Jafib

Let Your Voice be Heard and Stay Ahead in Advocacy Efforts

Amin-Al-Ahmad

Dear colleagues

Welcome to the October issue of JAFIB. There are many excellent manuscripts published in this issue of the journal covering a wider range of topics from epidemiology to basic sciences. Smartwatches are becoming increasingly prevalent for patient use in Atrial Fibrillation (AF) detection. The nuances involved in effective monitoring are discussed at greater length. Intravenous magnesium as a potential adjunct to AF therapy has been debated for many years. It is finally great to see some data on this subject. There have been several valuable demographic variables in predicting post operative AF, however in this issue we have a comprehensive assessment of echocardiographic predictors of the same. Ganglion plexi ablation has been around for severalyears now. A fresh look at the status of cardioneuro ablation will be an interesting one to read. Neurocardiogenic syncope is a common cardiac condition and diagnosis of which is limited by suboptimal tools. There is an interesting article that attempts to provide insights into why a head up tilt table test is still a good diagnostic tool in determining who needs permanent pacemaker. AF is increasingly prevalent, there is substantial data regarding the value of effective screening and early intervention. Effective community screening for AF has been outlined in one of the articles of the current issue.

The journal wants to congratulate the Heart Rhythm Society and the American College of Cardiology for their excellent work in fighting the most recent physician reimbursement cuts for ablation procedures, especially AF. It is most difficult to see such draconian cuts (over 35%) starting next year and their potential impact on physician practices especially when a global pandemic continues to rage through its variants. This issue brings to the forefront of discussion why physician involvement in societal activities and advocacy is important. If you have not already done so, please reach out to your congressman and also renew your support to HRS and ACC to help them continue to work on this issue.

A new editorial board and Editor in Chief are being finalized and you will hear from us soon.

Enjoy the fall and see you all soon.

Sincerely