Controlling major risk factors such as physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and tobacco use could prevent 80% of heart disease and stroke1and help keep the heart healthy. This is why this year's World Heart Day campaign asks: "How Young is Your Heart?"
"I know my heart is the strongest, most important muscle in my body and a winning performance depends on its vitality," explains Fabio Cannavaro, Italian Captain of FIFA World Cup Champions. "Having a healthy diet and taking regular exercise will help to keep my heart young and my career long."
World Heart Day is run by the World Heart Federation's member organizations in more than 100 countries. Activities on the day include health checks, walks, runs, jump rope, fitness sessions, public talks, stage shows, scientific forums, exhibitions, concerts and sports tournaments. Last year in Singapore for example, a World Heart Day heart fair attracted over 60,000 participants who took part in health screenings, aerobics classes, health quizzes, exhibits, school performances, nutritional counselling and food sampling. Similar events will be taking place this year asking participants: "How Young is Your Heart?"
"Heart disease and stroke is the world's largest killer, claiming 17.5 million lives a year. Eighty per cent of these lives are from populations in low- and middle-income countries, many amongst people of working age" said Professor Sidney Smith, University of North Carolina and Chairman Scientific Advisory Board, World Heart Federation.
Physical activity is vitally important to maintain a healthy heart. Running for one hour or more each week could reduce the risk of heart disease by 42%. A brisk walking of
30 minutes each day has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease by about 18%2 and stroke by about 11%. Commuting to work by foot is a practical way of achieving this level of physical activity.
Physical inactivity increases the risk of obesity and overweight, diabetes and hypertension which make heart age run faster. The heart needs regular exercise to keep it pumping blood efficiently with every heart beat. Regular activity and its impact on associated risk factors helps to slow down the narrowing of the arteries to the heart and brain, encourages the body to use up excess stored fat, can help to reduce high blood pressure, improves "good" cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol) and maintains normal blood glucose levels.
It is also important to balance calories consumed with calories burned to help maintain a healthy heart for life. A balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, lean meat, fish and pulses, alongside low-fat and fat-free products. Unsaturated soft margarines and oils such as sunflower, corn, rape-seed and olive oil are preferred to saturated fats.
Tobacco use is one of the most important risk factors to control. Quitting will help to keep the heart young as it helps maintain "good" cholesterol levels, reduces the levels of blood clotting and overall, decreases the chance of a sudden blockage of a blood vessel. According to the Framingham Heart Study, life duration is substantially shortened by tobacco users. Non-smokers may live about 8 years longer than smokers.4
"If you are a smoker, try to quit or avoid smoking in the presence of your children. Allow them to live in a smoke-free environment," said Professor Smith. "Smokers put their own lives at risk, but they also endanger the lives of those around them, with passive smoking increasing the risk of coronary heart disease by 25-30%.5 Breathing second-hand smoke for even a short time can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attack.6
"Controlling major risk factors can prevent heart disease and stroke and thereby keep the heart healthy," said Dr Sania Nishtar, Chair, Foundations' Advisory Board, World
Heart Federation. "The good news is that it's never too late to adopt a heart healthy lifestyle. By asking everyone to think about the age of their hearts on World Heart Day we're encouraging the world's population to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle."
To find out what activities will be taking place in each country on World Heart Day visit: worldheartday.
About the World Heart Federation
The World Heart Federation, a nongovernmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, is committed to helping the global population achieve a longer and better life through prevention and control of heart disease and stroke, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. It is comprised of 189 member societies of cardiology and heart foundations from over 100 countries covering the regions of Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and Africa. For further information visit: worldheart
1 Preventing Chronic Disease, a Vital Investment: WHO Report published 2005
2 Tanasescu M et al. JAMA 2002 October 23, 288: 1994-2000
3 Hu et al Stroke 2005;36:1994-1999
4 Mamun AA et al. Eur Heart J. 2004 Mar;25(5):409-15
5 Law et al BMJ 1997 October 18, 315:973-980
6 Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General US Department of Health and Human Services. June 2006
вторник, 31 мая 2011 г.
понедельник, 30 мая 2011 г.
Serum sodium level is a major predictor of a poor prognosis for heart failure patients
Findings presented at ACC Scientific Sessions show improving serum sodium levels may improve outcomes -
Research presented today at the American College of Cardiology's Scientific Sessions in Orlando pinpoints a major marker of a
poor prognosis for heart failure, hyponatremia, or a lower than normal concentration of serum or blood sodium. Researchers
found that hyponatremia, which is found in almost a quarter of patients with severe heart failure, doubled death rates within
60 days of hospital discharge. Serum sodium levels are easily measured through routine blood tests.
"Even a minor decrease in a person's serum sodium level - levels that are now dismissed by physicians - had a major impact on
mortality of heart failure patients," says Mihai Gheorghiade, MD, associate chief, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern
Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and lead presenter of the findings from the ESCAPE
trial during a poster session on Monday.
Heart failure is a major health threat in this country, resulting in 1 million hospital admissions each year. "These findings
illustrate that not all heart failure is created equally - heart failure accompanied with hyponatremia is especially
dangerous. Levels of serum sodium may prove a useful and easily accessible risk assessment tool in the clinical management of
patients hospitalized for heart failure," says Dr. Gheorghiade.
The good news is that a separate study presented Monday by Dr. Gheorghiade showed that improvement in sodium serum levels
during hospitalization was associated with improved outcomes. In the ACTIV trial, patients with a serum sodiuim improvement
at hospital discharge had a 15.6 percent mortality rate at 60 days post discharge, compared with a 30.4 percent mortality
rate in those showing no improvement. "Currently, the medical community is not paying much attention to serum sodium levels
in heart failure patients. However, serum sodium appears to be a modifiable target that can be treated," says Dr.
Gheorghiade.
A paper authored by Dr. Gheorghiade and published in JAMA in April of 2004 found that the medication tolvaptan was a
promising addition to standard therapy for patients hospitalized with heart failure. In addition to reducing fluid buildup
and decreasing body weight, tolvaptan improved serum sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia. "This is important because
previously, we have not had very effective therapies for treating hyponatremia in patients with heart failure. Now, we think
it can be treated, and we have an understanding that treating it can make a huge difference for the patient," says Dr.
Gheorghiade.
Sodium is an electrolyte that helps with nerve and muscle function, and also helps to maintain blood pressure. Hyponatremia
most commonly occurs in people whose kidneys do not function properly, as well as in those with heart failure, cirrhosis of
the liver, and Addison's disease. Sodium must be maintained at a specific concentration in the blood and the fluid
surrounding the body's cells for the body to function properly.
About Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is one of the country's premier academic medical centers and is the primary teaching hospital
of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Northwestern Memorial and its Prentice Women's Hospital and Stone
Institute of Psychiatry have 744 beds and more than 1,200 affiliated physicians and 5,000 employees. Providing
state-of-the-art care, Northwestern Memorial is recognized for its outstanding clinical and surgical advancements in such
areas as cardiothoracic and vascular care, gastroenterology, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, organ and bone marrow
transplantation, and women's health.
Northwestern Memorial was ranked as the nation's 5th best hospital by the 2002 Consumer Checkbook survey of the nation's
physicians and is listed in the majority of specialties in this year's US News & World Report's issue of "America's Best
Hospitals." The hospital is also cited as one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine and
has been chosen by Chicagoans year after year as their "most preferred hospital" in National Research Corporation's annual
survey.
About the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
The Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is a world-class heart program offering comprehensive
services and state-of-the-art surgical treatments in all areas of cardiovascular care. Recently named by Solucient, an
industry-leading healthcare information provider, as the only Chicago hospital on its list of the country's 100 Top
Cardiovascular Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers a timely response to referrals and a multidisciplinary
approach that joins physicians, nurses and a range of other medical specialists and caregivers from Cardiology, Cardiac
Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Anesthesiology and Radiology from evaluation to follow-up. Patients benefit from
the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques and are offered the opportunity to participate in a range of clinical
research trials.
Advanced Cardiovascular Care
Patients referred to the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute experience a healthcare environment in which the most advanced
diagnostic and treatment options are supported by state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to medical excellence through
research. Expertise is available in all areas of cardiovascular care, including:
Cardiac Surgery
-- Valve repair and replacement
-- MAZE and atrial fibrillation ablation procedures
-- Coronary artery bypass with arterial conduits
-- LV and aortic aneurysm repair
-- Congestive heart failure surgery
-- Ventricular assist devices
Vascular Surgery
-- Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery
-- Carotid endarterectomy and stents
-- Endovascular surgery for aortic aneurysms and limb salvage
-- Lower extremity bypass procedures
-- Uncommon mesenteric and upper extremity revascularization
-- Supraaortic trunk revascularization
Cardiology
-- Primary and secondary prevention
-- Advanced diagnostic testing including echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac MRI and computed tomography
-- Cardiac electrophysiology, including diagnostic EP procedures, catheter ablation and pacemaker and ICD implantation
-- Heart failure management
-- Evaluation of heart valve disease
-- Acute coronary care
-- Diagnostic catheterization and interventional cardiology
Contact: Amanda Widtfeldt
awidtfelnmh
312-926-2955
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
nmh
Research presented today at the American College of Cardiology's Scientific Sessions in Orlando pinpoints a major marker of a
poor prognosis for heart failure, hyponatremia, or a lower than normal concentration of serum or blood sodium. Researchers
found that hyponatremia, which is found in almost a quarter of patients with severe heart failure, doubled death rates within
60 days of hospital discharge. Serum sodium levels are easily measured through routine blood tests.
"Even a minor decrease in a person's serum sodium level - levels that are now dismissed by physicians - had a major impact on
mortality of heart failure patients," says Mihai Gheorghiade, MD, associate chief, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern
Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and lead presenter of the findings from the ESCAPE
trial during a poster session on Monday.
Heart failure is a major health threat in this country, resulting in 1 million hospital admissions each year. "These findings
illustrate that not all heart failure is created equally - heart failure accompanied with hyponatremia is especially
dangerous. Levels of serum sodium may prove a useful and easily accessible risk assessment tool in the clinical management of
patients hospitalized for heart failure," says Dr. Gheorghiade.
The good news is that a separate study presented Monday by Dr. Gheorghiade showed that improvement in sodium serum levels
during hospitalization was associated with improved outcomes. In the ACTIV trial, patients with a serum sodiuim improvement
at hospital discharge had a 15.6 percent mortality rate at 60 days post discharge, compared with a 30.4 percent mortality
rate in those showing no improvement. "Currently, the medical community is not paying much attention to serum sodium levels
in heart failure patients. However, serum sodium appears to be a modifiable target that can be treated," says Dr.
Gheorghiade.
A paper authored by Dr. Gheorghiade and published in JAMA in April of 2004 found that the medication tolvaptan was a
promising addition to standard therapy for patients hospitalized with heart failure. In addition to reducing fluid buildup
and decreasing body weight, tolvaptan improved serum sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia. "This is important because
previously, we have not had very effective therapies for treating hyponatremia in patients with heart failure. Now, we think
it can be treated, and we have an understanding that treating it can make a huge difference for the patient," says Dr.
Gheorghiade.
Sodium is an electrolyte that helps with nerve and muscle function, and also helps to maintain blood pressure. Hyponatremia
most commonly occurs in people whose kidneys do not function properly, as well as in those with heart failure, cirrhosis of
the liver, and Addison's disease. Sodium must be maintained at a specific concentration in the blood and the fluid
surrounding the body's cells for the body to function properly.
About Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is one of the country's premier academic medical centers and is the primary teaching hospital
of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Northwestern Memorial and its Prentice Women's Hospital and Stone
Institute of Psychiatry have 744 beds and more than 1,200 affiliated physicians and 5,000 employees. Providing
state-of-the-art care, Northwestern Memorial is recognized for its outstanding clinical and surgical advancements in such
areas as cardiothoracic and vascular care, gastroenterology, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, organ and bone marrow
transplantation, and women's health.
Northwestern Memorial was ranked as the nation's 5th best hospital by the 2002 Consumer Checkbook survey of the nation's
physicians and is listed in the majority of specialties in this year's US News & World Report's issue of "America's Best
Hospitals." The hospital is also cited as one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine and
has been chosen by Chicagoans year after year as their "most preferred hospital" in National Research Corporation's annual
survey.
About the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
The Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is a world-class heart program offering comprehensive
services and state-of-the-art surgical treatments in all areas of cardiovascular care. Recently named by Solucient, an
industry-leading healthcare information provider, as the only Chicago hospital on its list of the country's 100 Top
Cardiovascular Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers a timely response to referrals and a multidisciplinary
approach that joins physicians, nurses and a range of other medical specialists and caregivers from Cardiology, Cardiac
Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Anesthesiology and Radiology from evaluation to follow-up. Patients benefit from
the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques and are offered the opportunity to participate in a range of clinical
research trials.
Advanced Cardiovascular Care
Patients referred to the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute experience a healthcare environment in which the most advanced
diagnostic and treatment options are supported by state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to medical excellence through
research. Expertise is available in all areas of cardiovascular care, including:
Cardiac Surgery
-- Valve repair and replacement
-- MAZE and atrial fibrillation ablation procedures
-- Coronary artery bypass with arterial conduits
-- LV and aortic aneurysm repair
-- Congestive heart failure surgery
-- Ventricular assist devices
Vascular Surgery
-- Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery
-- Carotid endarterectomy and stents
-- Endovascular surgery for aortic aneurysms and limb salvage
-- Lower extremity bypass procedures
-- Uncommon mesenteric and upper extremity revascularization
-- Supraaortic trunk revascularization
Cardiology
-- Primary and secondary prevention
-- Advanced diagnostic testing including echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac MRI and computed tomography
-- Cardiac electrophysiology, including diagnostic EP procedures, catheter ablation and pacemaker and ICD implantation
-- Heart failure management
-- Evaluation of heart valve disease
-- Acute coronary care
-- Diagnostic catheterization and interventional cardiology
Contact: Amanda Widtfeldt
awidtfelnmh
312-926-2955
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
nmh
воскресенье, 29 мая 2011 г.
Study Locates Cholesterol Genes; Finds Surprises About Good, Bad Cholesterol
An international study of 20,000 people found seven new genes that influence blood cholesterol levels, a major factor in heart disease, and confirmed 11 other genes previously thought to influence cholesterol.
The international study led by researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health set out to identify or confirm genetic variants that influence lipid levels, and secondly, to see if those variants were linked to the decreased or increased risk of heart disease. The findings were published online in the journal Nature Genetics on Jan. 13.
The results may lead the medical community to rethink the role of HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) in heart disease, said Goncalo Abecasis, associate professor in the U-M School of Public Health. Abecasis co-directed the study with Karen Mohlke, assistant professor of genetics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.
"It was surprising that while genetic variants that increase your bad cholesterol are also associated with increased risk of heart disease, we did not find that variants influencing your good cholesterol were associated with decreased risk of coronary artery disease. Perhaps that result will lead us to reexamine the roles of good and bad cholesterol in susceptibility to heart disease," Abecasis said.
Coronary artery disease, a condition where plaque accumulates on the walls of coronary arteries, is the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of death in industrialized countries. The type and amount of cholesterol and other lipids in the bloodstream contribute to the risk of coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attack, stroke, angina and other heart conditions. Both genetic and environmental factors influence a person's cholesterol and blood lipid levels.
"Finding new gene regions associated with cholesterol levels may bring us one step closer to developing better treatments, said Cristen Willer, co-first author and a research fellow in the Department of Biostatistics. "Nearly all of the gene regions that we found to be involved in higher LDL levels were also involved in coronary artery disease risk. This is a remarkable result and suggests that new drug therapies that target the genes in these regions will also help prevent coronary artery disease and allow people to live longer and healthier lives." Serena Sanna, who worked on the paper as a post-doctoral student in Abecasis' group and who is now at the National Research Council di Cagliari in Italy, is co-first author.
Of the seven new variants, two influenced HDL, one influenced LDL, and three influenced triglycerides, which are found in fat and in the bloodstream and like LDL, are associated with increased risk of heart disease. One variant influenced triglycerides and LDL.
Scientists initially examined 2 million genetic variants in 8,800 individuals and ended up focusing on a total of 25 genetic variants on 18 genes. Altogether the variations reported are responsible for less than a quarter of the genetic contributions to lipid levels.
The completion of the map of human genetic variation, or HapMap, has fueled a surge in this type of genome-wide association study, with most of the growth coming in the past 10 months. Researchers around the globe have now associated more than 60 common DNA variants with the risk of more than 20 common diseases or related traits.
The research received major support from the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, all of which are part of the National Institutes of Health; the American Diabetes Association; the Department of Veterans Affairs; the British Heart Foundation; the United Kingdom's Medical Research Council; and the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
For more on Abecasis, visit: sph.umich/csg/abecasis/.
For more on the U-M School of Public Health, visit: sph.umich/.
The University of Michigan School of Public Health has been working to promote health and prevent disease since 1941, and is consistently ranked among the top five public health schools in the nation. Faculty and students in the school's five academic departments and dozens of collaborative centers and initiatives are forging new solutions to the complex health challenges of today, including chronic disease, health care quality and finance, emerging genetic technologies, climate change, socioeconomic inequalities and their impact on health, infectious disease and the globalization of health. Whether making new discoveries in the lab or researching and educating in the field, our faculty, students and alumni are deployed around the globe to promote and protect our health.
The international study led by researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health set out to identify or confirm genetic variants that influence lipid levels, and secondly, to see if those variants were linked to the decreased or increased risk of heart disease. The findings were published online in the journal Nature Genetics on Jan. 13.
The results may lead the medical community to rethink the role of HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) in heart disease, said Goncalo Abecasis, associate professor in the U-M School of Public Health. Abecasis co-directed the study with Karen Mohlke, assistant professor of genetics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.
"It was surprising that while genetic variants that increase your bad cholesterol are also associated with increased risk of heart disease, we did not find that variants influencing your good cholesterol were associated with decreased risk of coronary artery disease. Perhaps that result will lead us to reexamine the roles of good and bad cholesterol in susceptibility to heart disease," Abecasis said.
Coronary artery disease, a condition where plaque accumulates on the walls of coronary arteries, is the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of death in industrialized countries. The type and amount of cholesterol and other lipids in the bloodstream contribute to the risk of coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attack, stroke, angina and other heart conditions. Both genetic and environmental factors influence a person's cholesterol and blood lipid levels.
"Finding new gene regions associated with cholesterol levels may bring us one step closer to developing better treatments, said Cristen Willer, co-first author and a research fellow in the Department of Biostatistics. "Nearly all of the gene regions that we found to be involved in higher LDL levels were also involved in coronary artery disease risk. This is a remarkable result and suggests that new drug therapies that target the genes in these regions will also help prevent coronary artery disease and allow people to live longer and healthier lives." Serena Sanna, who worked on the paper as a post-doctoral student in Abecasis' group and who is now at the National Research Council di Cagliari in Italy, is co-first author.
Of the seven new variants, two influenced HDL, one influenced LDL, and three influenced triglycerides, which are found in fat and in the bloodstream and like LDL, are associated with increased risk of heart disease. One variant influenced triglycerides and LDL.
Scientists initially examined 2 million genetic variants in 8,800 individuals and ended up focusing on a total of 25 genetic variants on 18 genes. Altogether the variations reported are responsible for less than a quarter of the genetic contributions to lipid levels.
The completion of the map of human genetic variation, or HapMap, has fueled a surge in this type of genome-wide association study, with most of the growth coming in the past 10 months. Researchers around the globe have now associated more than 60 common DNA variants with the risk of more than 20 common diseases or related traits.
The research received major support from the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, all of which are part of the National Institutes of Health; the American Diabetes Association; the Department of Veterans Affairs; the British Heart Foundation; the United Kingdom's Medical Research Council; and the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
For more on Abecasis, visit: sph.umich/csg/abecasis/.
For more on the U-M School of Public Health, visit: sph.umich/.
The University of Michigan School of Public Health has been working to promote health and prevent disease since 1941, and is consistently ranked among the top five public health schools in the nation. Faculty and students in the school's five academic departments and dozens of collaborative centers and initiatives are forging new solutions to the complex health challenges of today, including chronic disease, health care quality and finance, emerging genetic technologies, climate change, socioeconomic inequalities and their impact on health, infectious disease and the globalization of health. Whether making new discoveries in the lab or researching and educating in the field, our faculty, students and alumni are deployed around the globe to promote and protect our health.
суббота, 28 мая 2011 г.
Cardiologists/Cardiothoracic Surgeons Form Medical Society Focusing on Heart Valve Disease
The Heart Valve Society of America (HVSA) - including the Heart Valve Trialists Society - has been formed by a founding
board of nationally and internationally prominent cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons in the heart valve disease field.
The mission of the Society is to:
- promote research
- educate medical professionals about the evaluation and treatment of heart valve diseases;
- serve as an informational resource for government, private industry, healthcare providers, the media and public; and,
- encourage and facilitate education of future heart valve disease specialists
"Heart valve diseases can be considered 'mystery killers,'" said Jeffrey S. Borer, MD of Weill Medical College of Cornell
University, president of the Society. "Too often, they progress slowly and imperceptibly, yet are capable of causing sudden
and unexpected death. The founding board believes a vehicle is needed to bring cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons,
anesthesiologists, pathologists, internists, basic scientists, other medical and allied health professionals together, in
order to further research and educate caregivers and patients about this important public health problem."
Please visit our site at heartvalvesocietyofamerica
The founding board members include:
Jeffrey S. Borer, MD (President) - Gladys & Roland Harriman Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chief, Division of
Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Co-director, The Howard Gilman Institute for Valvular Heart Diseases, Weill Medical
College of Cornell University
Maurice E. Sarano, MD (Executive Vice President) - Professor of Medicine, Mayo Medical School; Director, Valvular Heart
Disease Clinic, Mayo Clinic
A. Jamil Tajik, MD (Secretary) - Thomas J. Watson, Jr. Professor, Mayo Medical School; Consultant, Cardiovascular Diseases,
Mayo Clinic
Mark Starling, MD (Treasurer) - Medical Director, Banner Baywood Heart Hospital, Mesa, AZ
Cary W. Akins, MD (Vice President/Interspecialty Liaison) - Clinical Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Chief,
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital
Robert O. Bonow, MD (Vice President/Membership) - Goldberg Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Chief, Division of
Cardiology, Northwestern University Medical School; immediate past president, American Heart Association
Blase Carabello, MD (Vice President/Programs & Education) - The W.A. "Tex" and Deborah Moncrief Jr. Professor of Medicine,
Baylor College of Medicine; Vice Chairman, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
O. Wayne Isom, MD (Vice President/Interspecialty Liaison) - Terry Allen Kramer Professor and Chairman, Department of
Cardiothoracic Surgery and Co-Director, The Howard Gilman Institute for Valvular Heart Diseases, Weill Medical
College
Jagat Narula, MD (Vice President/Policy) - Professor of Medicine, Chief of Cardiology, Associate Dean, University of
California/Irvine
Since receiving its nonprofit status in late October 2004, HVSA membership has grown to close to 200 members. In April, the
Society had it first annual meeting and conference at Valves in the Heart of the Big Apple IV: Evaluation & Management of
Valvular Heart Diseases 2005 in New York City. Almost 350 participants from the US and abroad attended the two and one-half
day conference, which featured top presenters in the field.
Membership is open to medical and allied health professionals involved/interested in the field, as well as individuals who
work for corporations, academic and service institutions, and foundations interested in valvular heart disease.
Leslie J. Yerman
Company Name: Heart Valve Society of America
Email: HVSA2004yahoo
Phone: 212-327-2107
heartvalvesocietyofamerica
board of nationally and internationally prominent cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons in the heart valve disease field.
The mission of the Society is to:
- promote research
- educate medical professionals about the evaluation and treatment of heart valve diseases;
- serve as an informational resource for government, private industry, healthcare providers, the media and public; and,
- encourage and facilitate education of future heart valve disease specialists
"Heart valve diseases can be considered 'mystery killers,'" said Jeffrey S. Borer, MD of Weill Medical College of Cornell
University, president of the Society. "Too often, they progress slowly and imperceptibly, yet are capable of causing sudden
and unexpected death. The founding board believes a vehicle is needed to bring cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons,
anesthesiologists, pathologists, internists, basic scientists, other medical and allied health professionals together, in
order to further research and educate caregivers and patients about this important public health problem."
Please visit our site at heartvalvesocietyofamerica
The founding board members include:
Jeffrey S. Borer, MD (President) - Gladys & Roland Harriman Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chief, Division of
Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Co-director, The Howard Gilman Institute for Valvular Heart Diseases, Weill Medical
College of Cornell University
Maurice E. Sarano, MD (Executive Vice President) - Professor of Medicine, Mayo Medical School; Director, Valvular Heart
Disease Clinic, Mayo Clinic
A. Jamil Tajik, MD (Secretary) - Thomas J. Watson, Jr. Professor, Mayo Medical School; Consultant, Cardiovascular Diseases,
Mayo Clinic
Mark Starling, MD (Treasurer) - Medical Director, Banner Baywood Heart Hospital, Mesa, AZ
Cary W. Akins, MD (Vice President/Interspecialty Liaison) - Clinical Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Chief,
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital
Robert O. Bonow, MD (Vice President/Membership) - Goldberg Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Chief, Division of
Cardiology, Northwestern University Medical School; immediate past president, American Heart Association
Blase Carabello, MD (Vice President/Programs & Education) - The W.A. "Tex" and Deborah Moncrief Jr. Professor of Medicine,
Baylor College of Medicine; Vice Chairman, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
O. Wayne Isom, MD (Vice President/Interspecialty Liaison) - Terry Allen Kramer Professor and Chairman, Department of
Cardiothoracic Surgery and Co-Director, The Howard Gilman Institute for Valvular Heart Diseases, Weill Medical
College
Jagat Narula, MD (Vice President/Policy) - Professor of Medicine, Chief of Cardiology, Associate Dean, University of
California/Irvine
Since receiving its nonprofit status in late October 2004, HVSA membership has grown to close to 200 members. In April, the
Society had it first annual meeting and conference at Valves in the Heart of the Big Apple IV: Evaluation & Management of
Valvular Heart Diseases 2005 in New York City. Almost 350 participants from the US and abroad attended the two and one-half
day conference, which featured top presenters in the field.
Membership is open to medical and allied health professionals involved/interested in the field, as well as individuals who
work for corporations, academic and service institutions, and foundations interested in valvular heart disease.
Leslie J. Yerman
Company Name: Heart Valve Society of America
Email: HVSA2004yahoo
Phone: 212-327-2107
heartvalvesocietyofamerica
пятница, 27 мая 2011 г.
Boston Scientific Welcomes Publication Of Analysis Of Patients Monitored By The LATITUDE® Patient Management System
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) welcomed the publication of an analysis from its ALTITUDE® Clinical Science program in the current issue of Circulation that showed patients followed by the LATITUDE® Patient Management system experienced a 50 percent relative reduction in the risk of death compared to patients followed in-clinic only. The analysis also showed that heart failure patients who transmitted weight and blood pressure data via the LATITUDE system experienced an additional 10 percent reduction in the risk of death compared to other CRT-D patients followed by the LATITUDE system.
Boston Scientific has enrolled more than 180,000 patients on the LATITUDE system since its introduction in 2006. The LATITUDE system enables physicians to conduct remote follow-up of implantable cardiac device patients to monitor specific device information and heart health status. The system can also detect clinical events between scheduled in-clinic visits and send relevant data directly to physicians.
The ALTITUDE program enhances physician understanding of device therapy, outcomes and disease progression in a real-world setting for device patients followed by the LATITUDE system.
"Patients remotely monitored by physicians may fare better due to earlier notification of events, resulting in diagnosis or therapy that can reduce subsequent risk," said Leslie Saxon, M.D., F.A.C.C., Chief, Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute, University of Southern California, and chairperson of the ALTITUDE physician panel. "Remote follow-up may also encourage patients to be more aware of their health status."
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "anticipate," "expect," "project," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "intend" and similar words. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and estimates using information available to us at the time and are not intended to be guarantees of future events or performance. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding new product launches and launch cadence, regulatory approvals, clinical trials, product performance and competitive offerings. If our underlying assumptions turn out to be incorrect, or if certain risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. These factors, in some cases, have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could affect our ability to implement our business strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements expressed in this press release. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements.
Factors that may cause such differences include, among other things: future economic, competitive, reimbursement and regulatory conditions; new product introductions; demographic trends; intellectual property; litigation; financial market conditions; and, future business decisions made by us and our competitors. All of these factors are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of them are beyond our control. For a further list and description of these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operations, see Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we may update in Part II, Item 1A Risk Factors in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q we have filed or will file hereafter. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which those expectations may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.
Boston Scientific has enrolled more than 180,000 patients on the LATITUDE system since its introduction in 2006. The LATITUDE system enables physicians to conduct remote follow-up of implantable cardiac device patients to monitor specific device information and heart health status. The system can also detect clinical events between scheduled in-clinic visits and send relevant data directly to physicians.
The ALTITUDE program enhances physician understanding of device therapy, outcomes and disease progression in a real-world setting for device patients followed by the LATITUDE system.
"Patients remotely monitored by physicians may fare better due to earlier notification of events, resulting in diagnosis or therapy that can reduce subsequent risk," said Leslie Saxon, M.D., F.A.C.C., Chief, Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute, University of Southern California, and chairperson of the ALTITUDE physician panel. "Remote follow-up may also encourage patients to be more aware of their health status."
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "anticipate," "expect," "project," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "intend" and similar words. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and estimates using information available to us at the time and are not intended to be guarantees of future events or performance. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding new product launches and launch cadence, regulatory approvals, clinical trials, product performance and competitive offerings. If our underlying assumptions turn out to be incorrect, or if certain risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. These factors, in some cases, have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could affect our ability to implement our business strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements expressed in this press release. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements.
Factors that may cause such differences include, among other things: future economic, competitive, reimbursement and regulatory conditions; new product introductions; demographic trends; intellectual property; litigation; financial market conditions; and, future business decisions made by us and our competitors. All of these factors are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of them are beyond our control. For a further list and description of these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operations, see Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we may update in Part II, Item 1A Risk Factors in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q we have filed or will file hereafter. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which those expectations may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.
четверг, 26 мая 2011 г.
Medtronic Launches First Insertable Cardiac Monitor In Japan
Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced it has received Japanese regulatory approval for the Reveal DX™ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM). The device has been designated by the Japanese government as a high-priority medical device, and is the first insertable cardiac monitor to be introduced in Japan.
The Reveal DX ICM provides insight into unexplained fainting episodes, also known as syncope. Syncope is difficult to diagnose as episodes are often too infrequent and unpredictable for detection with conventional monitoring techniques such as ECG Holter monitors or external loop recorders. These tests are limited to 24 hours and one month, respectively; combined with the constraints placed on the patient's daily life and the limited likelihood of an event occurring during the monitoring period, the testing may fail to determine the cause of the episodes.
Inserted just under the skin of the chest area, the Reveal DX ICM is approximately the size of a memory stick; it is capable of monitoring patients for up to three years, allowing for long-term, continuous cardiac monitoring. Records of arrhythmias are automatically recorded and saved, and patients may prompt the device to record any events at any time. If the patient experiences a syncopal episode, the information collected by the device may help the physician determine if the episode is attributable to an arrhythmia.
Since no similar device has been available in Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare designated the Reveal DX as "high priority" for approval in Japan. The device was subject to a fast-track evaluation by the Japanese government, and received regulatory approval in July 2008.
Medtronic Japan will begin marketing the Reveal DX ICM once it has attained insurance reimbursement for the device. The company will partner with Asahi Kasei for exclusive sales distribution rights for the device in Japan; Medtronic Japan will serve as the device's designated Marketing Authorization Holder.
The Reveal DX ICM is also commercially available in the United States, Western Europe and Canada.
About Syncope Causes of syncope can be heart rhythm disturbances or abnormalities in the structure of the heart. Syncope can lead to serious injury or can be a precursor to sudden cardiac death. Approximately 1.5 million people worldwide suffer from unexplained syncope. In almost 10 percent of patients, syncope has a cardiac cause (in 50 percent of cases, the cause is non-cardiac; and in 40 percent of cases the cause is unknown1).
??E.S. Soteriades et al. N Eng J Med. 2002; 347 (12):878-885
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world's leading medical technology company, alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for people with chronic disease. Its Internet address is medtronic.
About Medtronic Japan
Medtronic therapies cover a wide range of afflictions, from cardiac diseases to Parkinson's disease, diabetes, spinal disorders, cerebral disorders, chronic pain other chronic conditions. Medtronic Japan was founded in 1975 and has spent more than 30 years alleviating pain and restoring life for Japanese patients suffering from chronic diseases. Web site: medtronic.co.jp
About Asahi Kasei
Asahi Kasei provides innovative solutions based in chemistry and materials science to a diverse range of markets including fibers, chemicals, consumer products, housing, construction, electronics, and health care. Web site: asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/jp/index.html
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 25, 2008. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
medtronic
The Reveal DX ICM provides insight into unexplained fainting episodes, also known as syncope. Syncope is difficult to diagnose as episodes are often too infrequent and unpredictable for detection with conventional monitoring techniques such as ECG Holter monitors or external loop recorders. These tests are limited to 24 hours and one month, respectively; combined with the constraints placed on the patient's daily life and the limited likelihood of an event occurring during the monitoring period, the testing may fail to determine the cause of the episodes.
Inserted just under the skin of the chest area, the Reveal DX ICM is approximately the size of a memory stick; it is capable of monitoring patients for up to three years, allowing for long-term, continuous cardiac monitoring. Records of arrhythmias are automatically recorded and saved, and patients may prompt the device to record any events at any time. If the patient experiences a syncopal episode, the information collected by the device may help the physician determine if the episode is attributable to an arrhythmia.
Since no similar device has been available in Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare designated the Reveal DX as "high priority" for approval in Japan. The device was subject to a fast-track evaluation by the Japanese government, and received regulatory approval in July 2008.
Medtronic Japan will begin marketing the Reveal DX ICM once it has attained insurance reimbursement for the device. The company will partner with Asahi Kasei for exclusive sales distribution rights for the device in Japan; Medtronic Japan will serve as the device's designated Marketing Authorization Holder.
The Reveal DX ICM is also commercially available in the United States, Western Europe and Canada.
About Syncope Causes of syncope can be heart rhythm disturbances or abnormalities in the structure of the heart. Syncope can lead to serious injury or can be a precursor to sudden cardiac death. Approximately 1.5 million people worldwide suffer from unexplained syncope. In almost 10 percent of patients, syncope has a cardiac cause (in 50 percent of cases, the cause is non-cardiac; and in 40 percent of cases the cause is unknown1).
??E.S. Soteriades et al. N Eng J Med. 2002; 347 (12):878-885
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world's leading medical technology company, alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for people with chronic disease. Its Internet address is medtronic.
About Medtronic Japan
Medtronic therapies cover a wide range of afflictions, from cardiac diseases to Parkinson's disease, diabetes, spinal disorders, cerebral disorders, chronic pain other chronic conditions. Medtronic Japan was founded in 1975 and has spent more than 30 years alleviating pain and restoring life for Japanese patients suffering from chronic diseases. Web site: medtronic.co.jp
About Asahi Kasei
Asahi Kasei provides innovative solutions based in chemistry and materials science to a diverse range of markets including fibers, chemicals, consumer products, housing, construction, electronics, and health care. Web site: asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/jp/index.html
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 25, 2008. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
medtronic
среда, 25 мая 2011 г.
Heart Attack Patients At Higher Risk Of Onset Of Diabetes
People who have had heart attacks are at higher risk of developing both new-onset diabetes and the pre-diabetes condition impaired fasting glucose (IFG), conclude authors of an Article published in this week's edition of The Lancet.
Dr Dariush Mozaffarian, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA, Dr Roberto Marchioli, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Italy and colleagues studied 8291 Italian patients who had had a heart attack within the previous three months, and were free of diabetes. Incidence of new-onset diabetes and IGF were measured at 0???5, 1???0, 1???5, 2???5, and 3???5 years follow-up. Data for body-mass index, other risk factors, dietary habits, and medications were updated during the follow up, and a Mediterranean diet score was given to each patient based on their consumption of raw and cooked vegetables, fruit, fish and olive oil.
The researchers found one third of patients with a recent heart attack developed diabetes or IFG (blood glucose 6???1 mmol/L or more), during the 3???5 years of follow up; this rose to two-thirds when the lower IFG cut-off point of 5???6 mmol/L or more blood glucose was used. Patients with a recent heart attack were up to four-and-a-half times more likely to develop diabetes (3???7%) compared with the general population (0???8-1???6%), and more than 15 times more likely to develop IFG (27???5% versus 1???5%).
Independent risk factors associated with new-onset diabetes or IFG included older age, high blood pressure, use of beta-blockers, lipid-lowering medications (protective), and diuretic use. Independent life-style risk factors included higher body mass index (BMI), greater BMI gain during follow-up, current smoking (which increased risk by 60%), a lower Mediterranean dietary score, and wine consumption of more than one litre per day. Data for physical activity were unavailable, but people who could not perform exercise testing were at higher risk of both diabetes and IFG.
The authors conclude: "Our findings suggest that incidence of IFG and diabetes is high in the years after myocardial infarction, suggesting that acute myocardial infarction could be a pre-diabetes risk-equivalent??¦Our findings also suggest that smoking cessation, prevention of weight gain, and consumption of typical Mediterranean foods could substantially lower this risk, which has important implications for counselling patients soon after they have a myocardial infarction - an opportune time to institute lifestyle changes in patients motivated by a life-changing event."
In an accompanying Comment, Dr Lionel Opie, Hatter Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa, says: "These findings further tie the knot between myocardial infarction and hyperglycaemia - each causes the other." He adds that, of the lifestyle factors, "major interest lies in the potential protective effect of the Mediterranean diet."
thelancet
Dr Dariush Mozaffarian, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA, Dr Roberto Marchioli, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Italy and colleagues studied 8291 Italian patients who had had a heart attack within the previous three months, and were free of diabetes. Incidence of new-onset diabetes and IGF were measured at 0???5, 1???0, 1???5, 2???5, and 3???5 years follow-up. Data for body-mass index, other risk factors, dietary habits, and medications were updated during the follow up, and a Mediterranean diet score was given to each patient based on their consumption of raw and cooked vegetables, fruit, fish and olive oil.
The researchers found one third of patients with a recent heart attack developed diabetes or IFG (blood glucose 6???1 mmol/L or more), during the 3???5 years of follow up; this rose to two-thirds when the lower IFG cut-off point of 5???6 mmol/L or more blood glucose was used. Patients with a recent heart attack were up to four-and-a-half times more likely to develop diabetes (3???7%) compared with the general population (0???8-1???6%), and more than 15 times more likely to develop IFG (27???5% versus 1???5%).
Independent risk factors associated with new-onset diabetes or IFG included older age, high blood pressure, use of beta-blockers, lipid-lowering medications (protective), and diuretic use. Independent life-style risk factors included higher body mass index (BMI), greater BMI gain during follow-up, current smoking (which increased risk by 60%), a lower Mediterranean dietary score, and wine consumption of more than one litre per day. Data for physical activity were unavailable, but people who could not perform exercise testing were at higher risk of both diabetes and IFG.
The authors conclude: "Our findings suggest that incidence of IFG and diabetes is high in the years after myocardial infarction, suggesting that acute myocardial infarction could be a pre-diabetes risk-equivalent??¦Our findings also suggest that smoking cessation, prevention of weight gain, and consumption of typical Mediterranean foods could substantially lower this risk, which has important implications for counselling patients soon after they have a myocardial infarction - an opportune time to institute lifestyle changes in patients motivated by a life-changing event."
In an accompanying Comment, Dr Lionel Opie, Hatter Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa, says: "These findings further tie the knot between myocardial infarction and hyperglycaemia - each causes the other." He adds that, of the lifestyle factors, "major interest lies in the potential protective effect of the Mediterranean diet."
thelancet
вторник, 24 мая 2011 г.
3rd Annual Cardiometabolic Health Congress, Boston
The 2008 Cardiometabolic Health Congress (CMHC) will hold its third annual meeting October 15-18, 2008, at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. Over 1,000 clinicians will attend educational sessions focusing on cardiometabolic risk, including the prevention and management of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease. The CMHC agenda, faculty, and general congress information can be found at cardiometabolichealth.
The congress will evaluate novel and emerging therapies that combat the epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. CMHC features over 50 world-renowned experts translating cutting-edge science into practical approaches to manage the problems associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk. Physicians and allied health professionals can earn up 37.5 continuing medical education credits.
"The management of diabetes is evolving quickly, with new therapeutic agents and several landmark studies reporting this year," said John Buse, MD, PhD, CDE, chief of the Division of Endocrinology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill. "Discussing these advances in the context of cardiovascular risk management is critical for establishing best practices in patient care."
The CMHC late-breaking clinical trials data session will provide healthcare professionals with the most recent findings from large, ongoing clinical trials and discuss how the data will impact their practice.
"Cardiometabolic (CM) risk is the new paradigm that challenges us to understand patients' risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The 2008 CMHC is the place to hear all the latest information on CM risk," said Christopher Cannon, MD, senior investigator in the TIMI Study Group at Brigham and Women's Hospital and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
An unprecedented group of prestigious medical organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association (Councils on Clinical Cardiology; Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology; High Blood Pressure Research; Cardiovascular Nursing; Epidemiology and Prevention; and Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism); the Endocrine Society; the American Society of Hypertension, and the National Kidney Foundation, among many others, have been supporting CMHC for the past three years.
The 2008 CMHC is co-chaired by Christie M. Ballantyne, MD; Robert H. Eckel, MD; Richard W. Nesto, MD; and Jay S. Skyler, MD.
Cardiometabolic Health
The congress will evaluate novel and emerging therapies that combat the epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. CMHC features over 50 world-renowned experts translating cutting-edge science into practical approaches to manage the problems associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk. Physicians and allied health professionals can earn up 37.5 continuing medical education credits.
"The management of diabetes is evolving quickly, with new therapeutic agents and several landmark studies reporting this year," said John Buse, MD, PhD, CDE, chief of the Division of Endocrinology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill. "Discussing these advances in the context of cardiovascular risk management is critical for establishing best practices in patient care."
The CMHC late-breaking clinical trials data session will provide healthcare professionals with the most recent findings from large, ongoing clinical trials and discuss how the data will impact their practice.
"Cardiometabolic (CM) risk is the new paradigm that challenges us to understand patients' risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The 2008 CMHC is the place to hear all the latest information on CM risk," said Christopher Cannon, MD, senior investigator in the TIMI Study Group at Brigham and Women's Hospital and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
An unprecedented group of prestigious medical organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association (Councils on Clinical Cardiology; Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology; High Blood Pressure Research; Cardiovascular Nursing; Epidemiology and Prevention; and Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism); the Endocrine Society; the American Society of Hypertension, and the National Kidney Foundation, among many others, have been supporting CMHC for the past three years.
The 2008 CMHC is co-chaired by Christie M. Ballantyne, MD; Robert H. Eckel, MD; Richard W. Nesto, MD; and Jay S. Skyler, MD.
Cardiometabolic Health
понедельник, 23 мая 2011 г.
Erectile Dysfunction -- The Canary In The Mineshaft?
New research into urologic conditions - such as erectile dysfunction - indicate that these disorders could be associated with or precursors to more serious conditions, and suggest a need for practitioners to view these diseases in the greater context of total health as opposed to isolated disorders. A special session highlighting the association on urologic diseases with non-urologic conditions such as heart disease and metabolic syndrome was presented during the 102nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association. A special session for the media was moderated by Marshall L. Stoller, M.D.
ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE METABOLIC SYNDROME CAN BE REVERSED BY A CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH SILDENAFIL (Abstract 686)
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a number of conditions, including elevated blood pressure, excess body fat around the waist and insulin resistance. Many patients with these conditions also exhibit endothelial dysfunction with increases in oxidative stress and decreases in nitric oxide production - which has been related to erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers from France explored whether treatment with sildenafil - a common pharmacologic treatment for ED - could improve endothelial dysfunction in a rat model.
Researchers administered sildenafil to fructose-fed rats to achieve plasma concentrations known to give efficacy in men and observed endothelial function and oxidative stress in the animals during treatment and one-week after treatment had been stopped. It was observed that chronic sildenafil treatment improved endothelial function and oxidative stress, suggesting that this treatment could be a benefit for cardiovascular indications as well as erectile dysfunction.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND CORONARY HEART DISEASE (Abstract 864)
Research has shown a connection between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men, and has established a need to consider one a precursor to the other. Researchers further evaluated the association of these two conditions and whether the association could be age-related.
A random sample of men from the Olmsted County population was evaluated by questionnaire, and community medical records of the subjects were examined. Logistical regression models examined the associations between ED and CVD. Men with CVD were 4.2 times more likely to have ED than men without heart disease. The results underscore a need to consider sexual function in men with heart disease and CVD in men with ED.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION, METABOLIC SYNDROME, HYPOGONADISM ARE INTERTWINED (Abstract 863)
If left untreated, metabolic syndrome can lead to an increased risk for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease - both known risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED). Hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is an etiological factor for metablic syndrome and an etiological factor in ED. Using a sample of men with ED, German researchers investigated symptoms and incidence of metabolic syndrome and hypogonadism.
771 erectile dysfunction patients were given comprehensive screening for symptoms of hypogonadism and metabolic syndrome over a two-year period. 18.3 percent had testosterone levels less than 12 nmol/L. Of this hypogonadal subgroup, average abdominal girth was 112.2 cm, 35 percent had arterial hypertension, 21 percent were dyslipemic and 14 percent had benign prostatic hyperplasia or lower urinary tract symptoms. In this group, eight men had not yet been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, 12 had not been diagnosed with dyslipemia and five had not yet been diagnosed with heart disease. These results indicate a link between erectile dysfunction and other major health conditions, and suggest that erectile dysfunction be considered a portal to men's health. Treatment for erectile dysfunction should involve corresponding treatment of underlying metabolic syndrome conditions and hypogonadism.
SERUM BIOMARKERS OF ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS AFTER DAILY DOSING OF SILDENAFIL IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC MEN WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (Abstract 955)
It is known that erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly in diabetic men, is often characterized by increased oxidative stress and decreased endothelial function. Johns Hopkins researchers investigated whether daily long-term sildenafil treatment can provide vasculoprotective effects in these patients in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled two-arm study. Using a group of 300 men with documented ED and type 2 diabetes mellitus, researchers measured serum biomarkers for endothelial function (cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP) and oxidative stress (8 isoprostane). Inflammatory cytokines were measured using Bio-Plex suspension array sytem assays for interleukin-6 and interleukin-8. Erectile dysfunction was measured based on affirmative responses to question 4 of the Sexual Health Inventory-Male which asks about a patient's ability to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.
Endothelial function increased and oxidative stress decreased in the treatment group with no significant change noted in the placebo group. Erectile function improved in the treatment group with 22.8 percent at baseline and 58.2 percent at four weeks. Statistically significant change was not observed in the placebo group with 27.8 percent at baseline vs 30.7 percent at four weeks.
BODY MASS INDEX AFFECTS THE RESPONSE TO SILDENAFIL IN MEN WITH MODERATE AND SEVERE LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS (Abstract 1161)
A known link has been established between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity. A link has also been suggested between these factors and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study from researchers in Chicago and New York analyzed a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of men explores the connection between body mass index (BMI) and response to sildenafil in patients with ED and LUTS.
Men with scores less than or equal to 25 on the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Funcation and an International Prostate Symptom Score greater or equal to 12 were given 50 mg of sildenafil (or matching placebo) nightly or one hour before sexual activity. After two weeks, dose was increased to 100 mg with the option of returning to the original dose. Patients were evaluated for erectile function, IPSS and flow rate (Qmax) and assessed by BMI category. Sildenafil improved erectile function scores independent of baseline BMI and IPSS scores were decreased in men taking sildenafil yet similar between BMI groups. Flow rate was not affected by the drug. Higher BMI appeared to have an association with more severe ED.
NEPHROLITHIASIS AND THE RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (Abstract 1362)
Stone disease is a urologic condition whose etiology has not been completely characterized. Researchers in San Francisco and Boston have hypothesized a connection between stone disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a large-cohort prospective analysis of 4,747 patients with a history of nephrolithiasis. CVD was defined as myocardial infarction, angina, need for coronary artery bypass graft and ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
Risk of CVD in men with a history of nephrolithiasis was 1.15; the risk was highest for angina among individual outcomes analyzed. No increased stroke risk was observed. While the statistical risk for CVD in stone disease patients was modest, results correlate with other studies investigating a link between CVD and nephrolithiasis and may contribute to the etiology of stone formation and the counseling of patients.
GENERAL OBESITY AS MEASURED BY WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE IS PREDICTIVE OF SEVERITY OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS, SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AND COMPONENTS OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME (Abstract 1508)
Increased body mass index (BMI) and other components of metabolic syndrome have been linked to a number of urologic disorders, including erectile and voiding dysfunction. Researchers from New York and Illinois suggest that measurement of waist circumference may be a useful predictor for the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and prostate volume. Baseline parameters - International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate volume (measured by ultrasound), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), flow rate and erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction - were gathered, along with data on the incidence of hypertension, coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus were compared among the 88 men in the study. Men were divided into three groups based on waist circumference (30-36 inches, 36-40 inches and greater than 40 inches).
Significant positive relationships between waist circumference and prostate volume, PSA, IPSS, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction were observed. Flow rates were inversely related. Higher waist circumference was also associated with an increase in diabetes mellitus, hypertension and coronary artery disease. These data suggest that increased waist circumference is associated with voiding and sexual dysfunction, and increase in metabolic syndrome disorders.
About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 15,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs for members and their patients, including UrologyHealth, an award-winning on-line patient education resource, and the American Urological Association Foundation, Inc., formerly AFUD.
Contact: Wendy Isett
American Urological Association
ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE METABOLIC SYNDROME CAN BE REVERSED BY A CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH SILDENAFIL (Abstract 686)
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a number of conditions, including elevated blood pressure, excess body fat around the waist and insulin resistance. Many patients with these conditions also exhibit endothelial dysfunction with increases in oxidative stress and decreases in nitric oxide production - which has been related to erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers from France explored whether treatment with sildenafil - a common pharmacologic treatment for ED - could improve endothelial dysfunction in a rat model.
Researchers administered sildenafil to fructose-fed rats to achieve plasma concentrations known to give efficacy in men and observed endothelial function and oxidative stress in the animals during treatment and one-week after treatment had been stopped. It was observed that chronic sildenafil treatment improved endothelial function and oxidative stress, suggesting that this treatment could be a benefit for cardiovascular indications as well as erectile dysfunction.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND CORONARY HEART DISEASE (Abstract 864)
Research has shown a connection between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men, and has established a need to consider one a precursor to the other. Researchers further evaluated the association of these two conditions and whether the association could be age-related.
A random sample of men from the Olmsted County population was evaluated by questionnaire, and community medical records of the subjects were examined. Logistical regression models examined the associations between ED and CVD. Men with CVD were 4.2 times more likely to have ED than men without heart disease. The results underscore a need to consider sexual function in men with heart disease and CVD in men with ED.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION, METABOLIC SYNDROME, HYPOGONADISM ARE INTERTWINED (Abstract 863)
If left untreated, metabolic syndrome can lead to an increased risk for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease - both known risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED). Hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is an etiological factor for metablic syndrome and an etiological factor in ED. Using a sample of men with ED, German researchers investigated symptoms and incidence of metabolic syndrome and hypogonadism.
771 erectile dysfunction patients were given comprehensive screening for symptoms of hypogonadism and metabolic syndrome over a two-year period. 18.3 percent had testosterone levels less than 12 nmol/L. Of this hypogonadal subgroup, average abdominal girth was 112.2 cm, 35 percent had arterial hypertension, 21 percent were dyslipemic and 14 percent had benign prostatic hyperplasia or lower urinary tract symptoms. In this group, eight men had not yet been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, 12 had not been diagnosed with dyslipemia and five had not yet been diagnosed with heart disease. These results indicate a link between erectile dysfunction and other major health conditions, and suggest that erectile dysfunction be considered a portal to men's health. Treatment for erectile dysfunction should involve corresponding treatment of underlying metabolic syndrome conditions and hypogonadism.
SERUM BIOMARKERS OF ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS AFTER DAILY DOSING OF SILDENAFIL IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC MEN WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (Abstract 955)
It is known that erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly in diabetic men, is often characterized by increased oxidative stress and decreased endothelial function. Johns Hopkins researchers investigated whether daily long-term sildenafil treatment can provide vasculoprotective effects in these patients in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled two-arm study. Using a group of 300 men with documented ED and type 2 diabetes mellitus, researchers measured serum biomarkers for endothelial function (cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP) and oxidative stress (8 isoprostane). Inflammatory cytokines were measured using Bio-Plex suspension array sytem assays for interleukin-6 and interleukin-8. Erectile dysfunction was measured based on affirmative responses to question 4 of the Sexual Health Inventory-Male which asks about a patient's ability to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.
Endothelial function increased and oxidative stress decreased in the treatment group with no significant change noted in the placebo group. Erectile function improved in the treatment group with 22.8 percent at baseline and 58.2 percent at four weeks. Statistically significant change was not observed in the placebo group with 27.8 percent at baseline vs 30.7 percent at four weeks.
BODY MASS INDEX AFFECTS THE RESPONSE TO SILDENAFIL IN MEN WITH MODERATE AND SEVERE LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS (Abstract 1161)
A known link has been established between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity. A link has also been suggested between these factors and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study from researchers in Chicago and New York analyzed a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of men explores the connection between body mass index (BMI) and response to sildenafil in patients with ED and LUTS.
Men with scores less than or equal to 25 on the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Funcation and an International Prostate Symptom Score greater or equal to 12 were given 50 mg of sildenafil (or matching placebo) nightly or one hour before sexual activity. After two weeks, dose was increased to 100 mg with the option of returning to the original dose. Patients were evaluated for erectile function, IPSS and flow rate (Qmax) and assessed by BMI category. Sildenafil improved erectile function scores independent of baseline BMI and IPSS scores were decreased in men taking sildenafil yet similar between BMI groups. Flow rate was not affected by the drug. Higher BMI appeared to have an association with more severe ED.
NEPHROLITHIASIS AND THE RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (Abstract 1362)
Stone disease is a urologic condition whose etiology has not been completely characterized. Researchers in San Francisco and Boston have hypothesized a connection between stone disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a large-cohort prospective analysis of 4,747 patients with a history of nephrolithiasis. CVD was defined as myocardial infarction, angina, need for coronary artery bypass graft and ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
Risk of CVD in men with a history of nephrolithiasis was 1.15; the risk was highest for angina among individual outcomes analyzed. No increased stroke risk was observed. While the statistical risk for CVD in stone disease patients was modest, results correlate with other studies investigating a link between CVD and nephrolithiasis and may contribute to the etiology of stone formation and the counseling of patients.
GENERAL OBESITY AS MEASURED BY WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE IS PREDICTIVE OF SEVERITY OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS, SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AND COMPONENTS OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME (Abstract 1508)
Increased body mass index (BMI) and other components of metabolic syndrome have been linked to a number of urologic disorders, including erectile and voiding dysfunction. Researchers from New York and Illinois suggest that measurement of waist circumference may be a useful predictor for the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and prostate volume. Baseline parameters - International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate volume (measured by ultrasound), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), flow rate and erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction - were gathered, along with data on the incidence of hypertension, coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus were compared among the 88 men in the study. Men were divided into three groups based on waist circumference (30-36 inches, 36-40 inches and greater than 40 inches).
Significant positive relationships between waist circumference and prostate volume, PSA, IPSS, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction were observed. Flow rates were inversely related. Higher waist circumference was also associated with an increase in diabetes mellitus, hypertension and coronary artery disease. These data suggest that increased waist circumference is associated with voiding and sexual dysfunction, and increase in metabolic syndrome disorders.
About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 15,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs for members and their patients, including UrologyHealth, an award-winning on-line patient education resource, and the American Urological Association Foundation, Inc., formerly AFUD.
Contact: Wendy Isett
American Urological Association
воскресенье, 22 мая 2011 г.
Comprehensive Genetic Study Paves Way For New Blood-pressure Medicines
Eight previously unknown genes that affect blood pressure were recently identified in a comprehensive international study comprising 34,433 Europeans. The findings of the study, in which Uppsala University researchers participated, were presented in the Web edition of Nature Genetics.
High blood pressure is a major contributing cause of cardiovascular disorders. Previous studies have shown that it is extremely difficult to identify genes that affect blood pressure, partly because blood pressure is impacted by non-genetic factors, such as exercise and intake of salt in food, and partly because there are many genes that work together to affect blood pressure.
In the present study, a concerted effort was made by 93 research teams in 14 countries to find genes that affect blood-pressure levels in healthy individuals. To identify these genes, blood-pressure levels were monitored in those participating in the study, and DNA samples were gathered. The entire human genome was mapped systematically by analyzing the DNA samples with the help of hundreds of thousands of genetic markers, so-called SNP markers. Sweden was represented in the study by three research teams: Ann-Christine Syv?¤nen's research group and the SNP technology platform at Uppsala University, a group from the Karolinska Institute, and a group from Lund University. The study included DNA samples from 2,000 Swedes.
The areas of the genome that were identified in the study contain several genes that probably play a role in regulating blood pressure. The CYP17A1 gene on chromosome 10q24, for instance, plays a key role in the biosynthesis of glucorticoid hormones, which influence the metabolism of salt. In another area on chromosome 1p36 there are genes for two peptides with natrium-expelling effects. A lesser-known gene in this area, CLCN6, codes for a chloride canal in the neurons, which was not previously associated with blood-pressure regulation, and in an area on chromosome 17q21 there is the phopholipase gene, PLCD3, which is important for signaling in smooth muscles.
High blood pressure is a major contributing cause of cardiovascular disorders. Previous studies have shown that it is extremely difficult to identify genes that affect blood pressure, partly because blood pressure is impacted by non-genetic factors, such as exercise and intake of salt in food, and partly because there are many genes that work together to affect blood pressure.
In the present study, a concerted effort was made by 93 research teams in 14 countries to find genes that affect blood-pressure levels in healthy individuals. To identify these genes, blood-pressure levels were monitored in those participating in the study, and DNA samples were gathered. The entire human genome was mapped systematically by analyzing the DNA samples with the help of hundreds of thousands of genetic markers, so-called SNP markers. Sweden was represented in the study by three research teams: Ann-Christine Syv?¤nen's research group and the SNP technology platform at Uppsala University, a group from the Karolinska Institute, and a group from Lund University. The study included DNA samples from 2,000 Swedes.
The areas of the genome that were identified in the study contain several genes that probably play a role in regulating blood pressure. The CYP17A1 gene on chromosome 10q24, for instance, plays a key role in the biosynthesis of glucorticoid hormones, which influence the metabolism of salt. In another area on chromosome 1p36 there are genes for two peptides with natrium-expelling effects. A lesser-known gene in this area, CLCN6, codes for a chloride canal in the neurons, which was not previously associated with blood-pressure regulation, and in an area on chromosome 17q21 there is the phopholipase gene, PLCD3, which is important for signaling in smooth muscles.
суббота, 21 мая 2011 г.
Surrey Wakes Up To Problems Of Sleep Deprivation, UK
Researchers at the University of Surrey are investigating the effects of
sleep deprivation on metabolic and cardiovascular function and are
looking for volunteers to take part in a study. To be eligible,
participants must be male shift workers or male non shift workers aged
between 25-45 years-old.
In today's 24/7 society, work and social obligations can adversely
affect the timing, duration and quality of sleep. One such demand
resulting from today's society is the need for shift work.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of one night of total
sleep deprivation, as is experienced during the first night of a night
shift, on a range of metabolic, inflammatory and cardiovascular and
neurobehavioural responses. The responses of shift workers will be
compared to those on non shift workers. It is hoped that valuable
knowledge will be gained, in particular for those who skip a night's
sleep, for instance, night shift workers.
Previous research has indicated that doing shift work is not without
risk and it has been shown to have consequences for the health and
wellbeing of an individual, both acutely and in the long term. Sleep
deprivation during a night shift can acutely decrease alertness and
performance. Doing shift work for a number of years has, for example,
been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). An
increased risk of developing CVD has, in part, been shown to be due to
elevation of hormone and lipid responses, and is related to changes in
the inflammatory system.
Susceptibility to the effects of sleep deprivation is also likely to
differ between people. These differences may be a result of the amount
of shift work done in the past, lifestyle, sleep patterns and genetics.
Sophie Wehrens, the lead researcher comments: "Today's 24/7 society
puts a very high pressure on people's sleep patterns. Many people
realise this may affect their health, but we do not know exactly how. In
addition, it is obvious that not everyone responds in the same way to
skipping a night's sleep. We are therefore very interested to
investigate responses to sleep deprivation in the well controlled
conditions of our lab. This hopefully will enable us to characterise
these responses and to understand the mechanisms underlying them."
The University of Surrey is one of the UK's leading professional,
scientific and technological universities with a world class research
profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to
all spheres of life - helping industry to maintain its competitive edge
and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space
science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy.
Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition
and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social
sciences, management and languages and law. In addition to the campus on
150 hectares just outside Guildford, Surrey, the University also owns
and runs the Surrey Research Park, which provides facilities for 140
companies employing 2,700 staff.
The Sunday Times names Surrey as 'The University for Jobs' which
underlines the university's growing reputation for providing high
quality, relevant degrees.
University of Surrey
sleep deprivation on metabolic and cardiovascular function and are
looking for volunteers to take part in a study. To be eligible,
participants must be male shift workers or male non shift workers aged
between 25-45 years-old.
In today's 24/7 society, work and social obligations can adversely
affect the timing, duration and quality of sleep. One such demand
resulting from today's society is the need for shift work.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of one night of total
sleep deprivation, as is experienced during the first night of a night
shift, on a range of metabolic, inflammatory and cardiovascular and
neurobehavioural responses. The responses of shift workers will be
compared to those on non shift workers. It is hoped that valuable
knowledge will be gained, in particular for those who skip a night's
sleep, for instance, night shift workers.
Previous research has indicated that doing shift work is not without
risk and it has been shown to have consequences for the health and
wellbeing of an individual, both acutely and in the long term. Sleep
deprivation during a night shift can acutely decrease alertness and
performance. Doing shift work for a number of years has, for example,
been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). An
increased risk of developing CVD has, in part, been shown to be due to
elevation of hormone and lipid responses, and is related to changes in
the inflammatory system.
Susceptibility to the effects of sleep deprivation is also likely to
differ between people. These differences may be a result of the amount
of shift work done in the past, lifestyle, sleep patterns and genetics.
Sophie Wehrens, the lead researcher comments: "Today's 24/7 society
puts a very high pressure on people's sleep patterns. Many people
realise this may affect their health, but we do not know exactly how. In
addition, it is obvious that not everyone responds in the same way to
skipping a night's sleep. We are therefore very interested to
investigate responses to sleep deprivation in the well controlled
conditions of our lab. This hopefully will enable us to characterise
these responses and to understand the mechanisms underlying them."
The University of Surrey is one of the UK's leading professional,
scientific and technological universities with a world class research
profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to
all spheres of life - helping industry to maintain its competitive edge
and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space
science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy.
Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition
and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social
sciences, management and languages and law. In addition to the campus on
150 hectares just outside Guildford, Surrey, the University also owns
and runs the Surrey Research Park, which provides facilities for 140
companies employing 2,700 staff.
The Sunday Times names Surrey as 'The University for Jobs' which
underlines the university's growing reputation for providing high
quality, relevant degrees.
University of Surrey
пятница, 20 мая 2011 г.
Common Pain Cream Could Protect Heart During Attack
New research from the University of Cincinnati (UC) shows that a common, over-the-counter pain salve rubbed on the skin during a heart attack could serve as a cardiac-protectant, preventing or reducing damage to the heart while interventions are administered.
These findings are published in the Sept. 14 edition of the journal Circulation.
Keith Jones, PhD, a researcher in the department of pharmacology and cell biophysics, and scientists in his lab have found that applying capsaicin to specific skin locations in mice caused sensory nerves in the skin to trigger signals in the nervous system. These signals activate cellular "pro-survival" pathways in the heart which protect the muscle.
Capsaicin is the main component of chili peppers and produces a hot sensation. It is also the active ingredient in several topical medications used for temporary pain relief.
Capsaicin is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Jones is working with Neal Weintraub, MD, a UC Health cardiologist and director of UC's cardiovascular diseases division, and other clinicians to construct a translational plan to test capsaicin in a human population.
"Topical capsaicin has no known serious adverse effects and could be easily applied in an ambulance or emergency room setting well in advance of coronary tissue death," Jones says. "If proven effective in humans, this therapy has the potential to reduce injury and/or death in the event of a coronary blockage, thereby reducing the extent and consequences of heart attack."
Researchers observed an 85 percent reduction in cardiac cell death when capsaicin was used.
They also found that a small incision made on the abdomen triggered an 81 percent reduction.
"Both this and the capsaicin effect are shown to work through similar neurological mechanisms," Jones says. "These are the most powerful cardioprotective effects recorded to date.
"This is a form of remote cardioprotection, using a skin stimulus that activates cardioprotection long before the blocked coronary artery is opened."
Weintraub adds that this finding offers an important distinction between existing therapies.
"All of the current interventions require the vessel to be opened before doctors can act, and since it takes time to elicit protection, tissue dies," he says. "This treatment will protect the heart before the vessel is opened while producing a strong protective effect that is already active when we open the vessel."
Jones and Weintraub think that skin - the main sensor and largest human body organ - has evolved to protect animals, including humans, in a variety of ways.
"By activating these sensors in the nervous system, via skin, we think that a response to preserve and protect the heart is triggered," Weintraub says.
"We think that this technique is fooling the body into sending out protective signals," Jones adds. "This may be similar to the way certain acupuncture treatments work; there may be a neurological basis. In a broad sense, this work may provide a 'Rosetta stone' for translating alternative medicine techniques - like acupuncture - to Western medicine. Perhaps we can understand the biological mechanisms of how alternative treatments may be successful for patients."
Now, researchers will further explore this concept by investigating which sensors are associated with certain aspects of organ protection - and how much of specific stimuli are needed to produce the desired responses.
"This could help create favorable outcomes for those who are experiencing stroke, shock or are in need of an organ transplant, and the best part is that it is done non-invasively and is relatively inexpensive," Jones says.
But he warns against rubbing capsaicin on your belly if you feel like you are having a heart attack.
"We don't know if it will work for all indications, for all patients, and we don't know if it will work over an extended amount of time," he says. "A major goal is testing this therapy in clinical trials, but we still need to study more about dosage and application - where we put it on the body for the best results. However, this has tremendous clinical potential and could eventually save lives."
This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and by the University of Cincinnati. Jones and Weintraub have filed a patent for this funding but have received no honoraria from the makers of capsaicin.
These findings are published in the Sept. 14 edition of the journal Circulation.
Keith Jones, PhD, a researcher in the department of pharmacology and cell biophysics, and scientists in his lab have found that applying capsaicin to specific skin locations in mice caused sensory nerves in the skin to trigger signals in the nervous system. These signals activate cellular "pro-survival" pathways in the heart which protect the muscle.
Capsaicin is the main component of chili peppers and produces a hot sensation. It is also the active ingredient in several topical medications used for temporary pain relief.
Capsaicin is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Jones is working with Neal Weintraub, MD, a UC Health cardiologist and director of UC's cardiovascular diseases division, and other clinicians to construct a translational plan to test capsaicin in a human population.
"Topical capsaicin has no known serious adverse effects and could be easily applied in an ambulance or emergency room setting well in advance of coronary tissue death," Jones says. "If proven effective in humans, this therapy has the potential to reduce injury and/or death in the event of a coronary blockage, thereby reducing the extent and consequences of heart attack."
Researchers observed an 85 percent reduction in cardiac cell death when capsaicin was used.
They also found that a small incision made on the abdomen triggered an 81 percent reduction.
"Both this and the capsaicin effect are shown to work through similar neurological mechanisms," Jones says. "These are the most powerful cardioprotective effects recorded to date.
"This is a form of remote cardioprotection, using a skin stimulus that activates cardioprotection long before the blocked coronary artery is opened."
Weintraub adds that this finding offers an important distinction between existing therapies.
"All of the current interventions require the vessel to be opened before doctors can act, and since it takes time to elicit protection, tissue dies," he says. "This treatment will protect the heart before the vessel is opened while producing a strong protective effect that is already active when we open the vessel."
Jones and Weintraub think that skin - the main sensor and largest human body organ - has evolved to protect animals, including humans, in a variety of ways.
"By activating these sensors in the nervous system, via skin, we think that a response to preserve and protect the heart is triggered," Weintraub says.
"We think that this technique is fooling the body into sending out protective signals," Jones adds. "This may be similar to the way certain acupuncture treatments work; there may be a neurological basis. In a broad sense, this work may provide a 'Rosetta stone' for translating alternative medicine techniques - like acupuncture - to Western medicine. Perhaps we can understand the biological mechanisms of how alternative treatments may be successful for patients."
Now, researchers will further explore this concept by investigating which sensors are associated with certain aspects of organ protection - and how much of specific stimuli are needed to produce the desired responses.
"This could help create favorable outcomes for those who are experiencing stroke, shock or are in need of an organ transplant, and the best part is that it is done non-invasively and is relatively inexpensive," Jones says.
But he warns against rubbing capsaicin on your belly if you feel like you are having a heart attack.
"We don't know if it will work for all indications, for all patients, and we don't know if it will work over an extended amount of time," he says. "A major goal is testing this therapy in clinical trials, but we still need to study more about dosage and application - where we put it on the body for the best results. However, this has tremendous clinical potential and could eventually save lives."
This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and by the University of Cincinnati. Jones and Weintraub have filed a patent for this funding but have received no honoraria from the makers of capsaicin.
четверг, 19 мая 2011 г.
Great Promise In Cardiac Tissue Engineering, But Hurdles Remain Before Lab-grown Muscle Is Ready For Patients
Some day, heart attack survivors might have a patch of laboratory-grown muscle placed in their heart, to replace areas that died during their attack. Children born with defective heart valves might get new ones that can grow in place, rather than being replaced every few years. And people with clogged or weak blood vessels might get a new "natural" replacement, instead of a factory-made one.
These possibilities are all within reach, and could transform the way heart care is delivered, say University of Michigan Medical School researchers in the new issue of the journal Regenerative Medicine. Technology has advanced so much in recent years, they write, that scientists are closer than ever to "bioengineering" entire areas of the heart, as well as heart valves and major blood vessels.
But hurdles still remain before the products of this tissue engineering are ready to be implanted in patients as replacements for diseased or malformed structures, the team notes. Among the hurdles: determining which types of cells hold the most potential, and finding the best way to grow those cells to form viable cardiac tissue that is strong, long-lasting and structured at a cellular level like natural tissue.
The new article reviews the current state of cardiac tissue engineering, both at the U-M Cardiac Surgery Artificial Heart Laboratory and in labs worldwide.
"Tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving field, and cardiovascular tissue is one of the most exciting areas but also one of the most challenging," says Ravi Birla, Ph.D., the paper's senior author and director of the U-M Artificial Heart Laboratory. "With this paper, we're presenting the current state of the art as it exists in our lab and others, and pointing out both potential applications and hurdles that remain."
The paper presents a model for collaborative research between engineers, clinicians and biologists for successful cardiovascular tissue engineering research.
"Although there remain tremendous technological challenges, we are now at a point where we can engineer first-generation prototypes of all cardiovascular structures: heart muscle, tri-leaflet valves, blood vessels, cell-based cardiac pumps and tissue engineered ventricles," says Birla.
Research at the Artificial Heart Laboratory has focused on comparing different platforms to engineer functional heart muscle in the laboratory. Last December, Birla and first author Yen-Chih Huang, PhD, published a paper describing their success in growing pulsing, three-dimensional patches of bioengineered heart muscle, or BEHM. That paper describes the use of an innovative technique, using a fibrin hydrogel, that is faster than others, but still yields tissue with significantly better properties.
The gel was able to support rat cardiac cells temporarily, before the fibrin broke down as the cells multiplied and organized into tissue within a few days. Tests showed that the BEHM was capable of generating pulsating forces and reacting to stimulation more like real muscle than ever before.
Previously, the group described the results of a self organization strategy, showing that it was possible to engineer heart muscle that closely resembles normal heart muscle physiology without any synthetic scaffolding material. The U-M team and others have also shown how polymeric scaffolds can be used to engineer heart muscle of any shape or size to match the area of the damaged heart muscle - raising the possibility of engineering customized patches to meet the specific requirements of patients. All of these approaches are described in the recent review article.
The new article, by Birla and lead author Louise Hecker, a graduate student in the U-M Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, describes the "bioreactor" that the team uses to grow their BEHM. It also details many other discoveries that have been made by other teams using different cell-growing surfaces and conditions, as well as hurdles that still lie ahead. In all, the authors say, bioengineered cardiac tissue holds immediate promise as a way to study heart disease and its treatment in cell cultures - and promise over the longer term as a source of new patient treatments.
As part of the effort to make the leap from the lab to the clinic, U-M is applying for patent protection on the Artificial Heart Laboratory's developments and is actively looking for a corporate partner to help bring the technology to market.
The U-M team's bioreactor was developed Robert Dennis, Ph.D., formerly of the U-M College of Engineering and now at the University of North Carolina. It allows up to 11 specimens of tissue to be grown in the same conditions at the same time, while allowing each specimen to be "stretched" using a specially made device that can both apply forces and measure the forces generated when the tissue begins contracting and beating on its own. In the new paper, the team reports that it has achieved a doubling of the contracting force in just seven days, by stretching the BEHM at 1 Hertz.
The growing of heart muscle, heart valve and blood vessel tissue in the lab also requires careful control of conditions such as temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, nutrients and pH level. This can then encourage the cells to begin producing the kinds of molecules needed to signal to and connect with other cells, and to produce the extracellular matrix that supports cells in tissue.
The U-M Artificial Heart Laboratory has teamed up with a commercial partner to develop a novel perfusion system that can deliver controlled nutrient exchange to the tissue engineered heart muscle. The perfusion system is the first of its kind, because it does not rely on a traditional cell culture incubator, giving the researchers the ability to carefully control the culture environment of the cells during heart muscle formation and foster a higher degree of functionality.
Even if cell-growing conditions can be perfected to produce tissue that is strong, durable and shaped like the native tissue it is designed to replace, another major challenge remains: which type of cells to use. Or more clearly, which types of cells to use - because heart muscle tissue is made up of several types of cells. Human heart cells are hard to come by, and "adult" stem cells haven't yet been shown to be changeable into cardiac cells. Embryonic stem cells, while promising, come with political baggage. And other types of muscle cells taken from elsewhere in the body - including skeletal muscles - have been used in early clinical trials, but results are mixed.
The U-M team has begun experiments to transplant BEHM into the hearts of rats that have suffered heart attacks, and see if the new tissue can heal the damage. This work is being led by Francesco Migneco, M.D. In addition, several stains are being utilized to identify the composition of the cardiovascular structures, work being conducted by Luda Khait, BS, a Research Associate with the Artificial Heart Laboratory. The genetic makeup of the heart muscle has also been evaluated by Khait and found to be fairly similar to normal heart muscle.
Contact: Kara Gavin
University of Michigan Health System
These possibilities are all within reach, and could transform the way heart care is delivered, say University of Michigan Medical School researchers in the new issue of the journal Regenerative Medicine. Technology has advanced so much in recent years, they write, that scientists are closer than ever to "bioengineering" entire areas of the heart, as well as heart valves and major blood vessels.
But hurdles still remain before the products of this tissue engineering are ready to be implanted in patients as replacements for diseased or malformed structures, the team notes. Among the hurdles: determining which types of cells hold the most potential, and finding the best way to grow those cells to form viable cardiac tissue that is strong, long-lasting and structured at a cellular level like natural tissue.
The new article reviews the current state of cardiac tissue engineering, both at the U-M Cardiac Surgery Artificial Heart Laboratory and in labs worldwide.
"Tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving field, and cardiovascular tissue is one of the most exciting areas but also one of the most challenging," says Ravi Birla, Ph.D., the paper's senior author and director of the U-M Artificial Heart Laboratory. "With this paper, we're presenting the current state of the art as it exists in our lab and others, and pointing out both potential applications and hurdles that remain."
The paper presents a model for collaborative research between engineers, clinicians and biologists for successful cardiovascular tissue engineering research.
"Although there remain tremendous technological challenges, we are now at a point where we can engineer first-generation prototypes of all cardiovascular structures: heart muscle, tri-leaflet valves, blood vessels, cell-based cardiac pumps and tissue engineered ventricles," says Birla.
Research at the Artificial Heart Laboratory has focused on comparing different platforms to engineer functional heart muscle in the laboratory. Last December, Birla and first author Yen-Chih Huang, PhD, published a paper describing their success in growing pulsing, three-dimensional patches of bioengineered heart muscle, or BEHM. That paper describes the use of an innovative technique, using a fibrin hydrogel, that is faster than others, but still yields tissue with significantly better properties.
The gel was able to support rat cardiac cells temporarily, before the fibrin broke down as the cells multiplied and organized into tissue within a few days. Tests showed that the BEHM was capable of generating pulsating forces and reacting to stimulation more like real muscle than ever before.
Previously, the group described the results of a self organization strategy, showing that it was possible to engineer heart muscle that closely resembles normal heart muscle physiology without any synthetic scaffolding material. The U-M team and others have also shown how polymeric scaffolds can be used to engineer heart muscle of any shape or size to match the area of the damaged heart muscle - raising the possibility of engineering customized patches to meet the specific requirements of patients. All of these approaches are described in the recent review article.
The new article, by Birla and lead author Louise Hecker, a graduate student in the U-M Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, describes the "bioreactor" that the team uses to grow their BEHM. It also details many other discoveries that have been made by other teams using different cell-growing surfaces and conditions, as well as hurdles that still lie ahead. In all, the authors say, bioengineered cardiac tissue holds immediate promise as a way to study heart disease and its treatment in cell cultures - and promise over the longer term as a source of new patient treatments.
As part of the effort to make the leap from the lab to the clinic, U-M is applying for patent protection on the Artificial Heart Laboratory's developments and is actively looking for a corporate partner to help bring the technology to market.
The U-M team's bioreactor was developed Robert Dennis, Ph.D., formerly of the U-M College of Engineering and now at the University of North Carolina. It allows up to 11 specimens of tissue to be grown in the same conditions at the same time, while allowing each specimen to be "stretched" using a specially made device that can both apply forces and measure the forces generated when the tissue begins contracting and beating on its own. In the new paper, the team reports that it has achieved a doubling of the contracting force in just seven days, by stretching the BEHM at 1 Hertz.
The growing of heart muscle, heart valve and blood vessel tissue in the lab also requires careful control of conditions such as temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, nutrients and pH level. This can then encourage the cells to begin producing the kinds of molecules needed to signal to and connect with other cells, and to produce the extracellular matrix that supports cells in tissue.
The U-M Artificial Heart Laboratory has teamed up with a commercial partner to develop a novel perfusion system that can deliver controlled nutrient exchange to the tissue engineered heart muscle. The perfusion system is the first of its kind, because it does not rely on a traditional cell culture incubator, giving the researchers the ability to carefully control the culture environment of the cells during heart muscle formation and foster a higher degree of functionality.
Even if cell-growing conditions can be perfected to produce tissue that is strong, durable and shaped like the native tissue it is designed to replace, another major challenge remains: which type of cells to use. Or more clearly, which types of cells to use - because heart muscle tissue is made up of several types of cells. Human heart cells are hard to come by, and "adult" stem cells haven't yet been shown to be changeable into cardiac cells. Embryonic stem cells, while promising, come with political baggage. And other types of muscle cells taken from elsewhere in the body - including skeletal muscles - have been used in early clinical trials, but results are mixed.
The U-M team has begun experiments to transplant BEHM into the hearts of rats that have suffered heart attacks, and see if the new tissue can heal the damage. This work is being led by Francesco Migneco, M.D. In addition, several stains are being utilized to identify the composition of the cardiovascular structures, work being conducted by Luda Khait, BS, a Research Associate with the Artificial Heart Laboratory. The genetic makeup of the heart muscle has also been evaluated by Khait and found to be fairly similar to normal heart muscle.
Contact: Kara Gavin
University of Michigan Health System
среда, 18 мая 2011 г.
Comparison Of Medications For Heart Failure Finds Difference In Risk Of Death
In a comparison of the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) candesartan and losartan, used by patients with heart failure, candesartan was associated with a lower risk of death at 1 and 5 years, according to a study in the January 12 issue of JAMA.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers reduce cardiovascular mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization in patients with HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; a measure of how well the left ventricle of the heart pumps with each contraction). Despite variable effects of different ARBs, they have not been tested head to head, and there are reasons to believe they may differ in efficacy, according to background information in the article. Previous research found that in elderly patients with HF, losartan was associated with higher mortality than other ARBs.
Maria Eklind-Cervenka, M.D., of the Department of Cardiology, South Hospital, Stockholm, and colleagues conducted a study to determine whether candesartan is associated with less all-cause mortality than losartan in patients with HF. The study included analysis of data from an HF registry (the Swedish Heart Failure Registry) of 30,254 patients registered from 62 hospitals and 60 outpatient clinics between 2000 and 2009. A total of 5,139 patients (average age, 74; 39 percent women) were treated with candesartan (n = 2,639) or losartan (n = 2,500).
In overall survival between the 2 groups, the researchers found that one-year survival was 90 percent for patients receiving candesartan and 83 percent for patients receiving losartan, and 5-year survival was 61 percent for patients receiving candesartan and 44 percent for patients receiving losartan. The results persisted in stratified analyses.
The researchers add that there are mechanistic reasons to believe candesartan may be more effective than losartan and that studies of candesartan have been larger and more conclusively positive than studies of losartan.
"In conclusion, our findings suggest that candesartan is associated with less all-cause mortality than losartan. However, clinical decision making should await supportive evidence of this observed association. Ideally, different ARB agents should be tested against each other in randomized controlled trials. It would also be important and perhaps more feasible to confirm our findings in other large HF registries," the authors write.
(JAMA. 2011;305[2]:175-182. )
Angiotensin II receptor blockers reduce cardiovascular mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization in patients with HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; a measure of how well the left ventricle of the heart pumps with each contraction). Despite variable effects of different ARBs, they have not been tested head to head, and there are reasons to believe they may differ in efficacy, according to background information in the article. Previous research found that in elderly patients with HF, losartan was associated with higher mortality than other ARBs.
Maria Eklind-Cervenka, M.D., of the Department of Cardiology, South Hospital, Stockholm, and colleagues conducted a study to determine whether candesartan is associated with less all-cause mortality than losartan in patients with HF. The study included analysis of data from an HF registry (the Swedish Heart Failure Registry) of 30,254 patients registered from 62 hospitals and 60 outpatient clinics between 2000 and 2009. A total of 5,139 patients (average age, 74; 39 percent women) were treated with candesartan (n = 2,639) or losartan (n = 2,500).
In overall survival between the 2 groups, the researchers found that one-year survival was 90 percent for patients receiving candesartan and 83 percent for patients receiving losartan, and 5-year survival was 61 percent for patients receiving candesartan and 44 percent for patients receiving losartan. The results persisted in stratified analyses.
The researchers add that there are mechanistic reasons to believe candesartan may be more effective than losartan and that studies of candesartan have been larger and more conclusively positive than studies of losartan.
"In conclusion, our findings suggest that candesartan is associated with less all-cause mortality than losartan. However, clinical decision making should await supportive evidence of this observed association. Ideally, different ARB agents should be tested against each other in randomized controlled trials. It would also be important and perhaps more feasible to confirm our findings in other large HF registries," the authors write.
(JAMA. 2011;305[2]:175-182. )
вторник, 17 мая 2011 г.
FDA Warns Users About Faulty Components In 14 External Defibrillator Models
About 280,000 external defibrillators used worldwide in health care facilities, public places, or in the home may malfunction during attempts to rescue people in sudden cardiac arrest, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned today.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs, leading to death if not treated within minutes.
External defibrillators can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore normal heart rhythm when sudden cardiac arrest occurs.
Faulty components in defibrillators manufactured by Cardiac Science Corp. of Bothell, Wash., may cause the devices to fail to properly deliver a shock. In addition to failure to deliver needed shocks, other problems with the affected models may include interruption of electrocardiography (ECG) analysis, failure to recognize electrode pads, and interference or background noise that makes the device unable to accurately analyze heart rhythm.
The 14 models, which include automated and semi-automated devices, are:
- Powerheart models 9300A, 9300C, 9300D, 9300E, 9300P, 9390A and 9390E
- CardioVive models 92531, 92532 and 92533
- Nihon Kohden models 9200G and 9231 and
- GE Responder models 2019198 and 2023440.
The FDA recommends that hospitals, nursing homes and other high-risk settings obtain alternative external defibrillators and arrange for the repair or replacement of the affected defibrillators.
For all other users, including those who use the device at home or as part of public access programs, the FDA recommends using alternative external defibrillators if they are available, and arranging for the repair or replacement of the affected models.
If alternative external defibrillators are not immediately available, then FDA recommends continuing to use the affected devices if needed, because they may still deliver necessary therapy. The potential benefits of using the available external defibrillators outweigh the risk of not using any of the affected external defibrillators or the risk of device failure.
"The FDA is issuing this notice so that users can take the proper steps necessary to assure they have access to safe and effective defibrillators," said Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
Cardiac Science recalled its Powerheart and CardioVive models, manufactured between August 2003 and August 2009, on Nov. 13, 2009. But the FDA has since learned that additional Cardiac Science models, two marketed under the Nihon Kohden name, and two marketed by GE Healthcare as GE Responder have similar problems.
Cardiac Science issued a software update for two of its Powerheart defibrillators in February 2010 and plans to issue similar software updates for other affected devices. However, FDA's review of the updated software indicates that the software detects some, but not all, identified defects.
Nihon Kohden is based in Tokyo, Japan. GE Healthcare is located in Britain.
For more information:
- Defective Cardiac Science Corporation Powerheart, CardioVive, Nihon Kohden, and GE Responder External Defibrillators: Updated April 27, 2010
Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs, leading to death if not treated within minutes.
External defibrillators can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore normal heart rhythm when sudden cardiac arrest occurs.
Faulty components in defibrillators manufactured by Cardiac Science Corp. of Bothell, Wash., may cause the devices to fail to properly deliver a shock. In addition to failure to deliver needed shocks, other problems with the affected models may include interruption of electrocardiography (ECG) analysis, failure to recognize electrode pads, and interference or background noise that makes the device unable to accurately analyze heart rhythm.
The 14 models, which include automated and semi-automated devices, are:
- Powerheart models 9300A, 9300C, 9300D, 9300E, 9300P, 9390A and 9390E
- CardioVive models 92531, 92532 and 92533
- Nihon Kohden models 9200G and 9231 and
- GE Responder models 2019198 and 2023440.
The FDA recommends that hospitals, nursing homes and other high-risk settings obtain alternative external defibrillators and arrange for the repair or replacement of the affected defibrillators.
For all other users, including those who use the device at home or as part of public access programs, the FDA recommends using alternative external defibrillators if they are available, and arranging for the repair or replacement of the affected models.
If alternative external defibrillators are not immediately available, then FDA recommends continuing to use the affected devices if needed, because they may still deliver necessary therapy. The potential benefits of using the available external defibrillators outweigh the risk of not using any of the affected external defibrillators or the risk of device failure.
"The FDA is issuing this notice so that users can take the proper steps necessary to assure they have access to safe and effective defibrillators," said Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
Cardiac Science recalled its Powerheart and CardioVive models, manufactured between August 2003 and August 2009, on Nov. 13, 2009. But the FDA has since learned that additional Cardiac Science models, two marketed under the Nihon Kohden name, and two marketed by GE Healthcare as GE Responder have similar problems.
Cardiac Science issued a software update for two of its Powerheart defibrillators in February 2010 and plans to issue similar software updates for other affected devices. However, FDA's review of the updated software indicates that the software detects some, but not all, identified defects.
Nihon Kohden is based in Tokyo, Japan. GE Healthcare is located in Britain.
For more information:
- Defective Cardiac Science Corporation Powerheart, CardioVive, Nihon Kohden, and GE Responder External Defibrillators: Updated April 27, 2010
Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
понедельник, 16 мая 2011 г.
Abbott's ABSORB Heart Stent One Step Closer To FDA Approval
A new heart stent, or scaffold that actually absorbs into the body's system and was approved in Europe in January of this year, has demonstrated promising results after phase two trials. U.S. FDA approval still seems to be some time away however.
Patrick W. Serruys, M.D., Ph.D., professor of interventional cardiology at the Thoraxcentre, Erasmus University Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands comments:
"The one-year data in these patients confirm earlier results seen at the six- and nine-month periods that the ABSORB device has the potential to effectively treat coronary artery disease with the possibility of restoring natural vessel function in a way not possible with permanent metallic implants. In addition, the one-year late loss seen with ABSORB is similar to what has been seen in a historical series of drug eluting stents, which is an encouraging indication that a bioresorbable scaffold like ABSORB might be able to offer the performance capabilities of a metallic drug eluting stent but with the added benefit of eventually dissolving away."
These results were presented during the American College of Cardiology's (ACC) 60th Annual Scientific Session and i2 Summit 2011 in New Orleans.
At one year, Abbott's ABSORB device demonstrated no reports of blood clots (thromboses). Importantly, of the patients' vessels that were assessed for vasomotor function, nearly all showed signs of vasomotion (constriction or dilation of the vessel) at one year, indicating that vessel movement was observed in the arteries of these patients as their vessels were no longer constrained by the scaffold, which had begun to be metabolized.
Charles A. Simonton, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, divisional vice president, Medical Affairs, and chief medical officer, Abbott Vascular continues:
"The positive one-year clinical results from the ABSORB trial provide support for the clinical performance of the device and its potential to change the way coronary artery disease is treated. Abbott is committed to continuing to build the body of clinical evidence supporting this novel therapy, and we are planning additional clinical trials this year."
Since a permanent metallic implant is not left behind, a patient's vessel treated with ABSORB may ultimately have the ability to move, flex and pulsate similar to an untreated vessel. Restoration of these naturally occurring vessel functions, or vascular restoration therapy (VRT), is one of the features that makes ABSORB a significant innovation for patients in the treatment of coronary artery disease.
The device is designed to restore blood flow by opening a clogged vessel and providing support to the vessel. Once the vessel can remain open without the extra support, ABSORB is designed to slowly metabolize and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women.
Coronary heart disease is usually caused by a condition called atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty material and other substances form a plaque build-up on the walls of your arteries. This causes them to get narrow. As the coronary arteries narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, and other symptoms, usually when you are active.
Patrick W. Serruys, M.D., Ph.D., professor of interventional cardiology at the Thoraxcentre, Erasmus University Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands comments:
"The one-year data in these patients confirm earlier results seen at the six- and nine-month periods that the ABSORB device has the potential to effectively treat coronary artery disease with the possibility of restoring natural vessel function in a way not possible with permanent metallic implants. In addition, the one-year late loss seen with ABSORB is similar to what has been seen in a historical series of drug eluting stents, which is an encouraging indication that a bioresorbable scaffold like ABSORB might be able to offer the performance capabilities of a metallic drug eluting stent but with the added benefit of eventually dissolving away."
These results were presented during the American College of Cardiology's (ACC) 60th Annual Scientific Session and i2 Summit 2011 in New Orleans.
At one year, Abbott's ABSORB device demonstrated no reports of blood clots (thromboses). Importantly, of the patients' vessels that were assessed for vasomotor function, nearly all showed signs of vasomotion (constriction or dilation of the vessel) at one year, indicating that vessel movement was observed in the arteries of these patients as their vessels were no longer constrained by the scaffold, which had begun to be metabolized.
Charles A. Simonton, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, divisional vice president, Medical Affairs, and chief medical officer, Abbott Vascular continues:
"The positive one-year clinical results from the ABSORB trial provide support for the clinical performance of the device and its potential to change the way coronary artery disease is treated. Abbott is committed to continuing to build the body of clinical evidence supporting this novel therapy, and we are planning additional clinical trials this year."
Since a permanent metallic implant is not left behind, a patient's vessel treated with ABSORB may ultimately have the ability to move, flex and pulsate similar to an untreated vessel. Restoration of these naturally occurring vessel functions, or vascular restoration therapy (VRT), is one of the features that makes ABSORB a significant innovation for patients in the treatment of coronary artery disease.
The device is designed to restore blood flow by opening a clogged vessel and providing support to the vessel. Once the vessel can remain open without the extra support, ABSORB is designed to slowly metabolize and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women.
Coronary heart disease is usually caused by a condition called atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty material and other substances form a plaque build-up on the walls of your arteries. This causes them to get narrow. As the coronary arteries narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, and other symptoms, usually when you are active.
воскресенье, 15 мая 2011 г.
Largest Study To Date Finds ICDs Beneficial In Children, But Inappropriate Shocks Can Be A Problem
More and more children with congenital heart disease are receiving implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to maintain proper heart rhythm. ICDs were first introduced for adults in the 1980s, but little is known about how well they work in children, who account for less than 1 percent of recipients. A report in the April 29 Journal of the American College of Cardiology summarizes the largest pediatric experience to date. It finds the devices to be life-saving, but also suggests that they tend to deliver more inappropriate shocks to children than to adults, making it important to watch children with ICDs closely.
The researchers, led by Charles Berul, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Children's Hospital Boston, analyzed data from 443 patients who received implants between 1992 and 2004 at one of four pediatric centers. The study included both pediatric heart patients and adults with congenital heart disease. The median age was 16 years (range, 0 to 54).
Among the 409 patients for whom shock data was available, 26 percent had received appropriate shocks from their ICD, averaging four per patient. However, 21 percent had received inappropriate shocks an average of six per patient. When broken down by age, 24 percent of children under 18 had received inappropriate shocks, versus 14 percent of adult patients. While such shocks aren't life-threatening, they are very unpleasant "like being kicked in the chest," says Berul.
One reason for the inappropriate shocks was that children often have spikes in heart rate that aren't normally seen in adults. "Children are more active and get their heart rates up faster," Berul says. "The devices sometimes have trouble differentiating normal increases in heart rate from abnormal rhythms."
In addition, 14 percent of inappropriate shocks were due to failure of the ICD wires (leads). This was a particular problem in children, who live much longer with their ICDs than adults do, and whose leads can stretch due to activity and growth. Lead failure also requires periodic surgery to replace the wires.
Berul's team is working with device manufacturers to change ICD programming to minimize unnecessary shocks in children and to provide more durable, longer-lasting leads. "Children are not an important market for device makers, but they are an important subgroup," Berul says.
Overall, the study shows a benefit of ICDs, but suggests that physicians should give more attention to determining which children with congenital heart disease really need the devices, since not all are at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias. For example, patients who had experienced a prior cardiac event had a higher likelihood of appropriate shocks than those receiving the devices preventively (32 vs. 18 percent), improving the overall cost-benefit ratio.
Berul notes that the current study is by far the largest to date involving the newer generation of ICDs. It confirms the findings of earlier studies, which have looked at older-generation pacemakers and devices implanted only after children were resuscitated from cardiac arrest.
This study was funded in part by Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and St. Jude Medical.
Founded in 1869 as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children's Hospital Boston today is the nation's leading pediatric medical center, the largest provider of health care to Massachusetts children, and the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. In addition to 397 pediatric and adolescent inpatient beds and comprehensive outpatient programs, Children's houses the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries benefit both children and adults. More than 500 scientists, including eight members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and 12 members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children's research community.
Children's Hospital Boston
120 Brookline Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02115
United States
childrenshospital
The researchers, led by Charles Berul, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Children's Hospital Boston, analyzed data from 443 patients who received implants between 1992 and 2004 at one of four pediatric centers. The study included both pediatric heart patients and adults with congenital heart disease. The median age was 16 years (range, 0 to 54).
Among the 409 patients for whom shock data was available, 26 percent had received appropriate shocks from their ICD, averaging four per patient. However, 21 percent had received inappropriate shocks an average of six per patient. When broken down by age, 24 percent of children under 18 had received inappropriate shocks, versus 14 percent of adult patients. While such shocks aren't life-threatening, they are very unpleasant "like being kicked in the chest," says Berul.
One reason for the inappropriate shocks was that children often have spikes in heart rate that aren't normally seen in adults. "Children are more active and get their heart rates up faster," Berul says. "The devices sometimes have trouble differentiating normal increases in heart rate from abnormal rhythms."
In addition, 14 percent of inappropriate shocks were due to failure of the ICD wires (leads). This was a particular problem in children, who live much longer with their ICDs than adults do, and whose leads can stretch due to activity and growth. Lead failure also requires periodic surgery to replace the wires.
Berul's team is working with device manufacturers to change ICD programming to minimize unnecessary shocks in children and to provide more durable, longer-lasting leads. "Children are not an important market for device makers, but they are an important subgroup," Berul says.
Overall, the study shows a benefit of ICDs, but suggests that physicians should give more attention to determining which children with congenital heart disease really need the devices, since not all are at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias. For example, patients who had experienced a prior cardiac event had a higher likelihood of appropriate shocks than those receiving the devices preventively (32 vs. 18 percent), improving the overall cost-benefit ratio.
Berul notes that the current study is by far the largest to date involving the newer generation of ICDs. It confirms the findings of earlier studies, which have looked at older-generation pacemakers and devices implanted only after children were resuscitated from cardiac arrest.
This study was funded in part by Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and St. Jude Medical.
Founded in 1869 as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children's Hospital Boston today is the nation's leading pediatric medical center, the largest provider of health care to Massachusetts children, and the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. In addition to 397 pediatric and adolescent inpatient beds and comprehensive outpatient programs, Children's houses the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries benefit both children and adults. More than 500 scientists, including eight members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and 12 members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children's research community.
Children's Hospital Boston
120 Brookline Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02115
United States
childrenshospital
суббота, 14 мая 2011 г.
St. Jude Medical Celebrates Two Millionth Mechanical Heart Valve Implant
St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ), a global medical device company, announced that the company will celebrate the treatment of more than 2 million patients with its mechanical heart valve technology. This milestone, a landmark achievement for prosthetic heart valves, demonstrates the company's commitment to cardiac surgery and improving patient outcomes.
For more than 30 years, St. Jude Medical has offered patients the gold standard in mechanical heart valve performance and durability. Today, with more than 2 million patients benefiting from its proven valve technology, St. Jude Medical commemorates this important milestone with leading physicians and institutions around the world that have contributed to the success of its mechanical heart valve products.
"I'm very confident using the St. Jude Medical mechanical heart valve in almost all circumstances where a valve replacement is indicated," said Dr. Denton A. Cooley, M.D., Cardiologist at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas. "Its record over the past three decades has proven to be one of the most reliable of all cardiac valve prostheses."
As a pioneer in heart valve technology, St. Jude Medical continues to innovate replacement technologies for patients with diseased, damaged or malfunctioning heart valves. Using the same market-leading expertise as was used for its mechanical heart valve technology, St. Jude Medical has developed the Trifecta™ heart valve, a next-generation tissue valve that has a tri-leaflet stented pericardial design for excellent hemodynamic performance. Designed to be implanted in the supra-annular aortic position, the valve features leaflets manufactured from pericardial tissue attached to the exterior of the valve stent. This design allows the leaflets to open more fully and efficiently, mimicking the performance of a healthy aortic heart valve, while also minimizing tissue abrasion through tissue-to-tissue (stent-to-leaflet) contact.
"For years, St. Jude Medical has worked closely with physicians and institutions around the world to develop our exceptional valve technology," said Frank J. Callaghan, president of the St. Jude Medical Cardiovascular Division. "This significant milestone is more than just a number, it signifies the trust and confidence physicians have in St. Jude Medical valves. As we move forward with new technologies like our Trifecta valve, we are not only continuing the legacy that was instilled by our mechanical valves, but innovating advanced, best-in-class life-saving technologies."
The St. Jude Medical valve product portfolio includes market-leading mechanical heart valves, valve annuloplasty rings, porcine tissue valves with superior durability for both the aortic and mitral positions and Trifecta, the newest stented bovine pericardial tissue valve designed for superior hemodynamics.
The Trifecta valve received European CE Mark approval and was fully launched in Europe in 2010. The Trifecta valve is not approved for use in the United States.
For more than 30 years, St. Jude Medical has offered patients the gold standard in mechanical heart valve performance and durability. Today, with more than 2 million patients benefiting from its proven valve technology, St. Jude Medical commemorates this important milestone with leading physicians and institutions around the world that have contributed to the success of its mechanical heart valve products.
"I'm very confident using the St. Jude Medical mechanical heart valve in almost all circumstances where a valve replacement is indicated," said Dr. Denton A. Cooley, M.D., Cardiologist at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas. "Its record over the past three decades has proven to be one of the most reliable of all cardiac valve prostheses."
As a pioneer in heart valve technology, St. Jude Medical continues to innovate replacement technologies for patients with diseased, damaged or malfunctioning heart valves. Using the same market-leading expertise as was used for its mechanical heart valve technology, St. Jude Medical has developed the Trifecta™ heart valve, a next-generation tissue valve that has a tri-leaflet stented pericardial design for excellent hemodynamic performance. Designed to be implanted in the supra-annular aortic position, the valve features leaflets manufactured from pericardial tissue attached to the exterior of the valve stent. This design allows the leaflets to open more fully and efficiently, mimicking the performance of a healthy aortic heart valve, while also minimizing tissue abrasion through tissue-to-tissue (stent-to-leaflet) contact.
"For years, St. Jude Medical has worked closely with physicians and institutions around the world to develop our exceptional valve technology," said Frank J. Callaghan, president of the St. Jude Medical Cardiovascular Division. "This significant milestone is more than just a number, it signifies the trust and confidence physicians have in St. Jude Medical valves. As we move forward with new technologies like our Trifecta valve, we are not only continuing the legacy that was instilled by our mechanical valves, but innovating advanced, best-in-class life-saving technologies."
The St. Jude Medical valve product portfolio includes market-leading mechanical heart valves, valve annuloplasty rings, porcine tissue valves with superior durability for both the aortic and mitral positions and Trifecta, the newest stented bovine pericardial tissue valve designed for superior hemodynamics.
The Trifecta valve received European CE Mark approval and was fully launched in Europe in 2010. The Trifecta valve is not approved for use in the United States.
пятница, 13 мая 2011 г.
Department Of Justice Joins Lawsuits Filed Over Alleged Illegal Marketing Of Heart Failure Medication Natrecor
The Department of Justice on Thursday announced plans to join two whistleblower lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Scios over allegations that the company illegally marketed the heart failure medication Natrecor for unapproved uses and defrauded Medicare and other federal health care programs, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. FDA in 2001 approved Natrecor for use in hospital patients who experienced shortness of breath caused by acute congestive heart failure (Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, 2/20).
According to the lawsuits, filed in 2005 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by former Scios sales managers Joe Strom and Jeffrey Smith, the company since 2001 has marketed Natrecor for use in outpatients who have less severe heart failure. In court documents unsealed on Thursday, the plaintiff in one of the lawsuits alleges that "upper management has always permitted and encouraged active off-label marketing" (Wang/Kendall, Wall Street Journal, 2/20). Marcella Auerbach, an attorney for one of the plaintiffs, said that Scios and J&J have collected hundreds of millions of dollars in reimbursements from Medicare and other federal health programs for unapproved uses of Natrecor (San Francisco Chronicle, 2/20).
Charles Miller, a spokesperson for the civil division at DOJ, said, "Our investigation showed what we believed to have been off-label usage," adding, "As a result, we've joined the suit."
Ernie Knewitz, a spokesperson for J&J, said that the company had "reviewed the allegations thoroughly and will be prepared to address them through the courts" (Wall Street Journal, 2/20).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
© 2009 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
View drug information on Natrecor.
According to the lawsuits, filed in 2005 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by former Scios sales managers Joe Strom and Jeffrey Smith, the company since 2001 has marketed Natrecor for use in outpatients who have less severe heart failure. In court documents unsealed on Thursday, the plaintiff in one of the lawsuits alleges that "upper management has always permitted and encouraged active off-label marketing" (Wang/Kendall, Wall Street Journal, 2/20). Marcella Auerbach, an attorney for one of the plaintiffs, said that Scios and J&J have collected hundreds of millions of dollars in reimbursements from Medicare and other federal health programs for unapproved uses of Natrecor (San Francisco Chronicle, 2/20).
Charles Miller, a spokesperson for the civil division at DOJ, said, "Our investigation showed what we believed to have been off-label usage," adding, "As a result, we've joined the suit."
Ernie Knewitz, a spokesperson for J&J, said that the company had "reviewed the allegations thoroughly and will be prepared to address them through the courts" (Wall Street Journal, 2/20).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
© 2009 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
View drug information on Natrecor.
вторник, 10 мая 2011 г.
Vitamins E And C Supplements Do Not Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease In Men
Neither vitamin E nor vitamin C supplements reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events in a large, long-term study of male physicians, according to a study in the November 12 issue of JAMA. The article is being released early online November 9 to coincide with the scientific presentation of the study findings at the American Heart Association meeting.
Most adults in the United States have taken vitamin supplements in the past year, according to background information provided by the authors. "Basic research studies suggest that vitamin E, vitamin C, and other antioxidants reduce cardiovascular disease by trapping organic free radicals, by deactivating excited oxygen molecules, or both, to prevent tissue damage." Some previous observational studies have supported a role for vitamin E in cardiovascular disease prevention. Some previous observational studies have also shown a role for vitamin C in reducing coronary heart disease risk.
In this study, known as the Physicians' Health Study II, Howard D. Sesso, Sc.D, M.P.H., and colleagues from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, assessed the effects of vitamin E and vitamin C supplements on the risk of major cardiovascular disease events among 14,641 male physicians. These physicians were 50 years or older and at low risk of cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study in 1997, and 754 (5.1 percent) had prevalent cardiovascular disease. The study participants were randomized to receive 400 IU of vitamin E every other day or a placebo and 500 mg of vitamin C daily or a placebo.
"During a mean (average) follow-up of 8 years, there were 1,245 confirmed major cardiovascular events," the researchers report. There were 511 total myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), 464 total strokes, and 509 cardiovascular deaths, with some men experiencing multiple events. A total of 1,661 men died during follow-up. Compared with placebo, neither vitamin E nor vitamin C had an effect on the prevention of major cardiovascular events. "Neither vitamin E nor vitamin C had a significant effect on total mortality, but vitamin E was associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke."
In conclusion the authors write: "In this large, long-term trial of male physicians, neither vitamin E nor vitamin C supplementation reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events. These data provide no support for the use of these supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older men."
JAMA. 2008;300[18]:2123-2133
This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and an investigator-initiated grant from BASF Corporation. Study agents and packaging were provided by BASF Corporation, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and DSM Nutritional Products Inc. (formerly Roche Vitamins). Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.
American Medical Association
ama-assn
Most adults in the United States have taken vitamin supplements in the past year, according to background information provided by the authors. "Basic research studies suggest that vitamin E, vitamin C, and other antioxidants reduce cardiovascular disease by trapping organic free radicals, by deactivating excited oxygen molecules, or both, to prevent tissue damage." Some previous observational studies have supported a role for vitamin E in cardiovascular disease prevention. Some previous observational studies have also shown a role for vitamin C in reducing coronary heart disease risk.
In this study, known as the Physicians' Health Study II, Howard D. Sesso, Sc.D, M.P.H., and colleagues from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, assessed the effects of vitamin E and vitamin C supplements on the risk of major cardiovascular disease events among 14,641 male physicians. These physicians were 50 years or older and at low risk of cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study in 1997, and 754 (5.1 percent) had prevalent cardiovascular disease. The study participants were randomized to receive 400 IU of vitamin E every other day or a placebo and 500 mg of vitamin C daily or a placebo.
"During a mean (average) follow-up of 8 years, there were 1,245 confirmed major cardiovascular events," the researchers report. There were 511 total myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), 464 total strokes, and 509 cardiovascular deaths, with some men experiencing multiple events. A total of 1,661 men died during follow-up. Compared with placebo, neither vitamin E nor vitamin C had an effect on the prevention of major cardiovascular events. "Neither vitamin E nor vitamin C had a significant effect on total mortality, but vitamin E was associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke."
In conclusion the authors write: "In this large, long-term trial of male physicians, neither vitamin E nor vitamin C supplementation reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events. These data provide no support for the use of these supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older men."
JAMA. 2008;300[18]:2123-2133
This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and an investigator-initiated grant from BASF Corporation. Study agents and packaging were provided by BASF Corporation, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and DSM Nutritional Products Inc. (formerly Roche Vitamins). Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.
American Medical Association
ama-assn
понедельник, 9 мая 2011 г.
FDA Approves 12-Month Shelf Life for Taxus(R) Stent System
Boston Scientific
Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announces that the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved extending the shelf life of its TAXUS(R)
Express2(TM) paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system in the United States to
twelve months from the current shelf life of nine months. The decision was
based on data submitted by Boston Scientific to the FDA that demonstrated the
performance of the TAXUS system -- in particular the drug content, drug
degradation profile and drug-release mechanism -- was maintained within
FDA-approved specifications at twelve months. The new TAXUS U.S. shelf life
is longer than any competing product.
The extended expiration date applies to all sizes of the TAXUS system for
sale in the United States. The Company said it would immediately begin
updating labels to reflect the twelve-month expiration date. The shelf life
for the TAXUS system outside the United States remains unchanged at 18 months.
"The extended shelf life of TAXUS offers an additional benefit to
physicians and other healthcare professionals making purchasing decisions for
drug-eluting stents," said Paul LaViolette, Chief Operating Officer of Boston
Scientific. "The extended shelf life may facilitate inventory management for
hospitals concerned with issues of stock rotation or product expiration."
Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of
medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional
medical specialties. For more information, please visit:
bostonscientific.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Boston Scientific
wishes to caution the reader of this press release that actual results may
differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be
adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product
development and commercialization, clinical trials, intellectual property,
regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, integration of acquired
companies, Boston Scientific's overall business strategy, and other factors
described in Boston Scientific's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
CONTACT:
Milan Kofol
508-650-8569
Investor Relations
Boston Scientific Corporation
Paul Donovan
508-650-8541 (Office)
508-667-5165 (Mobile)
Media Relations
Boston Scientific Corporation
Boston Scientific Corporation
bostonscientific
Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announces that the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved extending the shelf life of its TAXUS(R)
Express2(TM) paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system in the United States to
twelve months from the current shelf life of nine months. The decision was
based on data submitted by Boston Scientific to the FDA that demonstrated the
performance of the TAXUS system -- in particular the drug content, drug
degradation profile and drug-release mechanism -- was maintained within
FDA-approved specifications at twelve months. The new TAXUS U.S. shelf life
is longer than any competing product.
The extended expiration date applies to all sizes of the TAXUS system for
sale in the United States. The Company said it would immediately begin
updating labels to reflect the twelve-month expiration date. The shelf life
for the TAXUS system outside the United States remains unchanged at 18 months.
"The extended shelf life of TAXUS offers an additional benefit to
physicians and other healthcare professionals making purchasing decisions for
drug-eluting stents," said Paul LaViolette, Chief Operating Officer of Boston
Scientific. "The extended shelf life may facilitate inventory management for
hospitals concerned with issues of stock rotation or product expiration."
Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of
medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional
medical specialties. For more information, please visit:
bostonscientific.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Boston Scientific
wishes to caution the reader of this press release that actual results may
differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be
adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product
development and commercialization, clinical trials, intellectual property,
regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, integration of acquired
companies, Boston Scientific's overall business strategy, and other factors
described in Boston Scientific's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
CONTACT:
Milan Kofol
508-650-8569
Investor Relations
Boston Scientific Corporation
Paul Donovan
508-650-8541 (Office)
508-667-5165 (Mobile)
Media Relations
Boston Scientific Corporation
Boston Scientific Corporation
bostonscientific
воскресенье, 8 мая 2011 г.
A New Venue For Imaging Tests Included In PESA Study Presented By CNIC And Grupo Santander
Felipe Petriz, Secretary of State for Research and Emilio Botin, president of Banco Santander have inaugurated in Banco Santander Finantial City (located in Boadilla del Monte) the new facilities for developing the first imaging tests included in PESA (Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis) CNIC-Santander study. The research set up by National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC) and Grupo Santander is aimed at improving Early detection of Cardiovascular disorders and is lead by Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, Chairman of the National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC) and Mount Sinai Heart Director in New York.
Those facilities have been designed for improving Spanish Research and Development and will host a module for exploration, with innovative equipment that includes last generation imaging techniques, thoracic CAT, tridimensional and bidimensional carotid ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound, among others.
Those tests will bring in more information concerning the presence of Early cardiovascular diseases. In case of monitoring any subclinic pathology, participants will be able to deeply analyze it by using tests with Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Positron emission tomography (PET), provided with the most advanced imaging technologies that will be installed soon at CNIC venue.
The inauguration represents the beginning of the second stage of this study, just after the first group of volunteers has concluded the first trial, which consisted on a medical diagnosis, physical test and measures: Weight, Size, Waist perimeter, Arterial pressure level and Electrocardiogram. Meanwhile, Banco Santander employees keep enrolling daily (eight people per day is forecasted) giving this chance up to 4.000 employees between 40 y 54 years, the main target of the study.
During the inaugural session, Felipe P?©rez, Secretary of State for Research, has pointed out that "this centre is a good example of two of the goals Ministry of Science and Research is determined to achieve. On one side, we try that scientific advances developed in pioneer research centres such as CNIC can reach citizens and help them improving their health. On the other side, the agreement between Banco Santander and Foundation Marcelino Botin is a good example of Public-Private collaboration and patronage, which represents an essential activity towards the promotion of Science in those countries more advanced and that Spain should still improve".
Emilio Bot?n, President of Banco Santander and Foundation Bot?n, publicly underlined the proud of collaborating with CNIC in that study and has appreciated the importance of this union from the point of view of benefits for employees and their contribution to investigation and knowledge generation in such important fields as Health. " Such beneficial project is very important for Banco Santander and represents a new beat for Spanish R+D. PESA study is a good example of how we invest not only on R+D for Technology but also for Health and Science", stated Emilio Bot?n.
The development of computer networks by CNIC will let the introduction of all the analysis data in a specific data base created for this aim, avoiding printed documents and assuring confidentiality and security guarantees. This platform will let each participant obtain a detailed and personalized report regarding their cardiovascular health progression and some recommendations to improve it.
PESA (Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis), CNIC-Santander study will help improving prevention of atherosclerosis pathology and identifying risk factors and daily habits that certainly have an influence over its development, in order to achieve an early diagnose before the symptoms show up.
PESA CNIC-Santander takes part in a range of big, international investigations, such as the High Risk Plague (HRP) or the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) , both American, as well as the Aragon Workers?? Health Study (AWSH) that CNIC is currently developing at General Motors Headquarters in Figueruelas (Zaragoza), lead by Institute Health Sciences from Aragon and CNIC.
The research tries to find imaging and biochemical techniques in early stages of cardiovascular diseases. Valentine Fuster has insisted on "prevention and promotion of health as the only way to fight against cardiovascular diseases. PESA study will let the improvement of Early detection measures over a greater percentage of population likely to suffer a Heart attack or a cardiovascular disorder without even be aware of it". Analysis of subclinical Atherosclerosis injuries will be undergone by using modern imaging techniques and evaluating the influence of genetic, metabolic and environmental factors over the evolution of the Atherosclerosis. Up to date, the team is formed by 40 people including employees from Medical Services of Grupo Santander and CNIC, dependent on the Ministry of Science and Innovation through Carlos III Health Institute.
The Carlos III Institute on one hand and Banco Santander and Foundation Marcelino Botin on the other will cofound equally (50% and 50%) this research, which will cost 22 million euros and lasts around nine years, since different type of test will be launching every three years in order to monitoring the Atherosclerosis progression. CNIC and Banco Santander will try to identify more predictive and precise techniques aimed at improve cardiovascular health and optimize the health resources.
Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death worldwide, being responsible for about 1,9 million of deaths each year in the European Union. In Spain, they represent 35% of all deaths in men and 43% in women.
Those facilities have been designed for improving Spanish Research and Development and will host a module for exploration, with innovative equipment that includes last generation imaging techniques, thoracic CAT, tridimensional and bidimensional carotid ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound, among others.
Those tests will bring in more information concerning the presence of Early cardiovascular diseases. In case of monitoring any subclinic pathology, participants will be able to deeply analyze it by using tests with Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Positron emission tomography (PET), provided with the most advanced imaging technologies that will be installed soon at CNIC venue.
The inauguration represents the beginning of the second stage of this study, just after the first group of volunteers has concluded the first trial, which consisted on a medical diagnosis, physical test and measures: Weight, Size, Waist perimeter, Arterial pressure level and Electrocardiogram. Meanwhile, Banco Santander employees keep enrolling daily (eight people per day is forecasted) giving this chance up to 4.000 employees between 40 y 54 years, the main target of the study.
During the inaugural session, Felipe P?©rez, Secretary of State for Research, has pointed out that "this centre is a good example of two of the goals Ministry of Science and Research is determined to achieve. On one side, we try that scientific advances developed in pioneer research centres such as CNIC can reach citizens and help them improving their health. On the other side, the agreement between Banco Santander and Foundation Marcelino Botin is a good example of Public-Private collaboration and patronage, which represents an essential activity towards the promotion of Science in those countries more advanced and that Spain should still improve".
Emilio Bot?n, President of Banco Santander and Foundation Bot?n, publicly underlined the proud of collaborating with CNIC in that study and has appreciated the importance of this union from the point of view of benefits for employees and their contribution to investigation and knowledge generation in such important fields as Health. " Such beneficial project is very important for Banco Santander and represents a new beat for Spanish R+D. PESA study is a good example of how we invest not only on R+D for Technology but also for Health and Science", stated Emilio Bot?n.
The development of computer networks by CNIC will let the introduction of all the analysis data in a specific data base created for this aim, avoiding printed documents and assuring confidentiality and security guarantees. This platform will let each participant obtain a detailed and personalized report regarding their cardiovascular health progression and some recommendations to improve it.
PESA (Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis), CNIC-Santander study will help improving prevention of atherosclerosis pathology and identifying risk factors and daily habits that certainly have an influence over its development, in order to achieve an early diagnose before the symptoms show up.
PESA CNIC-Santander takes part in a range of big, international investigations, such as the High Risk Plague (HRP) or the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) , both American, as well as the Aragon Workers?? Health Study (AWSH) that CNIC is currently developing at General Motors Headquarters in Figueruelas (Zaragoza), lead by Institute Health Sciences from Aragon and CNIC.
The research tries to find imaging and biochemical techniques in early stages of cardiovascular diseases. Valentine Fuster has insisted on "prevention and promotion of health as the only way to fight against cardiovascular diseases. PESA study will let the improvement of Early detection measures over a greater percentage of population likely to suffer a Heart attack or a cardiovascular disorder without even be aware of it". Analysis of subclinical Atherosclerosis injuries will be undergone by using modern imaging techniques and evaluating the influence of genetic, metabolic and environmental factors over the evolution of the Atherosclerosis. Up to date, the team is formed by 40 people including employees from Medical Services of Grupo Santander and CNIC, dependent on the Ministry of Science and Innovation through Carlos III Health Institute.
The Carlos III Institute on one hand and Banco Santander and Foundation Marcelino Botin on the other will cofound equally (50% and 50%) this research, which will cost 22 million euros and lasts around nine years, since different type of test will be launching every three years in order to monitoring the Atherosclerosis progression. CNIC and Banco Santander will try to identify more predictive and precise techniques aimed at improve cardiovascular health and optimize the health resources.
Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death worldwide, being responsible for about 1,9 million of deaths each year in the European Union. In Spain, they represent 35% of all deaths in men and 43% in women.
суббота, 7 мая 2011 г.
Study Finds Childhood Cancer Survivors Still Have Higher Risk Of Death 25 Years Later, From Cancer, Circulatory Diseases
Follow-up of a group of British childhood cancer survivors indicates they have an increased risk of death from second primary cancers and cardiac and cerebrovascular causes more than 25 years after their initial cancer diagnosis, according to a study in the July 14 issue of JAMA.
"Over recent decades survival from childhood cancer has improved dramatically, yet mortality rates in childhood cancer survivors continue to be elevated for many years beyond 5-year survival compared with the general population," the authors write. "Although studies have shown that the risk of death from recurrence decreases with increasing time since 5-year survival, uncertainty about the long-term risks of death from other causes remains. Investigations into long-term cause-specific mortality are important because any excess mortality may be related to long-term complications of treatment." It is also uncertain if increased mortality risks persist beyond 25 years from initial cancer diagnosis.
Raoul C. Reulen, Ph.D., of the University of Birmingham, England, and colleagues examined long-term cause-specific mortality among 17,981 5-year survivors of childhood cancer, who were diagnosed with cancer before age 15 years between 1940 and 1991 in Britain and followed up until the end of 2006.
Overall, there were 3,049 deaths during the study period. Survivors experienced 11 times the number of deaths expected from the general population (standardized mortality ratio [SMR], 10.7). The SMR declined with follow-up but was still 3-fold higher than expected 45 years from diagnosis.
The absolute excess risk (AER) for deaths from recurrence declined from diagnosis at age 5 to 14 years to beyond 45 years from diagnosis. In contrast, during the same periods of follow-up, the AER for deaths from second primary cancers and circulatory disease (such as from cardiac and cerebrovascular deaths) increased, with survivors after 45 years experiencing 3.6 times the number of deaths expected from the general population for a second primary can?cer, and nearly 26 percent of all excess deaths beyond 45 years from diagnosis attributed to circulatory disease. "Beyond 45 years from diagnosis, recurrence accounted for 7 percent of the excess number of deaths observed while second primary cancers and circulatory deaths together accounted for 77 percent," the authors write.
The researchers add that the excess mortality due to second primary cancer and circulatory disease is likely attributable to late complications of treatment. "Second primary cancers are a recognized late complication of childhood cancer, largely due to exposure to radiation during treatment, but specific cytotoxic [toxic to cells] drugs also have been implicated in the development of second primary cancers."
"These findings confirm the importance of very long-term outcome data and that survivors should be able to access health care programs even decades after treatment. Finally, the principal clinical message from these data is straightforward; 77 percent of the excess number of deaths observed among those surviving beyond 45 years from diagnosis of childhood cancer in Britain are due to second primary cancers and circulatory deaths. Finding ways to successfully intervene to reduce these potentially preventable premature deaths will be complex," the authors conclude.
JAMA. 2010;304[2]:172-179.
Source
Journal of the American Medical Association
"Over recent decades survival from childhood cancer has improved dramatically, yet mortality rates in childhood cancer survivors continue to be elevated for many years beyond 5-year survival compared with the general population," the authors write. "Although studies have shown that the risk of death from recurrence decreases with increasing time since 5-year survival, uncertainty about the long-term risks of death from other causes remains. Investigations into long-term cause-specific mortality are important because any excess mortality may be related to long-term complications of treatment." It is also uncertain if increased mortality risks persist beyond 25 years from initial cancer diagnosis.
Raoul C. Reulen, Ph.D., of the University of Birmingham, England, and colleagues examined long-term cause-specific mortality among 17,981 5-year survivors of childhood cancer, who were diagnosed with cancer before age 15 years between 1940 and 1991 in Britain and followed up until the end of 2006.
Overall, there were 3,049 deaths during the study period. Survivors experienced 11 times the number of deaths expected from the general population (standardized mortality ratio [SMR], 10.7). The SMR declined with follow-up but was still 3-fold higher than expected 45 years from diagnosis.
The absolute excess risk (AER) for deaths from recurrence declined from diagnosis at age 5 to 14 years to beyond 45 years from diagnosis. In contrast, during the same periods of follow-up, the AER for deaths from second primary cancers and circulatory disease (such as from cardiac and cerebrovascular deaths) increased, with survivors after 45 years experiencing 3.6 times the number of deaths expected from the general population for a second primary can?cer, and nearly 26 percent of all excess deaths beyond 45 years from diagnosis attributed to circulatory disease. "Beyond 45 years from diagnosis, recurrence accounted for 7 percent of the excess number of deaths observed while second primary cancers and circulatory deaths together accounted for 77 percent," the authors write.
The researchers add that the excess mortality due to second primary cancer and circulatory disease is likely attributable to late complications of treatment. "Second primary cancers are a recognized late complication of childhood cancer, largely due to exposure to radiation during treatment, but specific cytotoxic [toxic to cells] drugs also have been implicated in the development of second primary cancers."
"These findings confirm the importance of very long-term outcome data and that survivors should be able to access health care programs even decades after treatment. Finally, the principal clinical message from these data is straightforward; 77 percent of the excess number of deaths observed among those surviving beyond 45 years from diagnosis of childhood cancer in Britain are due to second primary cancers and circulatory deaths. Finding ways to successfully intervene to reduce these potentially preventable premature deaths will be complex," the authors conclude.
JAMA. 2010;304[2]:172-179.
Source
Journal of the American Medical Association
пятница, 6 мая 2011 г.
SCAI Publishes Structural Heart Disease Core Curriculum And Survey Results
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) published a first-of-its-kind core curriculum consensus document for the treatment of structural heart disease. An introduction to SCAI's Structural Heart Disease Council, structural heart disease core curriculum, and results of a survey of physicians and training directors on structural heart disease procedures were published simultaneously in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions and JACC Cardiovascular Interventions.
The structural heart disease core curriculum, endorsed by the American College of Cardiology Foundation and written by interventional specialists from multiple regions, defines training and credentialing requirements along with program standards for practitioners who perform interventional structural heart disease procedures. The evolution of interventional treatments for structural and congenital heart disease has occurred rapidly during the past 10 years, and interventional therapies are increasingly helping patients who previously had to undergo open-heart surgery, or who could not be treated at all. With such rapid advancement, SCAI identified a need confirmed by the survey results for uniformity across structural heart disease training programs as well as specific credentials and standards for practitioners who treat structural heart disease with interventional techniques. Currently, a lack of comprehensive training programs prohibits many practitioners from treating structural heart disease, according to the SCAI survey of 107 U.S.-based interventional cardiologists.
"The primary goal of the core curriculum is to provide patients with the highest level of care and treatment available," said Carlos Ruiz, M.D., Ph.D., FSCAI, professor of pediatrics and medicine and director of the Division of Congenital and Structural Heart Disease at Lenox Hill Heart and Vascular Institute of New York, and lead author of the core curriculum. "The core curriculum will serve training centers and practitioners dedicated to growing their knowledge and skill base for structural heart disease interventions and provide a forum to discuss the latest treatment advancements for structural heart disease to advance and improve patient care."
The core curriculum outlines specific training recommendations and skill requirements for certification as a structural heart disease practitioner, including:
-- Superb basic catheterization skills with the ability to achieve unusual types of vascular access and manipulate various catheters, balloons and other devices
-- The ability to competently handle potential complications resulting from interventional treatment
-- A knowledge base and interventional skills for a variety of complex structural heart diseases, including appropriate device selection, imaging needs, stenting techniques, managing complications and acute and long-term post-procedural care
"As structural heart disease procedures advance and become increasingly common, it is essential that practitioners acquire the right set of skills and knowledge base," said SCAI Past President Ted Feldman, M.D., FSCAI, director of cardiac catheterization at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Evanston, IL, and chair of the Structural Heart Disease Council. "Patient care will benefit from those who acquire the skills and training outlined in the core curriculum document."
Additionally, specific guidelines for adequate structural heart disease training centers include:
-- A structural heart center composed of integrated and dedicated faculty members from various specialties, including anesthesiology, pediatrics, surgery and radiology, among others
-- Staff and faculty dedicated to mentorship
-- Sufficient patient volume with a variety of patient case levels
-- Hybrid procedure rooms, sophisticated imaging equipment and simulation technology
-- Formal didactic sessions, ongoing mentorship opportunities, weekly medical-surgical structural heart disease conferences, inpatient and outpatient consultation services and clinical follow-up
"SCAI is dedicated to advancing the treatment of structural heart disease and providing our patients with the best treatments and technologies available to treat their disease," said SCAI Past President Ziyad M. Hijazi, M.D., M.P.H., FSCAI, director of Congenital and Structural Heart Disease, Rush University Medical Center, co-author of the core curriculum, and chair of the Structural Heart Disease Council. "It was critical for SCAI to take the lead to define this core set of program and credentialing standards for practitioners as a way to ultimately provide better and more standardized care to our patients."
Moving forward, SCAI's Structural Heart Disease Council will work to increase awareness of structural heart disease therapies as treatment options while advocating for patients' improved access to interventional therapies. The Council also hopes to increase the opportunities for mentorship and career advancement in structural heart disease related fields, and partner with organizations that promote the use of interventional structural heart disease therapies.
The structural heart disease core curriculum, endorsed by the American College of Cardiology Foundation and written by interventional specialists from multiple regions, defines training and credentialing requirements along with program standards for practitioners who perform interventional structural heart disease procedures. The evolution of interventional treatments for structural and congenital heart disease has occurred rapidly during the past 10 years, and interventional therapies are increasingly helping patients who previously had to undergo open-heart surgery, or who could not be treated at all. With such rapid advancement, SCAI identified a need confirmed by the survey results for uniformity across structural heart disease training programs as well as specific credentials and standards for practitioners who treat structural heart disease with interventional techniques. Currently, a lack of comprehensive training programs prohibits many practitioners from treating structural heart disease, according to the SCAI survey of 107 U.S.-based interventional cardiologists.
"The primary goal of the core curriculum is to provide patients with the highest level of care and treatment available," said Carlos Ruiz, M.D., Ph.D., FSCAI, professor of pediatrics and medicine and director of the Division of Congenital and Structural Heart Disease at Lenox Hill Heart and Vascular Institute of New York, and lead author of the core curriculum. "The core curriculum will serve training centers and practitioners dedicated to growing their knowledge and skill base for structural heart disease interventions and provide a forum to discuss the latest treatment advancements for structural heart disease to advance and improve patient care."
The core curriculum outlines specific training recommendations and skill requirements for certification as a structural heart disease practitioner, including:
-- Superb basic catheterization skills with the ability to achieve unusual types of vascular access and manipulate various catheters, balloons and other devices
-- The ability to competently handle potential complications resulting from interventional treatment
-- A knowledge base and interventional skills for a variety of complex structural heart diseases, including appropriate device selection, imaging needs, stenting techniques, managing complications and acute and long-term post-procedural care
"As structural heart disease procedures advance and become increasingly common, it is essential that practitioners acquire the right set of skills and knowledge base," said SCAI Past President Ted Feldman, M.D., FSCAI, director of cardiac catheterization at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Evanston, IL, and chair of the Structural Heart Disease Council. "Patient care will benefit from those who acquire the skills and training outlined in the core curriculum document."
Additionally, specific guidelines for adequate structural heart disease training centers include:
-- A structural heart center composed of integrated and dedicated faculty members from various specialties, including anesthesiology, pediatrics, surgery and radiology, among others
-- Staff and faculty dedicated to mentorship
-- Sufficient patient volume with a variety of patient case levels
-- Hybrid procedure rooms, sophisticated imaging equipment and simulation technology
-- Formal didactic sessions, ongoing mentorship opportunities, weekly medical-surgical structural heart disease conferences, inpatient and outpatient consultation services and clinical follow-up
"SCAI is dedicated to advancing the treatment of structural heart disease and providing our patients with the best treatments and technologies available to treat their disease," said SCAI Past President Ziyad M. Hijazi, M.D., M.P.H., FSCAI, director of Congenital and Structural Heart Disease, Rush University Medical Center, co-author of the core curriculum, and chair of the Structural Heart Disease Council. "It was critical for SCAI to take the lead to define this core set of program and credentialing standards for practitioners as a way to ultimately provide better and more standardized care to our patients."
Moving forward, SCAI's Structural Heart Disease Council will work to increase awareness of structural heart disease therapies as treatment options while advocating for patients' improved access to interventional therapies. The Council also hopes to increase the opportunities for mentorship and career advancement in structural heart disease related fields, and partner with organizations that promote the use of interventional structural heart disease therapies.
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