Feasibility and Findings of Large-Scale ECG Screening in Young Adults

Feasibility and findings of large-scale electrocardiographic screening in young-adults: Data from 32,561 subjects

From: Midwest Heart Foundation

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

Large-scale electrocardiographic (ECG) screening of young athletes has been shown to reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death in Italy. Debate exists regarding the feasibility and beneﬁts of such a program in the United States.

The purpose of this study was to describe implementation and results of a large-scale high school ECG screening program (Young Hearts for Life [YH4L]) developed in the Chicago area.

Protocol for MRI in Patients with ICDs

MRI is safe in some patients with cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, according to a study published Oct. 4 in Annals of Internal Medicine. The authors’ approach provides a template for other practitioners, writers concluded in an accompanying editorial, but the protocols should be followed strictly after weighing clinical benefits and risks.

As many as 75 percent of patients who receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) will develop conditions that may require MRI for diagnosis and treatment, and the aging population is likely to increase that need. But all ICDs and most of implanted pacemakers are considered a contraindication for MRI by the FDA and device manufacturers

Remote ICD Monitoring - EVATEL and ECOST

Paris, France - Two studies from France presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2011 Congress show that implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients monitored remotely instead of relying on in-office visits suffer fewer inappropriate shocks without any significant difference in adverse events [1].

"ICD remote monitoring is a safe alternative to in-office follow-up, but no difference in major clinical events was demonstrated," explained Dr Philippe Mabo (University Hospital, Rennes, France), leader of the Evaluation of Tele Follow-up (EVATEL) study.