HeartCenterOnline (Feb. 12) - African-Americans diagnosed with heart failure are less likely to experience atrial fibrillation as a complication than Caucasians. The results of the study are surprising because African-Americans with heart failure generally fare worse than Caucasians.

The findings, which appear in the Feb. 4 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, seem to conflict with medical evidence that show African-Americans having higher risk-factors that could lead to atrial fibrillation. Hypertension and diabetes, both of which are more prevalent in African-Americans, are two risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF).

AF is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia, affecting about 2 million Americans each year. In AF, the atria (the heart's upper chambers) quiver rather than contract normally. The result is an abnormally fast and/or abnormal heartbeat. This may cause blood to pool in the atria, increasing the risk of blood clots. If a blood clot breaks off into the general circulation, stroke may result.

AF causes approximately 15% of all strokes, and is associated with both greater complications and greater risk of death from heart attacks in people over the age of 65.

The reason behind African-Americans' lower AF prevalence is unclear. However, other recent findings have shown that the size of the left atrium in older African-Americans is smaller than those in Caucasians. Researchers said the size difference may partially explain the discrepancy. However, they stress that more studies need to be performed.

For a related story, see the article: "Minority Women Unaware of Higher Heart Risk."

For more information on high blood pressure and/or diabetes in African-Americans, see the following Patient Guides:

High Blood Pressure and African-Americans
Diabetes and African-Americans

For more information on arrhythmias in general, see HeartCenterOnline's Arrhythmia Center.

This information can be found by going to www.heartcenteronline.com