A-A ebulletin May 2006

Welcome to the Arrhythmia Alliance e-bulletin for May, where you can read about about a new studying identifying at-risk young people, new guidelines for healthcare workers, a new booklet aimed at educating GPs and how to book for Heart Rhythm UK. You'll also find some key dates for your diary and the month's most relevant news stories from around the world. If you'd like to contact us, please email info@arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk

Anybody in the Nottinghamshire area or outside? My name is Chloe Setter and I am looking for interviewees – either relatives or sufferers – to tell their stories about any type of arrhythmia. I am a trainee journalist and want to do a feature on the illness which will probably feature in the local paper/s. I have a cousin who lives with the illness so am aware of the difficulties. Please email info@arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk and they will forward your story to me. Many thanks.

Pass it on!
If you've found this bulletin useful, why not forward it to a friend, colleague or members of your group and make sure as many people as possible know about the Arrhythmia Alliance?

A new study has found a better way to identify which children and teenagers are at risk of sudden death. Researchers are calling for changes in standard medical procedure to ensure that decisions on risk for LQTS patients be made based on several ECG readings over time. Patients found to be at low risk by one-time ECG measures should be re-evaluated during follow-up to more accurately determine their risk. Read more at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=39628&nfid=rssfeeds
Another study has found that a new stress test is better at detecting Long QT syndrome - more details are at http://www.upi.com/HealthBusiness/view.php?StoryID=20060404-120640-6874r

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) has reached consensus about the scientific findings and new guidelines were released at the end of 2005. Most UK hospitals are now following these guidelines and all healthcare staff should be updating their current knowledge and skills. The guidelines represent the most effective and easy-to-teach resuscitation techniques that current knowledge, research and experience can provide. The full 2005 guidelines are at http://www.resus.org.uk/pages/guide.htm and you can read an article by a Senior Resuscitation Officer at http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/04/20/1591007.htm

SADS UK have compiled a booklet to educate GPs called ‘Heart Disease does not just affect those in the later years of life'. Along with key facts, it provides information about the incidence of sudden deaths in people under the age of 65, including children and teenagers who have no previously documented heart disease. It explains the possible genetic implications, outlines the new NSF Chapter 8 guidelines and lists useful Department of Health websites for more information. SADS UK have sent the booklet to over 40,000 GP's throughout the UK and will be providing it to other health care professionals. If you would like a booklet or further information, please contact SADS UK. Phone 01277 230642, email info@sadsuk.org or visit www.sadsuk.org


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Welcome to the Arrhythmia Alliance e-bulletin for May
Welcome to the Arrhythmia Alliance e-bulletin for May, where you can read about about a new studying identifying at-risk young people, new guidelines for healthcare workers, a new booklet aimed at educating GPs and how to book for Heart Rhythm UK. You'll also find some key dates for your diary and the month's most relevant news stories from around the world. If you'd like to contact us, please email info@arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk
Tell your story...
Anybody in the Nottinghamshire area or outside? My name is Chloe Setter and I am looking for interviewees – either relatives or sufferers – to tell their stories about any type of arrhythmia. I am a trainee journalist and want to do a feature on the illness which will probably feature in the local paper/s. I have a cousin who lives with the illness so am aware of the difficulties. Please email info@arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk and they will forward your story to me. Many thanks.
Heart Rhythm UK - have you registered?
	If you haven't yet booked your place at the UK Heart Rhythm Congress 2006, act fast! This will be the first combined meeting of the Arrhythmia Alliance, Heart Rhythm UK and other medical and patient groups interested in cardiac arrhythmias. You can find out more at http://www.ukheartrhythm.org.uk /. Registration is strongly advised.	Pass it on! If you've found this bulletin useful, why not forward it to a friend, colleague or members of your group and make sure as many people as possible know about the Arrhythmia Alliance?
New study helps identify young people at risk
A new study has found a better way to identify which children and teenagers are at risk of sudden death. Researchers are calling for changes in standard medical procedure to ensure that decisions on risk for LQTS patients be made based on several ECG readings over time. Patients found to be at low risk by one-time ECG measures should be re-evaluated during follow-up to more accurately determine their risk. Read more at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=39628&nfid=rssfeeds Another study has found that a new stress test is better at detecting Long QT syndrome - more details are at http://www.upi.com/HealthBusiness/view.php?StoryID=20060404-120640-6874r
New adult resuscitation guidelines for healthcare workers
The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) has reached consensus about the scientific findings and new guidelines were released at the end of 2005. Most UK hospitals are now following these guidelines and all healthcare staff should be updating their current knowledge and skills. The guidelines represent the most effective and easy-to-teach resuscitation techniques that current knowledge, research and experience can provide. The full 2005 guidelines are at http://www.resus.org.uk/pages/guide.htm and you can read an article by a Senior Resuscitation Officer at http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/04/20/1591007.htm
New booklet to educate GPs
SADS UK have compiled a booklet to educate GPs called ‘Heart Disease does not just affect those in the later years of life'. Along with key facts, it provides information about the incidence of sudden deaths in people under the age of 65, including children and teenagers who have no previously documented heart disease. It explains the possible genetic implications, outlines the new NSF Chapter 8 guidelines and lists useful Department of Health websites for more information. SADS UK have sent the booklet to over 40,000 GP's throughout the UK and will be providing it to other health care professionals. If you would like a booklet or further information, please contact SADS UK. Phone 01277 230642, email info@sadsuk.org or visit www.sadsuk.org
AA Executive Committee Member appointed to Heart Improvement Programme
My name is Campbell Cowan and I've just been appointed as Clinical Lead to the Heart Improvement Programme (HIP) for implementation of NSF Chapter 8. Local implementation of Chapter 8 is ultimately the responsibility of Cardiac Networks, of which there are 32 across the country. Each Network brings together clinicians, managers and commissioners with the objective of co-ordinating the care pathway as a whole. Guidance to Networks is provided at a national level by The Heart Improvement Programme, a group set up about a year ago which evolved out of the Coronary Heart Disease Collaborative. The HIP seeks to co-ordinate the work of the 32 individual Networks, to encourage them to address particular issues (in this case Chapter 8 implementation), to identify and disseminate good practice and to facilitate the introduction of innovations in clinical service. As the HIP's new Clinical Lead for implementing Chapter 8, I look forward to working with you in the weeks and months to come. The ultimate objectives of the Heart Improvement Programme are very similar to patient organisations such as Arrhythmia Alliance and the professional grouping of HRUK. We all share the same objective of improving the care of arrhythmia patients: clearly, therefore, the work of the Heart Improvement Programme has to link closely with these other organisations. Having many friends and colleagues in both AA and HRUK, I hope I am in a position to provide this link. If you think I can be of service, perhaps in providing clinical liaison between your Network and the Heart Improvement Programme or in helping to address a particular local issue (or if you would just like to tell me about a successful local project), please don't hesitate to get in touch.My email address is Campbell.cowan@leedsth.nhs.uk and my phone number is 0113 3926619.
New scientific award
A new scientific award will allow a European scientist to join a US laboratory for one year as a visiting scientist. The Norman R. Alpert Visiting Scientist Award, established by the Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences of the AHA and the Council on Basic Cardiovascular Science of the ESC, amounts to 50,000 Euros. It will be presented at the World Congress of Cardiology 2006 (joint ESC/WHF congress) in Barcelona, September 2006 and at the AHA Scientific Sessions in Chicago, November 2006. For details of eligibility and application, visit http://www.escardio.org/initiatives/awards/Norman_R.Alpert_Award.htm
Sponsor Paul to cycle the length of Britain
Paul Clements is 43. At 33 he was diagnosed with the rhythm disorder Atrial Fibrillation, which came completely out of the blue to a fit and healthy family man. Paul has spent ten years living with this chronic condition which affected his confidence, fitness, personality and family life. Diagnosed as otherwise physically fit, Paul's struggle has been with the acceptance of the physical restraint of the condition which although benign, he could only interpret the symptoms as a constant threat of permanent heart failure. Living with this belief has been challenging. There has been little in the way of patient support in coping with this condition. Paul has undergone three ablation procedures to rectify the condition. The first in 1999 the latest and most successful in 2005. Paul has experienced a range of situations whilst in fibrillation, including secluded mountain walking at 3 500 feet. He has always battled to prove to himself that AF will not restrict his life and it is this drive that leads to him to show others with similar diagnosis that it is possible to have a light at the end of the tunnel. To raise funds for this charity Paul will leave John O Groats on the evening of Wednesday 24th May 2006 to cycle the 1000 miles in 15 days to arrive at Lands End on Thursday 7th June 2006. Paul seeks sponsorship to donate to the charity in support of its work in promoting timely and effective diagnosis, treatment of arrhythmias and providing ongoing patient support. Please make sponsorship payable to Arrhythmia Alliance at: PO Box 3697, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8YL
Forthcoming events
Training Tomorrow's Doctors: Delivering Excellence Modernising Medical Careers and Implementing the PMETB Framework Tuesday 9th May, Manchester Conference Centre. Practical advice and information to support you in implementing the PMETB framework and ensure your organisation is meeting the national standards for postgraduate medical training. To find out more, please call Sarah on 020 8541 1399 or email Sarah@healthcare-events.co.uk NICE Interventional Procedures Programme: Training day for patient and carer organisations National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, High Holborn, London. Monday 12 June 2006. Call the organisers on 020 7067 5800 or email info@arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk if you are interested in attending. The 4th City Basic EP Course: a "hands-on" 2-day training course in all aspects of electrophysiology, with a focus on practical sessions . Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Barts and the London Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. 21-22 June 2006. For details, call Ruzena Uddin on +44 20 7601 8639, email r.uddin@qmul.ac.uk , or visit www.cardiac-cardiology.org International Society for Heart Research 26th European section meeting 14 –17 June 2006, University of Manchester, UK. Great science and good fun for both young and experienced investigators, with high profile speakers and substantial poster sessions. Call 44 (0) 161 275 1628, email rmpoulton@manchester.ac.uk or visit http://www.meeting.co.uk/confercare/ishr2006 Heart Failure 2006 17 June 2006, Helsinki, Finland. For all professionals interested in the broad spectrum of problems relating to heart failure. Visit http://www.escardio.org/congresses/HF2006/ , call +33 (0)4 92 94 76 12 or email Hfregistration@escardio.org Anatomy for electrophysiologists - 3 - 4 July 2006, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK. This course aims to provide the foundation for understanding the anatomy of the heart and spatial relationships of cardiac structures as viewed by cardiac electrophysiologists. It also discusses recent developments in cardiac imaging. Suitable for doctors training to specialise in cardiac electrophysiology, for technicians and support professionals working in electrophysiology. Contact: Morphology@rbht.nhs.uk , visit www.rbht.nhs.uk/cardiacMorphology or phone Carina Lim on +44 (0)207 351 8751 Defibrillators Information Seminar - 23 October 2006, MHRA, Vauxhall, London UK Half-day defibrillators training and information seminar for nursing staff, paramedics, resuscitation training officers and community defibrillation officers. Register online at http://www.mhra.gov.uk/mhra/conferences/register.htm , email mhraconferences@mhra.gsi.gov.uk or call 020 7084 2903.
Here's a selection of items of interest from the internet. Please note that these are external links and we bear no responsibility for their content. You may need to register to access these sites.
Enzyme Released by Cardiac Mast Cells During Heart Attack ... - Newswise (press release) - USA CryoCath provides update on pivotal AF study - Yahoo! News (press release) - USA National ICD Registry™ becomes official database for Medicare - EurekAlert (press release) - Washington,DC,USA WebMD with AOL Health - Reflex Anoxic Seizure Disorder GRANDMOTHER'S 22nd PACEMAKER - Mirror.co.uk - UK Bereaved parents back campaign - expressandstar.com - Wolverhampton,England,UK Pegasus' HeartVue 6S System Successfully Demonstrated to ... - Market Wire (press release) - USA FDA approves St. Jude ICD lead - BusinessWeek - USA New guidelines for CPR designed for improved success - Scripps Howard News Service - Washington,DC,USA Taller people more likely to develop atrial fibrillation - EurekAlert (press release) - Washington,DC,USA Sleep Apnea Raises Arrhythmia Risk - Forbes - USA Researchers view heart beat mechanism - Science Daily (press release) - USA A Question Of Health - Independent - London,England,UK Schedule of cardiac congresses and meetings - European Society of Cardiology http://www.escardio.org/congresses/world_agenda/ News Briefs - Irish Medical Times - Dublin,Ireland Mum puts best foot forward for charity - Enfield & Haringey Independent - UK Researchers Now Able To Look Deep Into Heart To View Triggers Of A ... - Medical News Today (press release) - UK Anatomic basis for cardiovascular manifestations of seizures is ... - Therapeutics Daily (subscription) (press release) - Newtown,PA,USA Cytori Therapeutics Demonstrates Adipose Stem and Regenerative ... - Genetic Engineering News - Larchmont,NY,USA Light-Hearted Approach - Los Angeles Times - CA,USA It's the great NHS spending party - patients not invited - Telegraph.co.uk - United Kingdom Heart shape determines cardiac disease? - myDNA.com - Austin,TX,USA Paradox of a Heart Business - Wall Street Journal (subscription) - New York,NY,USA Complications Associated With Implantable Cardioverter ... - Journal of American Medical Association (subscription) - Chicago,IL,USA Defibrillator malfunctions fell in 2003-2004 -study - Reuters - USA Risk cited in replacing heart device - Seattle Post Intelligencer - USA Siemens introduces cardiology software for MRT scans - MTBeurope - UK They don't have to die - Dublin People - Read more... Heart devices have different malfunction rates - Reuters - USA Heart Rhythm Society Issues Draft Recommendations on Performance ... - DG News - USA Death by alarm clock - The Sun - UK Studies Show Improving Pacemaker Reliability, Increased ... - Medical News Today (press release) - UK Benefits And Risks Of Exercise - Medical News Today (press release) - UK Seizures, Syncope, and Sudden Death: Recognizing Cardiac Causes - Science Direct New CT scanners offer faster diagnoses - Boston Globe - United States New Adapta™ pacemaker portfolio presented to Cardiologists AME Info - United Arab Emirates Whole-genome study at Johns Hopkins reveals a new gene associated ... - EurekAlert (press release) - Washington,DC,USA
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