FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann-Marie White
Heart Rhythm Society
(202) 464-3476
awhite@hrsonline.org

Lucy McDonald: (202) 306-3456
Heart Rhythm 2008 Press Room: (415) 978-3520 (number effective May 14-17, 2008)

SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2008 — Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are the most successful therapy to treat the major causes of sudden cardiac arrest, yet a new study shows that many primary care physicians are not aware of guidelines that determine if an at-risk patient should see a heart rhythm specialist or receive this potentially life-saving device. The study was released today at Heart Rhythm 2008, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 29th Annual Scientific Sessions.

Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, a serious disorder that affects approximately 1 out of 100 people, have weakened heart muscles and cannot pump blood efficiently. Current guidelines recommend ICDs for most patients with this disorder because of their susceptibility to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, but the new survey found only a very small minority of family practice and internal medicine physicians have a clear understanding of these guidelines.

The first-of-its kind study surveyed more than 300 physicians in northeastern Ohio and tested their knowledge of when a patient should be referred to a heart rhythm specialist. Less than 25 percent of respondents knew when a patient should be referred to a specialist for an ICD after an ischemic cardiomyopathy diagnosis and less than half of respondents knew the correct ejection fraction values that should prompt referral. Of those physicians who do refer patients, 80 percent indicated that patients were reluctant to undergo ICD placement and were therefore, not referred to a specialist.

This study demonstrates two possible barriers to ICD implantation. First and foremost, there is incomplete understanding of guidelines. Second, patients may be reluctant to undergo therapy. “If a primary care physician does not have a clear understanding of when a patient should see a heart rhythm specialist, their patients may not receive enough information to understand their condition and the potential treatment options. The study demonstrates the need for increased awareness and education for patients and physicians about sudden cardiac death,” said lead author Kara J. Quan, MD, Section Head and Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Associate Professor of Medicine at the MetroHealth Campus of Case Western Reserve University. The Heart and Vascular Center at MetroHealth is recognized for its programs focusing on the prediction and prevention of sudden cardiac death.

“These results highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to improve awareness of sudden cardiac death prevention among physicians and patients,” added David S. Rosenbaum, MD, Director of MetroHealth’s Heart & Vascular Center and Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. “Since sudden cardiac death is a principal cause of death from heart disease, such findings have important impact on public health.”

About Heart Rhythm2008
Heart Rhythm 2008 takes place May 14-17 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. The meeting is the most comprehensive educational event on heart rhythm disorders, offering 250 educational opportunities in multiple formats. The world’s most renowned scientists and physicians will present a wide range of heart rhythm topics including advances in statins, cardiac resynchronization therapy, catheter ablation, cardiac pacing and heart failure and the latest technology, including state-of-the-art pacemakers and defibrillators.