REFERENCES

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    ⁴mayoclinic.org, "Atrial Fibrillation," "Catheter Ablation," 2001.
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    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.
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    ¹⁵Scheinman M. "Nonpharmacological Approaches to Atrial Fibrillation." Circulation. 2001;103:p. 2120
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    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.
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                Top of Page
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    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.
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    ²⁹Adams Jr. H. "How To Avoid Stroke," The Good Life. Boardroom Inc., 2001, p. 31.
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    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.
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    ⁴¹Jaïs, P. NASPE Convention presentation, San Diego, CA, May 8, 2002.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    ⁸⁵Dernellis, J.M., "Relationship between C-reactive protein concentrations during glucorticoid therapy and recurrent atrial fibrillation." Eur. Heart J. 2004;25: 1100-1107.
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    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.Haissaguerre M, Hocini M, Sanders P, Sacher F, Rotter M, Takahashi Y, Rostock T, Hsu LF, Bordachar P, Reuter S, Roudaut R, Clementy J, Jais P.
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
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    ¹⁰¹http://www.afibcryoablation.com/cryoablation.asp
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    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
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    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.
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    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
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    ¹³⁹  http://www.theheart.org/article/966981.do
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    ¹⁴⁴ http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/501279?src=search
    ¹⁴⁵ http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/81/3/539
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    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

    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

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