Sudden Cardiac Death News and Research

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The term sudden cardiac death refers to natural death from cardiac causes, heralded by abrupt loss of consciousness within one hour of the onset of acute symptoms.

Lantheus Medical Imaging reports Phase 1 data of LMI 1195 heart failure PET imaging agent

Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., a worldwide leader in diagnostic imaging, today announced Phase 1 data for its novel heart failure Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging agent, LMI 1195, which is in development for the evaluation of patients at risk of heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

9 Jun 2010

Phase 2 study results of Qnexa in patients with OSA presented at SLEEP 2010

VIVUS, Inc. today announced that data from a previously reported phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the investigational drug Qnexa for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea were presented at SLEEP 2010, the 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.

8 Jun 2010

Arrhythmia Alliance launches 'Know Your Pulse' global awareness campaign on World Heart Rhythm Week

Arrhythmia Alliance, the Heart Rhythm Charity, announced today the results of a survey conducted in Europe that showed a large number of respondents ignore basic measures to check for potential cardiac arrhythmias, or heart rhythm disorders. To raise awareness of the importance of pulse checking and to inform people about how to take their pulse, the Arrhythmia Alliance will open 2010 World Heart Rhythm Week (7-13 June) with the launch of the global awareness campaign 'Know Your Pulse'.

7 Jun 2010

20% of returning war veterans report PTSD or major depression

This past Memorial Day honored those Americans who have died in military service including over 4,000 in Iraq and 1,000 fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. According to the latest Pentagon study, released in April this year, nearly 20 percent—or one in five returning war veterans—reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depression. The study also reports that approximately half of them sought treatment.

4 Jun 2010

Two-day workshop on sickle cell trait

Scientists from across the nation will gather June 3-4 to discuss what is known about sickle cell trait and the potential health implications related to this genetic blood condition. "Framing the Research Agenda for Sickle Cell Trait" will examine the ethical, legal, social, and public health impacts of the blood condition.

3 Jun 2010

Postdoctoral scientists receive NYSCF-Druckenmiller Fellowship award

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) today announced the award of eight new NYSCF-Druckenmiller Fellows. These postdoctoral scientists join 15 accomplished stem cell researchers from leading institutions who have been supported by the program since 2006. NYSCF has awarded 23 fellowships to date.

2 Jun 2010

Initial results of MUSIC Trial using PD2i in chronic heart failure patients released

David H. Fater, CEO of Vicor Technologies, Inc., today announced the initial results of a study designed to analyze data from the Merte Subita en Insufficiencia Cardiaca Trial using its PD2i- algorithm and software. Vicor Technologies is a biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative, non-invasive medical devices using its patented, proprietary PD2i- nonlinear algorithm and software.

20 May 2010

Sports physicals keep athletes healthy to play and avoid tragic occurrences, says sports medicine expert

While seemingly invincible teenage athletes at the height of good health and fitness aren't likely candidates for doctor's visits, even the fit need to visit a physician before practice. Sports physicals, often called pre-participation sports examinations, are key to making sure athletes are healthy enough to play and avoiding tragic occurrences, like sudden cardiac death, says a Saint Louis University sports medicine expert.

17 May 2010

New data from MVP trial on ICDs shows health care use burden

Medtronic, Inc. today released new data from the MVP trial that implantable defibrillator patients receiving anti-tachycardia pacing were less likely to have health care utilization after treatment as compared to those receiving shock therapy.

17 May 2010

Medtronic releases Virtual ICD study data

Medtronic, Inc. released the Virtual ICD study data today that predicted 98 percent of studied implantable defibrillator patients would be free of inappropriate shocks one year after implant and 92 percent at five years post-implant.

14 May 2010

FDA approves St. Jude Medical's Unify CRT-D and Fortify ICD devices

St. Jude Medical, Inc., a global medical device company, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and first U.S. implants of its Unify™ cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) and Fortify™ implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The new devices feature advanced battery technology and circuitry that allow for the smallest device footprint in the industry and rapid charge times, without any compromise in device longevity or power.

13 May 2010

Clinical Data expands PGxHealth's FAMILION tests to include two new tests to diagnose heart diseases

Clinical Data, Inc., announced today that its PGxHealth division is expanding its FAMILION family of genetic tests to include two new tests to diagnose heart diseases. With the launch of a test for Conduction Disease associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and a test for Short QT Syndrome, PGxHealth continues to lead the industry with the most comprehensive menu of genetic tests to diagnose or confirm familial heart diseases.

12 May 2010

Japanese MHLW approves St. Jude Medical's AnalyST ICD with ST Monitoring device

St. Jude Medical, Inc., a global medical device company, today announced regulatory approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of its AnalyST™ implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with ST Monitoring, a revolutionary device that not only provides life-saving therapy for dangerously fast heart rhythms, but also continuously monitors electrical changes (called ST segments) to help physicians monitor for cardiac problems.

12 May 2010

Researchers use healthy person's complete genome sequence to predict risk for dozens of diseases

For the first time, researchers have used a healthy person's complete genome sequence to predict his risk for dozens of diseases and how he will respond to several common medications. The risk analysis, from the Stanford University School of Medicine, also incorporates more-traditional information such as a patient's age and gender and other clinical measurements.

30 Apr 2010

A crystal ball into your future health!

Imagine knowing just what diseases you are likely to suffer from in your lifetime thanks to the sequencing of your genes. That is exactly what Professor Stephen Quake knows, because he has had his entire genome sequenced and studied. In fact he was in the news last year as well when he used new technology to sequence his genetic code for less than $50,000.

29 Apr 2010

Older patients more likely to die in hospital following implantation of defibrillators: Report

Older patients may be more likely to die in the hospital following the implantation of defibrillators or pacemakers, according to a report in the April 12 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

13 Apr 2010

Genes influence chronic kidney disease risk: Research

A team of researchers from the United States and Europe has identified more than a dozen genes that may play a role in the etiology of common forms of kidney disease. The team, known as the CKDGen Consortium, examined common variations in DNA sequences in more than 65,000 individuals of European descent. Common variations in several genes were found to be more frequent among people with poor kidney function or chronic kidney disease than in those with normal kidney function.

13 Apr 2010

EDNOS categorization for young people needs to be reconsidered

Diagnostic cutoffs for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa may be too strict, a study from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital has found. Many patients who do not meet full criteria for these diseases are nevertheless quite ill, and the diagnosis they now receive, "Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified," may delay their ability to get treatment.

12 Apr 2010

Researchers identify major indicator of heart failure and aortic aneurysms

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine researchers have identified a major indicator of two deadly diseases of the heart and blood vessels: heart failure and aortic aneurysm. The absence of the Kruppel-like Factor 15, when combined with stress, leads to both heart failure and aortic aneurysms.

8 Apr 2010

Guidant imposed criminal penalty over $296M for withholding cardioverter defibrillator failure information

Guidant LLC pleaded guilty today in St. Paul, Minn., before U.S. District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank to criminal violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Justice Department announced. The medical device manufacturer's admission of criminal wrongdoing is the result of a four-year investigation into Guidant's handling of short-circuiting failures of three models of its implantable cardioverter defibrillators: the Ventak Prizm 2 DR (Model 1861) and the Contak Renewal (Models H135 and H155).

7 Apr 2010