1084.
    143 Rashid, Abdul et al. "The effects of caffeine on the inducibility of Atrial fibrillation." J Electrocardiol. 2006 October, 39(4): 421-425. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2257921
    144 http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/501279?src=search
    145 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/81/3/539
    146 Nelson, Bryn. "Places In The Heart," NYU Physician. Spring, 2009, p. 8.
    147 Paluska SA. "Caffeine and exercise." Curr Sports Med Rep 2003;2:213-9
    148 Myers MG. "Caffeine and cardiac arrhythmias." Ann Intern Med 1991;114:147-        
    150 Damiano, Jr., RJ. "What Is the Best Way to Surgically Eliminate the Left Atrial Appendage?" Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2008, Sept. 9; Vol. 52, No. 11:930-1.
    151 http://www.prweb.com/printer/2396634.htm
    152 Unda #8. Cardiovascular, Heart Meridian
    This remedy is indicated for conditions affecting the arterial and venous circulation, such as angina pectoris, disorders of venous circulation (varices, phleda 8 acts profoundly on the pericardium and also provides deep angiocardiac drainage. Because it has a deep action on the heart, it is effective in all pathologies of cardiac function, both arterial and venous.
 bitis), hemorrhoids, obliterative arteritis and arteriosclerosis.
    Un
Formula # Achillea millefolium (Yarrow).......4 X
# Cactus grandiflorus (Night Blooming Cereus).......4 X
# Crataegus oxyacantha (Hawthorn).......4 X
# Equisetum arvense (Horsetail).......4 X
# Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel).......4 X
# Mercurialis perennis (Dog Mercury).......4 X
# Thlaspi bursa-pastoris (Shepherd's Purse).......4 X
# Cuprum metallicum (Copper).......12 X
* Contains 25% alcohol

Recommended Dosage Adults: 5 drops three times daily.
Acute conditions: 5 drops six times daily.
Children under 12: 3 to 5 drops three times daily.
    153 Cardiovascular Insufficiencies
    Unda 248 is the most important remedy for the arterial circulation, due to its ability to affect arterial elimination. This remedy is indicated for conditions such as cardiac insufficiency, arrythmia, extrasystole, tachycardia, disturbances of the aortic circulation, and arterial congestion. N.B. This remedy should always be used in combination with Unda 8 (its complementary remedy on the level of circulation and blood).

Formula
* Crataegus oxyacantha (Hawthorn) 4 X
* Magnolia glauca (Sweet Magnolia) 4 X
* Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) 4 X
* Strophanthus gratus (Strophanthus) 4 X

Recommended Dosage
Adults: 5 drops three times daily.
Acute conditions: 5 drops six times daily.
Children under 12: 3 to 5 drops three times daily.
    154 http://www.elements4health.com/breakthrough-study-links-heart-disorder-and-alzheimers.html
    155 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_K
    156 Eby, George et al. "Elimination of cardiac arrhythmias using oral taurine with L-arginine with case histories: Hypothesis for nitric oxide stabilization of the sinus node." Medical Hypotheses. Elsevier Ltd. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2006.04.055. http://george-eby-research.com/html/taurine-l-arginine-arrhythmias.pdf
    157 "Screening and Management of Amiodarone Toxicity" Heist & Ruskin, Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, p. 6.
    158 http://www.theheart.org/article/998617.do
    159 MediFocus Guide "Atrial Fibrillation." #CR004, July 10, 2009. p.38.
    160 MidiFocus Guide "Atrial Fibrillation." #CR004m July 10, 2009. p. 40.
    161 Un. of Utah Health Sciences, Atrial Fibrillation FAQ, What is Atrial Fibrillation, Risks.     http://www.healthsciences.utah.edu/carma/Atrial_Fibrillation_FAQ.html
    162 Dr. Dhiraj Gupta, Heart Rhythm Specialist, "AF: Ablation or Drugs" http://www.heartrhythmspecialist.co.uk/Heartrhythmspecialist.co.uk/AF__Ablation_or_drugs.html
    163

Bunch, J. J., Weiss, P. P., & Crandall, B. G. et al. Atrial fibrillation is independently associated with senile, vascular, and alzheimer's dementia. Heart rhythm, 2010:7 (4), 433-437. URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2009.12.004

164 http://www.caifl.com/atrial-fibrillation.html "AF can also cause a fast pulse rate for a prolonged period, which can weaken the ventricular heart muscle over time, and lead to heart failure."
    165 http://www.skillstat.com/heartscape/chambers.htm "Atrial kick - the contraction of the atria prior to the contraction of the ventricle accounts for more volume (1/3 more) to the ventricle and more muscle stretch. With Starling's Law at play, atrial kick accounts for 15-30% of blood ejected. Note that the older one becomes, the higher the percentage owed to atrial kick. For example, for the elderly with only quivering atria - atrial fibrillation - they are often more effected because as much as a third of their blood supply to ALL of their cells has been eliminated."
    166 ACC/AHA/ESC. 2006 "Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation." Circulation, 2006;114:700-752. The mortality rate of patients with A-Fib is about double that of patients with normal sinus rhythm and is linked to the severity of underlying heart disease. 
    167http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/strokeaha;28/2/311
    168http://www.loftusmd.com/Articles/stroke/atrialfibrillation.html
    169 Marrouche, Nassir F. et al. Circulation, 2009; 119; 1758-1767.
    170 http://www.stopafib.org/newsitem.cfm/NEWSID/120
    171 Bunch, TJ et al. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2009 Sept;20(9):988-93.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19473299
    172 Macle, L et al. "Radiation Exposure During Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation." Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology, March 28, 2003. Volume 26, Issue 1p2, Pages 288-291.
    173 http://www.unscear.org/docs/reports/gareport.pdf
    174 H. Calkins et al. "Radiation exposure during radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory atrioventricular connections." Circulation, Vol. 84, 2376-2382, 1991.
    175 Shapira, Adam R., "Catheter Ablation of Supraventricular Arrhythmias and Atrial Fibrillation." American Family Physician, November 15, 2009, p. 1089. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1115/p1089.html
    176 Efstathopoulos et al. "Patient and staff radiation dosimetry during cardiac electrophysiology studies and catheter ablation procedures: a comprehensive analysis." Europace (The European Society of Cardiology), 2006 8(6): 443-448; doi:10.1093/europace/eul041
    177 "Better heart care for women," Bottom Line Health. May, 2010, p. 13.
    178 Dabek, J. et al. "Cardioversion and atrial stunning," Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2007 Mar;22(129):224-8. PMID: 17682682 (PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE)
    179 Grimm RA et al. "Impact of electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation on left atrial appendage function and spontaneous echo contrast: characterization by simultaneous transesophageal echocardiography." J Am Coll Cardiol. 1993 Nov 1;22(5):1359-66. PMID 8227792
    180 Vander Hofft CS et al. "Corticosteroids and the risk of atrial fibrillation." Arch Intern Med 2006; 165:1016-1020.
    181 Day JD et al. "Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia." Heart Rhythm Society 2010 Scientific Sessions; May 13, 2010; Denver, CO
    182 Day JD et al. "Atrial Fibrillation significantly reduces long-term mortality and strokes in a large patient population." Heart Rhythm Society 2010 Scientific Sessions; May 14, 2010; Denver, CO.
    183 Camm AJ, et al. "Clinical efficacy and safety of vernakalant compared with amiodarone for intravenous conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation." Heart Rhythm Society 2010 Scientific Sessions; May 14, 2010; Denver, CO.
    184 Whitaker, Julian. Health and Healing Special Welcome Report. "If You Have a Heart Attack, Demand Magnesium." 2010, p. 4.
    185 Whitaker, Julian. Health Encyclopedia CD-ROM. p.4.
    186 Jacob, Elliot. MEDIFOCUS Atrial Fibrillation, "Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in People with Atrial Fibrillation." 2009, p. 3.
    187 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, P.5. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    188 Knox, Kerri. FACT (moderator@gordonresearch.com). Atrial Fibrillation responses. A2: http://www.easy-immune-health.com/atrial-fibrillation-cause.html
    189 Dietch, Daniel et al. "Magnesium is underused in acute atrial fibrillation." BMJ 1996;312:1101 (27 April). http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/312/7038/1101/b
    190 Davis, William. "Is Your Bottled Water Killing You?" Life Extension Magazine, February 2007. http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/feb2007_report_water_02.htm
    191 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, p.8. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    192 Burgess, Jackie. FACT (moderator@gordonresearch.com). Atrial Fibrillation responses. A1: http://www.easy-immune-health.com/atrial-fibrillation-cause.html
    193 Berkelhammer, C, Baer, RA "A clinical approach to common electrolyte problems:*4. Hypomagnesemia" http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1345822
    194 Van Wagoner, David R. J Mol Cell Cardiol 32, 1763-66 (2000) doi: 1006/jmcc.2000. 1224.
    195 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July, 2010, p. 12. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    196 Natale, Andrea and Jalife, "Atrial Fibrillation: From Bench to Bedside," Pp. 103-4. http://tinyurl.com/29sclh3.
    197 Sinatra, Stephen J., "The Sinatra Solution Metabolic Cardiology." Basic Health Publications, 2008, p. 162.
    198 Baca, Esaias I. FACT (moderator@gordonresearch.com). Atrial Fibrillation responses. A10: http://www.easy-immune-health.com/atrial-fibrillation-cause.html
    199 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenzyme_Q10
    200 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, p. 3. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    201 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, p. 14. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    202 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, p. 5. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    203 Sinatra, Stephen J., "The Sinatra Solution Metabolic Cardiology." Basic Health Publications, 2008, Ch. 4.
    204 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, p. 17. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    205 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, p. 20. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    206 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, p. 21. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    207 Han, F.T. et al. Heart Rhythm, "Minimally invasive surgical atrial fibrillation ablation: Patient selection and results." Vol 6, No 12S, December Supplement 2009, P. 575.
    208 Kron, J. et al. Heart Rhythm, "Management of Recurrent Atrial Arrhythmias After Minimally Invasive Surgical Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Ganglionic Plexi Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation." Vo. 7, No 4, April 2010, p. 445-451.
    209 Ho, C Y et al. "Myocardial fibrosis as an early manifestation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." N Engl J Med 2010; 363:552-563
    210 http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/494006_2
    211 Larsen, Hans. The AFIB Report. "Paroxysmal (Lone) Atrial Fibrillation Frequently Asked Questions, Q: Are there different types of LAF? http://www.afibbers.org/faq.htm
    212 Nayab Ali, "Conversion of Atrial Flutter to sinus rhythm by carotid sinus pressure." Journal of the National Medical Association, Vol. 74, NO. 8, 1982.
    213 Stiles, Steve, "Atrial Fibrillation? Don't blame caffeine, says Women's Health Study." TheHeart.org. August 20, 2010. http://www.theheart.org/article/1111677.do
    214 Takahashi Y et al. "How to interpret and identify pulmonary vein recordings with the Lasso catheter." Heart Rhythm 2006;3:748-750.
Back to Top (Last updated 8/9/2010)
    215 http://www.theheart.org/article/1108009.do Dr. John Schindler (Un. of Pittsburgh Medical Center)
    216 Blatner, DJ. "Does Calcium Hurt Your Heart?" Bottom Line Health Volume 24 Number 10, October 2010, p. 7-9.
    217 Reid, Ian. "Calcium supplements can raise heart attack risk." Bottom Line Personal, Volume 31, Number 19, October 1, 2010, p.1.
    218 Sahelian, Ray. "Atrial Fibrillation treatment with natural supplements, diet and food. Prevention and Natural treatment." p. 4. http://www.raysahelian.com/atrialfibrillation.html
    219 http://www.afibbers.org/afib103jh.pdf
Larson, Hans. The AFIB Report. "Flutter ablation may unmask AF" Number 103, October, 2010. p. 6.
Navarrete, A. et al. "Ablation of atrial fibrillation at the time of cavotricuspid isthmus ablation in patients with atrial flutter without documented atrial fibrillation derives a better long-term benefit." Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, July 19, 2010 (Epub ahead of print)
    220 Maugh II, Thomas H. "New drugs may replace problematic blood thinner." Los Angeles Times, Tuesday, November 16, 2010, p. A12.
    221 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3363526
    222 http://www.springerlink.com/content/k4r664m2lu466666
    223 http://books.google.com/books?id=TQV6sLzYsOYC&pg=PA532&lpg=PA532&dq=Dabigatran+irreversible&source=bl&ots=nPYkOIN6L-&sig=K8miaX_wtyqjzQsYMd6ULuoIScg&hl=en&ei=3n71TK_7AoeqsAPToqScDw&sa=X&oi=book_
result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ6AE
wAA#v=onepage&q=Dabigatran%20irreversible&f=false
    224 "When the heart gets out of step - Newly identified gene may open route to innovative treatments for atrial
fibrillation..." Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, 02/21/2010.
http://www.disabled-world.com/health/cardiovascular/irregular-heartbeat.ph
    225 Jessurun, G. and Crijns, H. "Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity---Dose and duration of treatment are not the only determinants of toxicity." BMJ, 1997, Volume 314, Number 7081, 619.
http://www.bmj.com/content/314/7081/619.full
    226 http://www.theheart.org/article/1142899.do
    227  Conen D, Tedrow UB, Cook NR, Moorthy MV, Buring JE, Albert CM (December 2008).
"Alcohol consumption and risk of incident atrial fibrillation in women". JAMA 300 (21): 2489–96.
doi:10.1001/jama.2008.755. PMID 19050192. PMC 2630715. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/300/21/2489.
    228 http://www.chelationtherapyonline.com/anatomy/p60.htm
   229 http://www.washingtonhra.com/41.html Dr. Pirooz Mofrad
   230 http://www.stopafib.org/newsitem.cfm/NEWSID/260/Dr.%20Nassir%20Marrouche%20video/personalized%20atrial%20fibrillation%20treatment%20through
   231 http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugSafetyNewsletter/ucm142889.htm
    232 http://gadolinium-side-effects.net/
    233 http://ezinearticles.com/?Gadolinium-Side-Effects&id=643203
   234 Burkhardt & Natale. "New Technologies in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation," Circulation. 2009;120:1533-1541. http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/120/15/1533?eaf
    235 Andy C. Kiser, MD., FirstHealth Arrhythmia Center, Pinehurst, NC. http://www.convergentprocedure.com/total-solution.htm  
    236 Andy C. Kiser, MD. FirstHealth Arrhythmia Center, Pinehurst, NC.
http://www.convergentprocedure.com/faq.htm
    237 Andy C. Kiser, MD. FirstHealth Arrhythmia Center, Pinehurst, NC.
http://www.uncheartandvascular.org/index.php?d=7&p=105
    238 http://www.nmh.org./nm/af+treatments-hybrid+maze+procedure
    239 http://www.theheart.org/article/877315.do
    240 Whitaker, Julian. Health and Healing, March 2011, Vol. 21, No. 3, P. 3.
    241 Larson, Hans. The AFIB Report. Number 85. December 2008/January 2009, p. 26-8.
     242 Kuck, K et at. "Cryoballoon Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation" J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol Vol. 21, pp. 1427-1431, December 2010. 
    243 Cappato R et al. "Updated worldwide survey on the methods, efficacy, and safety of catheter ablation for human atrial fibrillation." Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. 2010: 3:32-38. "When analyzed in a large number of electrophysiology laboratories worldwide, catheter ablation of AF shows to be effective in approximately 80% of patients after 1.3 procedures per patient, with approximately 70% of them not requiring further antiarrhythmic drugs during intermediate follow-up."
    244 Savelieva J, Camm J. "Complications in the Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation;" by Takahashi, A. et al. Circ J. Vol. 73. 221-226 (2009) PMID: 18383050
    245 Poli D,  et al "Gender differences in stroke risk of atrial fibrillation patients on oral anticoagulant treatment." J. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010 Feb;139(2);326-32.
    246 Cui YQ et al. "Video-assisted minimally invasive surgery for lone atrial fibrillation: a clinical report of 81 cases." Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 1 February 2010 (volume 139, issue 2, Pages 326-332.
    247 Gillespie, W. "Carvedilol Shown To Have Unique Characteristics Among Beta Blockers." Circulation Research. November 23, 2009.  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171826.php
    248 Calkins, H. and Berger, R. "Atrial Fibrillation The Latest Management Strategies." The Johns Hopkins Medicine Library, p. 9.
    249  Calkins, H. and Berger, R. "Atrial Fibrillation The Latest Management Strategies." The Johns Hopkins Medicine Library, p. 10.
    250 Calkins, H. and Berger, R. "Atrial Fibrillation The Latest Management Strategies." The Johns Hopkins Medicine Library, p. 11.
    251 Calkins, H. and Berger, R. "Atrial Fibrillation The Latest Management Strategies." The Johns Hopkins Medicine Library, p. 12.
    252 Calkins, H. and Berger, R. "Atrial Fibrillation The Latest Management Strategies." The Johns Hopkins Medicine Library, p. 40.
    253 Huxley, RR et al. "Absolute and attributable risks of AF in relation to optimal and borderline risk factors. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study." Circulation. 2011;DOI:10.1161.
http://www.theheart.org/article/1203131.do
    254 Bahnson, Tristram D. "Strategies to Minimize the Risk of Esophageal Injury During Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation." Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology, 2009;32(2):248-260.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/587908?src=emailthis
    255 Cohen, Todd J. "A Patient's Guide to Heart Rhythm Problems." A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. 2010, p. 36. Mini-Maze surgeries "usually have significant risks compared with catheter-based electrophysiology procedures such as catheter ablation."
    256 Rosengren A. et al. "Big men and atrial fibrillation: effects of body size and weight gain on risk of atrial fibrillation in men." Eur Heart J 2009; DOI:10.1093/eurheart/ehp084.
http://www.theheart.org/article/961447/print.do
    257  Hondo T. et al. "The Role of the left atrial appendage. A volume loading study in open-chest dogs." Jpn Heart J 1995 Mar;36(2):225-34.
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7596042
    258 Jeevanantham, V et al. "Meta-analysis of the effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation on left atrial size, volumes and function in patients with atrial fibrillation." Am J Cardiol. 2010 May 1;105(9):1317-26.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20403486?dopt+Abstract
    259 Hsu, Li-Fern et al. "Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Congestive Heart Failure." N Eng J Med 2004; 351:2373-2383 December 2, 2004.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa041018
    260 http://www.swhlegal.com/data/public/documents/Surgical-Device-Firms-3-11-10-62853-1.pdf
    261 http://www.massdevice.com/news/update-atricure-finalizes-settlement-federal-whistleblower-case The case is United States of America ex rel. Doe v. AtriCure Inc., case number 4:07-cv-02702, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
    262 http://www.law360.com/topnews/articles/147319/atricure-settles-medicare-fraud-claims-for-3-8m
    263 Presentation at the Western Atrial Fibrillation Symposium 2/26/11.
    264 http://www.stopafib.org/newsitem.cfm/NEWSID/317/fibrosis from atrial remodeling/atrial fibrillation stroke risk
    265 Kruyer, W. and Fox, K. "Clinical Practice Guideline for ATRIAL FIBRILLATION and ATRIAL FLUTTER" Developed for the Aerospace Medical Association by their constituent organization American Society of Aerospace Medicine Specialists
http://www.asams.org/guidelines/Completed/NEW%20Atrial%20Fibrillation.htm
    266 http://www.hrsonline.org/Membership/Join/Fellow.cfm
   267 "What is osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic medicine: The difference between a D.O. and an M.D." Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine webpage. Published 2010. http://www.dmu.edu/com/do/osteopathic. Accessed May 14, 2011.
    268 Damiano, Ralph. Presentation at the 2009 Boston A-Fib Symposium.
    269 Schouchoff, Barbara. "Surgical Approaches for Atrial Fibrillation." Critical Care Nursing Quarterly July/September 2007, Volume 30, Number 3, Pages 233-242.
http://www.afibmaze.com/p4.html
    270 Andy C. Kiser, MD., FirstHealth Arrhythmia Center, Pinehurst, NC. http://www.convergentprocedure.com/total-solution.htm
    271 Ibid.
    272 Karjalainen, J. et al. "Lone atrial fibrillation in vigorously exercising middle aged men: case control study." British Medical Journal. 1998 June 13; 316(7147): 1784-1785.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC28577/
    273 "RECORD AF: Better Success with Rhythm Control, but No Difference in Outcomes." Theheart.org: Trusted Cardiology News and Opinions. Web. 08 July 2011. <http://www.theheart.org/article/1023939.do>.
    274 http://www.londonafcentre.co.uk/atrial_fibrillation_treatment/
    275 "Beta Blocker Sexual Side Effects." Senior Health Home Page. Web. 10 July 2011. <http://senior-health.emedtv.com/beta-blockers/beta-blocker-sexual-side-effects.html
    276 "Magnesium helps maintain a normal heart rhythm and is sometimes given intravenously (IV) in the hospital to reduce the chance of atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)."  http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/magnesium-000313.htm
    277 "Intravenous magnesium, compared with placebo or control, is effective in preventing postoperative AF." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18547499
    278 "Numerous studies have shown a correlation between magnesium deficiency and changes in calcium-, potassium-, and phosphate-homeostasis, which are associated with cardiac disorders such as ventricular arrhythmias that cannot be treated by conventional therapy," http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/60245
    279 "Be conscious of the calcium:magnesium balance in your diet and supplement program. Too much of either can exacerbate the deficit of the other. Also, when low in magnesium status, extra calcium is contra-indicated until magnesium status is replenished." http://www.centerformaged.org/index.php?page=Correcting+Your+Magnesium+Deficiency
    280 http://www.theheart.org/article/1254325.do?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=20110720_EN_Heartwire
    281 Franklin, Barry A., William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI. "BETA-BLOCKERS" Bottom Line Health, Volume 25, Number 8, August 2011, p. 14.
    282 "Some researchers speculate that calcium supplements may increase heart disease risk by interfering with the absorption or utilization of magnesium, a mineral that is known to prevent heart disease. If that is the case, then taking magnesium along with calcium...would by expected to prevent any possible adverse effect of calcium on the heart." Gaby, Alan R., "Are You Overdosing on Supplements?" Bottom Line Health. Volume 25, Number 8, August 2011, p. 9.
    283 "Catheter ablation can successfully cure AF (A-Fib) in up to 80% of patients and reduce mortality by more than 50%." "Over time, AF (A-Fib) is also associated with an increased risk of death." Atrial Fibrillation Association "Information Toolkit" CD, Atrial Fibrillation Patient Information.
    284 Rose, Robert A. et al. "Iron-Overload Decreases Cav1.3-dependent L-type Ca2+ Currents  Leading to Bradycardia, Altered Electrical Conduction and Atrial Fibrillation." American Heart Association, 2011.
http://circep.ahajournals.org/content/early/2011/07/11/CIRCEP.110.960401.abstract
    285 "Catheter ablation is a low-risk procedure." University of Pennsylvania, "Atrial Fibrillation Educational material," 2001, p. 7. http://www.a-fib.com/PennsylvaniaA-FibEdMaterial.htm
    286

Heart 1999;82:547-554 doi:10.1136/hrt.82.5.547 Left atrial appendage: structure, function, and role in thromboembolism
  1. N M Al-Saady,
  2. O A Obel,
  3. A J Camm

    287 Widmaier, Eric P.; Hershel Raff, Kevin T. Strang (2008). Vander's Human Physiology, 11th Ed.. McGraw-Hill. pp. 291, 509–10. ISBN 978-0-07-304962-5. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_natriuretic_peptide
    288 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, p. 22. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    289 Burgess, Jackie. "THE STRATEGY - WHAT METABOLIC CARDIOLOGY MEANS TO AFIBBERS," July 2010, p. 23. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
    290 AtriCure's AtriClip system receives FDA 510(k) clearance (press release). June 14, 2010.  http://www.theheart.org/article/1089215.do
    291 Hughes, Sue. "AtriClip for left atrial appendage occlusion approved in US." June 18, 2010.
http://www.theheart.org/article/1089215.do
    292 AtriCure 510(k) K093679 Summary http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf9/K093679.pdf
    293  Damiano, Jr, Ralph J and Bailey, Marci. "The Cox-Maze IV procedure for lone atrial fibrillation." MULTIMEDIA MANUAL OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY. MMCTS (July 23, 2007). doi:10.1510/mmcts.2007.002758 http://mmcts.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/2007/0723/mmcts.2007.002758
    294 Connolly, S.J. et al. "Dabigatran versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation." N Engl J Med 2009;361:1139-51.
    295 Chatterjee, S. et al. "Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Lessons Learned From Surgical and Transcatheter Experiences." Ann Thorac Surg 2011;92:2283-92. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.08.044
    296 Go, A.S. et al. "Prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation in adults. National implications for rhythm management and stroke prevention: the Anticoagulant and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) Study." JAMA 2002;285:2370-2375.
    297 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Multiple Cause of Death File 1999-2004. CDC WONDER. Series 20 No. 2J, 2007. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10.html on Sep. 25, 2009.
    298 Johnston, S.S. et al. "Treating atrial fibrillation patients costs U.S. $26 billion annually." American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report. May 3, 2011AHA http://newsroom.heart.org/pr/aha/1329.aspx
    299 http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/catheter-ablation-for-a-fast-heart-rate Wednesday, December 14, 2011
    300 Jais, P. et. al "Ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) Past, present and future"  Cardiovascular Research Vol. 54, Issue 2, pp. 337-346.  http://cardiovascres.oxfordjournals.org/content/54/2/337.abstract?sid=ad903e5c-bfbf-4720-8651-262b35547ac5 
    301 US Food and Drug Administration. "AtriCure Synergy Ablation System - P100046" December 15, 2011. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DeviceApprovalsandClearances/Recently-ApprovedDevices/ucm284063.htm
    302 Borsama, L.V.A. et al. "Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation Versus Surgical Ablation Treatment (FAST)." CIRCULATION. 111.074047 Published online before print November 14, 2011.
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2011/11/13/CIRCULATIONAHA.111.074047.full.pdf
    303 Understanding Atrial Fibrillation---Diagnosis, Management and follow-up. University of Utah Health Care brochure. p. 8.
Download at http://healthcare.utah.edu/cardiovascular/cardiology/atrialfibrillation.php
    304 Kidney Disease GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) Relates to Recurrence After Cardioversion and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) was associated with A-Fib in adults
    305 Capucci, A et al. “Monitored Atrial Fibrillation Duration Predicts Arterial Embolic Events in Patients Suffering From Bradycardia and Atrial Fibrillation Implanted With Antitachycardia Pacemakers” Journal of the American College of Cardiology Volume 46, Issue 10, 15 November 2005, Pages 1913–1920
    306 Kasper, Edward K., MD. The Johns Hopkins Hospital, "How to Save Your Life If You Have Heart Failure." Bottom Line Health, May, 2012, p. 9.
    307 http://www.myfastheartbeatjax.com/cardiac-ablation/arrhythmia-treatment-success-story/index.html
    308 Mandrola, John "Choosing wisely: The electrophysiology list of five don'ts." http://blogs.theheart.org/trials-and-fibrillations-with-dr-john-mandrola/2012/4/9/choosing-wisely
    309 Crayhon, Robert. The Carnitine Miracle. Rowman & Littlefield, 2001




 

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