New Therapy Beats
Implanted Defibrillator in Extending Life for Heart Failure Patients
Large study in
New England Journal of Medicine says cardiac resynchronization
therapy can boost a fading heart beat - new hope for many senior
citizens
Nov. 14, 2010
One of the largest worldwide studies into heart failure offers the
promise of life-saving treatment for patients with symptoms of mild to
moderate heart failure an increasingly common condition among an aging
population that can lead to sudden cardiac death.
The research,
co-led by Dr. Anthony Tang and Dr. George Wells at the University of
Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), conclusively proves that a new
therapeutic implant synchronizes and strengthens a fading heart beat
while reducing risk of death by 24% compared to the current treatment.
Long delays between
developing heart attack symptoms and going to hospital are common -
learn about heart attack warnings below this news report. - Nov. 8, 2010
More than five
million in the U.S. and half a million in Canada suffer heart failure
each year.
Results of the
clinical trial, which got under way in 2003, were published online today
in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (www.NJEM.org)
and coincided with the release of the Heart Institute analysis at the
Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association in Chicago.
The research
represents one of the largest international medical device trials
undertaken in 2003, comprising 1,798 patients in 24 centres in Canada,
Australia, Europe and Turkey.
"This kind of
device brings the potential to save thousands of lives in Canada alone
and offers new hope to so many heart patients and their families, said
Dr. Tang.
Helping the
lower chambers of the heart beat strongly and in unison can improve a
person's quality of life, keep them out of hospital longer and reduce
their risk of sudden death."
The Ottawa team
consisted largely of top electrophysiologists cardiologists
specializing in surgical procedures to regulate a faulty heart rhythm.
Heart failure
patients were implanted with either a basic miniature defibrillator (ICD)
or with a new device carrying insulated wires called leads to transmit
signals and electrical impulses to the heart in an effort to stimulate
and coordinate the heart to be beating in-sync. This therapy is called
cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
The study, which
followed patients for an average of 40 months, showed that patients with
CRT live longer with a reduction of the rate of death. In addition,
patients with CRT were less likely to be admitted to hospital for
worsening of heart failure.
Until now, no
research had been undertaken to examine the specific benefits and
survival rates in heart failure patients who have been implanted with a
CRT along with an ICD.
"This trial
represents a tremendous research success for cardiovascular scientists
and demonstrates the importance of clinical evaluative research," said
Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health
Research, which co-funded the research.
"We congratulate
the Heart Institute for its efforts, which will lead to better health
outcomes and longer lives for heart patients."
"Medtronic
recognizes the expertise of Canadian electrophysiologists and
congratulates them for their leadership in participating and leading
this key clinical trial to investigate the benefits of cardiac device
therapy in heart failure patients," said Neil Fraser, President of
Medtronic of Canada Ltd., which also co-funded the research.
"This trial
demonstrates that a broader population of heart failure patients could
benefit from our therapies, including those with mild symptoms, and they
should receive them."
About UOHI
The University
of Ottawa Heart Institute says it is Canada's largest and foremost
cardiovascular health centre dedicated to understanding, treating and
preventing heart disease. For more information, visit
www.ottawaheart.ca
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
Nov. 14, 2010
One of the largest worldwide studies into heart failure offers the
promise of life-saving treatment for patients with symptoms of mild to
moderate heart failure an increasingly common condition among an aging
population that can lead to sudden cardiac death.