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In June 2007 cardiologists at the Mayo Clinic reported the results of a 30-year study carried out to determine the long-term prognosis of lone atrial fibrillation. They concluded that lone afibbers have a very low risk of ischemic stroke and that whatever risk there is (0.2%/year) is due, not to AF as such, but rather to the development of comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart failure. They also concluded that overall survival is not adversely affected by lone AF. This month a group of cardiologists in Serbia released the results of the Belgrade Atrial Fibrillation Study aimed at determining the long-term prognosis for lone AF. This 12-year study, involving 346 newly diagnosed patients, confirmed that lone afibbers have a very low risk of ischemic stroke (0.2%/year) and excellent survival. However, 27% of originally paroxysmal afibbers did progress to permanent AF. Also in this issue we report that blood level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a reliable indicator of how long a patient has been in AF, that a persistent high white blood cell count is a risk factor for the development of AF, that combining radiofrequency ablation with cryoablation substantially reduces the need for repeat procedures, and that the latest trial of dronedarone (Multaq) was halted early due to excess mortality. And finally, if you need to restock your supplements, please remember that by ordering through my on-line vitamin store you will be helping to defray the cost of maintaining the web site and bulletin board. You can find the store at www.afibbers.org/vitamins.htm - your continuing support is truly appreciated. Wishing you lots of NSR, Hans
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