News
SIMPLE CHECKS TO STOP HEART ATTACKS
QUICK and easy checks could prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks and strokes by identifying people who suffer from a “silent killer”.
* Arrhythmia Alliance must stress that a heart attack is different to Sudden Cardiac Arrest and that the Your Heart in Your Hands Checklist can only help diagnose cardiac arrhythmias
New guidance for young people with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome
theheart.org, May 14th 2012
Boston, MA - A "first-of-its-kind" consensus statement on the management of asymptomatic patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome should help clarify which young people should undergo catheter ablation, authors of the document say [1].
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Underarm implant that jump-starts an irregular heart
Daily Mail
A million Britons suffer from an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, and every year 70,000 die as a result.
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Runner battles April showers to raise cash after heart problems .jpg)
This is Tamworth
A 35-YEAR-OLD Tamworth man who only discovered he had a rare heart condition after he was taken ill while playing football, has raised more than £600 for a heart charity.
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Trudie Lobban CEO and Founder of AFA speaks out on AF
Clinical update on falls and syncope
Irish Medical Times
The most common reasons for emergency room attendances among people aged over 75 are falls and syncope — short periods of “temporary and self-limited loss of consciousness”, due to low brain blood flow. These are significant because of the potentially fatal cardiac causes that underlie them, Prof Rose-Anne Kenny, Head of the Department of Gerontology at TCD, said.
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Heart Rhythm Society launches Boston Citywide Awareness Campaign
News-Medical.net
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed May to be Cardiac Arrhythmia Awareness Month, calling attention to the need for greater public awareness throughout the Commonwealth about two serious heart rhythm conditions, atrial fibrillation (also known as AF or AFib) and sudden cardiac arrest (also known as SCA).
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Dale Oen Dead: Swimming World Champ Dies During Training Camp After Cardiac Arrest
Huffington Post
Alexander Dale Oen stood on top of a world championship podium less than a year ago, wiping away tears as the Norwegian national anthem played in triumph again just three days after the country was rocked by a massacre by a right-wing extremist.
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Medtronic Foundation Launches Online Save-a-Life Simulation to Promote Bystander Response for Cardiac Arrest
Market Watch
Interactive Tool Simulates Sudden Cardiac Arrest Event; Teaches Crucial Steps in Saving a Life.
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Marathon man was DEAD for 15 minutes
South Yorkshire Times, April 19th 2012
A marathon runner has told how he DIED for 15 minutes at his Mexborough home after suffering a similar heart failure to that of footballer Fabrice Muamba
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Live-saving machines at Indian Restaurant Chain 
Yorkshire Ambulance Service
Bradford restaurant chain, Akbar’s, has become the first in the UK to install an automated external defibrillator (AED) in all its UK venues, including its flagship restaurant in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
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James Cook University Hospital, Middlesborough, fits long lasting pacemaker
The Northern Echo
A NORTH-EAST hospital is claiming a world first after implanting a new type of long-lasting heart pacemaker.
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Fabrice Muamba planning next big match
Hello
He went from FA Cup quarter final to death's door following his cardiac arrest on the football pitch. But last week Fabrice Muamba finally got the transfer that the whole nation had been hoping for when he was discharged from hospital.
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MEP signs European cardiac arrest awareness week plea
Ripley and Heanor News
East Midlands Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin has this week signed an EU petition calling for a European Cardiac Arrest awareness week.
Aspiring Plymouth naval officer hoping for beauty title
Plymouth Herald
AN ASPIRING Plymouth naval officer is turning beauty queen hopeful.
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Doctor's diary: Helping older people not to faint
The Telegraph
An invasive procedure to diagnose syncope, or unexplained fainting, is extremely effective.
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Chatham mum fights to stop closure of heart unit which saved her daughter's life
Medway Messenger
Tiyah Amusa’s life was saved by the expertise at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London – the closest specialist children’s heart centre to Medway. Yet the unit is now threatened with closure as part of NHS cutbacks. Tiyah’s mum Danielle has joined forces with other parents to keep it open.
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A life-saver for a weak heart sufferers
Daily Telegraph
A new defibrillator implanted under the arm can transform the lives of thousands.
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RECORD Study Proves Efficacy and Safety of BIOTRONIK Closed Loop Stimulation (CLS) Pacemaker Therapy
MarketWatch
Breakthrough results from more than 700 patients studied in the largest-ever clinical investigation of BIOTRONIK CLS pacemakers have just been published in Europace: "Clinical observations with Closed Loop Stimulation pacemakers in a large patient cohort: the CYLOS Routine Documentation Registry (RECORD)" by Michaela Lindovska, MD, et al.
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Good news from NICE for Xarelto, Xgeva
Pharma Times
Following the receipt of further evidence from Bayer HealthCare of Xarelto (rivaroxaban)'s clinical and cost-effectiveness, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued final draft guidance recommending it an option for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in people with atrial fibrillation (AF).
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Essential information to save lives now available for download
New information resources designed to educate people about sudden cardiac arrests have been developed by the UK's leading Heart Rhythm Charity.
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Helen Mirren learns CPR after friend is saved at film premiere
London Evening Standard
When a close friend of Helen Mirren collapsed and nearly died after he had a cardiac arrest at a film premiere last autumn, the news was kept from her until the night was over.
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In a flutter? Palpitations
My Weekly
You're lying in bed drifting gently to sleep when suddenly - bang! Your heart is thumping away nineteen to the dozen. Rarely a day goes by in my surgery without a patient telling me a similar tale, and I'm never surprised by how anxious they are.
Boston Scientific to acquire Cameron Health, Inc.
Company gains first and only commercially available subcutaneous ICD technology to offer lifesaving therapy to patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest
Defibrillators in practice
Smile
Would you know what to do if a patient at your practice suddenly went into cardiac arrest? Ann Clark explains how you should handle this type of medical emergency, with the use of an Automated External Defibrillator, while you are waiting for emergency services...
Charity hopes lesson will be learnt from Muamba
Stratford Observer, March 21st 2012
BOSSES at a district heart charity are hoping to raise awareness of heart rhythm disorders and the importance of defibrillators in the wake of footballer Fabrice Muamba's collapse.
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Stratford College and local charity ensures the heart of the town keeps beating
MidlandsBusinessNews.co.uk, March 14th 2012
Stratford College, in partnership with local charity Arrhythmia Alliance, has become the first college in the area to have a public access defibrillator available on site.
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Doctors complain about severe health restrictions on driving
British Medical Journal
Spanish doctors are angry that rules governing the renewal of driving licences that exclude certain groups of patients have been drawn up without their being consulted.
Pill-size Heart Pacemaker on way for NHS Patients
Daily Express
The tiny device could be available to NHS patients in two years and is only about a 20th of the size of current pacemakers, which are placed in the chest cavity and require a lengthy surgical operation to install them.
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Rheumatoid arthritis linked to Irregular Heartbeat
WebMD
Rheumatoid arthritis patients appear to have an increased risk for developing the irregular heart rhythm condition atrial fibrillation, which is strongly linked to stroke.
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Fainting Can Indicate Deadly Heart Condition
ABC News
Fainting, it happens to 60 percent of all Americans at some point, and it has stricken many when the cameras rolled and the stage lights shined the brightest.
Mortality Risk Established for Genetic Heart Rhythm Disorders
dailyrx.com
Investigators have found a method for predicting the mortality risk among patients with inherited heart rhythm disorders. The finding is also expected to help doctors know when to screen and treat family members.
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Letter: NHS staff do a fantastic job
Over the years it seems to have become a local sport to knock Crawley and East Surrey hospitals. Well, my recent experience leads me to feel otherwise.
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Heart of the Matter
At Home, March 2012
Arrhythmias are problems that affect the electrical system, or 'wiring' of the heart muscle. Heart arrhythmias are very common and millions of people will experience an abnormal heart rhythm at some time during their lives.
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The Heart of the Matter
Cycling Fitness, March 2012
Does too much exercise do you heart more harm than good? Dave Henchy from PB Science discusses some of the complex issues surrounding exercise and heart disease, and pinpoints seven different factors that can reduce the incidence of heart trouble.
NICE seeks new members for its independent advisory committees on the use of health technologies
Members of all Committees are drawn from the NHS, healthcare professionals, patients and carers, and the academic world. We currently have vacancies for Committee members in the following categories: Clinical Pharmacist, General Practitioner, Professional Allied to Medicine, Consultant Physician, Medical Device Industry Representative, Consultant Surgeon and Nurse.
Seven in ten Brits have high blood pressure, warn experts
The Huffington Post
Seven in 10 Brits are putting themselves at risk of strokes and premature heart attacks because their blood pressure is too high, a recent study has revealed.
Student's marathon bid to make history
This is Staffordshire
STUDENT Chris Taylor is planning to become the first person to finish the London Marathon – complete with a rare heart condition and a defibrillator fitted to his chest.
Major report on AF launched by AFA
A major source of information for patients and healthcare professionals on all aspects of AF, including urgent actions needed now to prevent untreated AF from causing a stroke epidemic.
Calculate your personal risk of stroke because of AF
Sheffield nurse scoops national award
A Sheffield nurse has been presented with an award for her work in supporting heart patients. Jean Maloney, of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was presented with the award for ‘Outstanding contribution to Arrhythmia Management’ by the charity Arrhythmia Alliance at the 2011 Heart Rhythm Congress in Birmingham.
Top award for Teesside heart care nurse
A nurse consultant from Teesside is celebrating winning an award for her “outstanding medical contribution” in heart care. Jayne Mudd, consultant in cardiac rhythm management, has become the first non-doctor to win the Arrhythmia Alliance award for her Outstanding Medical Contribution to Cardiac Rhythm Management Services.
Irregular heartbeat stroke warning
The Press Association
Some 12000 strokes in the UK each year are a direct result of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder, says the study by the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA) and AntiCoagulation Europe UK (Ace UK). ...
Government and Health Providers Must Act Now to Prevent a UK Stroke Crisis, Major Report Warns
PR Newswire (press release)
Urgent, major improvements are needed in the detection, diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation (AF, a common irregular heartbeat) to avoid a stroke epidemic in the UK, according to a major new report from the Atrial Fibrillation Association ...
UK Heart Patients Among the Most Under-Treated in Europe, Reveals Major New Report
Shocking results of the 2010 clinical audit of heart rhythm care have been published. Of the 17 European countries for which data were published, only Ireland and Norway performed worse than the UK.
My heart was pounding – I really thought it was all over: Comedian Lee Hurst tells how he's recovering from a terrifying heart condition
Daily Mail
Lee Hurst made his name on the BBC’s irreverent sports quiz They Think It’s All Over and was hailed as one of Britain’s brightest comedy talents. Yet there’s been little to laugh at of late. After being diagnosed with a heart condition that makes him a prime candidate for a stroke or amputation, he has undergone treatment and plans to return to touring.
Quick-thinking teachers revive girl, 12, after collapse
When a 12-year-old girl collapsed with heart arrhythmia in the middle of a school hallway, two teachers acted quickly to save her life.
Arrhythmia Alliance features in One Heart Magazine
On page 70, Founder and Trustee of A-A, Trudie Lobban, speaks to One Heart about the organisation. The article looks at the reasons for establishing A-A, the challenges which have been faced and achievements won.
Arrhythmia Alliance receives award from the British Medical Association for children’s booklet
The commendation was for the charity’s paediatric booklet, Emily’s ICD. The booklet forms part of a new range of paediatric resources that have been developed for children aged seven to eleven years with a heart rhythm disorder.
Implants that jump start a heart would save countless lives. So why are so few people given them?
Jane Feinmann suffered a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm.
"I suffered a ventricular tachycardia episode, a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm, where an electrical fault in the lower chambers of my heart caused my heartbeat to speed up so dramatically that the chambers themselves were emptied of blood."
Arrhythmia Alliance Call for Urgent Action to Prevent Impending Stroke Crisis in Latin America
Medical and patient communities call on national policymakers in Latin America to take urgent action against preventable strokes that strike millions of people with atrial fibrillation (AF) each year.
Gender does not affect periprocedural complications or long-term results of catheter ablation
New study suggests that electrocardiograms may not be the right tool for preparticipation screening in young athletes
Dave Moorcroft to help Leamington pupils join Olympics challenge
Campion School in Leamington is the first of many local schools taking up the Gold Challenge, encouraging pupils to form teams to try out Olympic sports and raise money for Heart Rhythm Charity at the same time.
AF Highlighted in Times Supplement
Learning to save lives in classroom
A school has been presented with an automated external defibrillator (AED) following one of its pupils having a sudden cardiac arrest.
NEW Heart Rhythm Charity Patients Newsletter
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NEW Heart Rhythm Charity Medical Newsletter
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Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate), the first new oral anticoagulant in over 50 years, has been accepted for use by the Scottish Medicines Consortium
AF is the most common heart rhythm condition in the UK, affecting 75,000 people in Scotland, and is a leading cause of stroke.
Bracknell, UK [Monday, 12th September] Pradaxa®, the first new oral anticoagulant in over 50 years licensed for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and one or more risk factors, has been accepted by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for use within NHS Scotland.
Arrhythmia Alliance Call for Urgent Action to Prevent Impending Stroke Crisis in Latin America
Medical and patient communities call on national policymakers in Latin America to take urgent action against preventable strokes that strike millions of people with atrial fibrillation (AF) each year.
Novel anticoagulant apixaban reduces stroke and major bleeding compared with warfarin in AF patients
Cardiac Rhythm News
New data from the ARISTOTLE study showed that the rate of haemorrhagic stroke in the apixaban group was 49% lower and the rate of ischaemic stroke was 8% lower than in the warfarin group. Results were presented by Christopher Granger, USA, at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress (27–31 August 2011, Paris, France).
How can we prevent a stroke crisis?
PCCJ Review
A report from a multidisciplinary alliance has made a compelling case for a coordinated plan in Europe to reduce the health, social and economic burdens of stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF). The group comprises eminent cardiologists, neurologists, a health economists, hospital pharmacists, a haematologist and representatives from patient organisations.
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Breakthrough therapy PRADAXA® (dabigatran etexilate) first drug in 50 years to gain approval for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation in Europe
Ingelheim, Germany, 4 August 2011 – The European Commission (EC) today approved Boehringer Ingelheim’s breakthrough oral anticoagulant, Pradaxa®1 (dabigatran etexilate2) for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at risk of stroke. This EU label extension means that, for the first time in over 50 years, millions of AF patients across Europe will have access to a new treatment for the prevention of AF-related strokes which is effective and convenient3,4, and has demonstrated a good safety profile.
Keeping your heart in perfect rhythm
Arizona Daily Sun
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people have pacemaker or resynchronization devices implanted to help treat irregular heart rhythms. Without these devices, they would be at a higher risk for sudden cardiac death, which kills more people each year.
Japan's Footballer Naoki Matsuda dies following a cardiac arrest
Matsuda, 34, suffered a heart attack during a 15-minute warm-up run before training with his club Matsumoto Yamaga on Tuesday. He was taken to hospital unconscious and slipped into a coma. He was placed on life support but did not regain consciousness.
NATIONAL NEWS: Daily Mail
DIY blood test frees you from GP checks
A home test for patients taking the blood-thinning drug warfarin could release hundreds of thousands of people from the hassle of weekly checks and may slash their risk of stroke.
Heart rhythm charities launch global patient surveys
Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A) and sister charity, Syncope Trust And Reflex Anoxic Seizures (STARS), The Blackouts Trust, are launching their first global patient surveys to gather information on the patient experience of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of heart rhythm disorders and syncopal conditions.
Bryan Ferry admits heart scare was behind tour cancellation
Daily Mail
But speaking in an interview with Radio Times, Ferry said the problem was caused by an irregular heart rhythm – a potentially dangerous condition known as arrhythmia. The star, who splits his time between London and Sussex, and recently performed at ...
Calling all Patients and Carers! Please take a few minutes to complete this survey
A-A wants to learn more about the patient experience of diagnosis, treatment and management of heart rhythm disorders.
Click here to take part in the survey.
Government minister opens heart suite at Croydon University Hospital
The Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley visited Croydon University Hospital on June 23 to officially open a new Cardiac Catheter Suite.
Campaign aims to help save school children
An online supplier of defibrillators is calling on businesses to put their heart into the community.