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The article suggests ways to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). It is noted that AF affects an estimated 2.3 million adults in the U.S., making it the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. To manage the condition, rate- or rhythm-control strategies as usually used that focus on ventricular rate. Information is also presented on the use of the medications warfarin and aspirin for stroke prevention in patients with AF.

The article reports developments pertaining to the medical devices industry in the U.S. Patients who suffered certain types of arrhythmias can already benefit from treatment with an ablation catheter. BioControl Medical is enrolling patients for an international, multi-center, open-label clinical study of the CardioFit system for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Zevex International Inc. has executed a definitive Merger Agreement with Moog Inc.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning women no to use the unapproved drug domperidone to increase their milk production. According to several case studies, the drug caused arrhythmia, cardiac arrest and sudden death in some patients receiving the intravenous from the drug. It is approved only for gastric distress in some countries, but not for enhancing lactation. In the U.S., it has not been approved U.S., it has not been approved for any use. According to FDA, women are purchasing the drug from compounding pharmacies and from foreign sources over the Internet.