News
Island hospital, paramedics fight back against heart attack
January 23, 2012, The Island packet
The procedures and equipment allow vital data to be transmitted to Hilton Head Hospital at the same time patients are being tended by paramedics. Doctors at the hospital, armed the data they've reviewed before the patient arrives, are prepared to treat them immediately.
Pulmonary hypertension in kids differs from adult PAH
Groningen, the Netherlands - A new registry of children with pulmonary hypertension is helping to differentiate the pediatric population with this disease from the adult one and will hopefully aid in improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in kids, say the authors [1].
New pacemaker offered to patients in the Lowcountry
December 29, 2011, ABC News Charleston, SC
A doctor at MUSC is the first in South Carolina to implant a new heart failure device that better regulates heart rhythms in cardiac patients.
Fainting could mean a serious condition.
December 12, 2011, Perfect World Network Radio
Paramedic Forrest Finch was driving a patient to the hospital, in the ambulance, when he suddenly and unexpectedly fainted behind the wheel.
Long QT Syndrome
November 28, 2011, Personalized Medicine Portal
When Michelle faints for the first time during soccer practice, everyone assumes that she is just dehydrated. But when it happens again the following week, Michelle's parents and coach agree that she should see a doctor to rule out any health issues.
Loss of balance leaves many older people injured in falls
November 22 2011, The Washington Post
Falls are the leading cause of hospital admissions for people older than 65, with one in three experiencing a fall each year.
NJ Doctor Named National Spokesperson For Take Fainting To Heart Campaign
November 17, 2011, NewJerseytoday.net
NEWARK — Nicholas G. Tullo, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist at the Barnabas Health Heart Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, has been named spokesperson for the STARS-US Take Fainting to Heart campaign.
MRI-Safe Pacemaker available for patients
November 17, 2011, HealthWatch
Patients who have a pacemaker are usually prohibited from getting a life-saving MRI scan. Now, there's a solution.
Pacemaker eliminates leads, offers safer cardiac stimulation
November 16, 2011, R&D NEWS
Some of the most important components of a pacemaker are the leads, the series of wires led through key veins into the heart and then connected to electrodes. This critical failure point has been addressed by Cambridge Consultants’ new WiCS system, which uses a leadless electrode powered wirelessly with ultrasonic pulses.
VasoVagal Syncope - TheEDexitVideo
November 16, 2011, The Doctors Video’s
Low blood pressure explained
November 15, 2011, Adelaide now
We all know having high blood pressure puts you at risk of a heart attack and stroke, but what if your blood pressure is too low?
World’s First Wireless Heart Pacemaker
November 15, 2011, The Wall Street Journal
The world’s first wireless heart pacemaker was unveiled Monday. The device dramatically reduces surgical time so reducing cost and the chances of infection.
Actress and Dancer Debbie Allen Teams Up With Medtronic and Urges Americans to "Join the Pace Makers"
November 11, 2011, Press release
Famed dancer, actress, and director Debbie Allen has teamed up with Medtronic, Inc. today to kick off "Join the Pace Makers," a national campaign designed to empower people with a condition called bradycardia, also known as a slow heartbeat, to learn about their available treatment options so that they can have an informed conversation with their doctor.
The 'heart' of the matter can be scary
November 10, 2011, The Trail Blazer
Jarod Lewis enjoys being a college student. He goes to class, he studies, he marches in the band — and his heart also stops twice a week.
Which patients who experience syncope are at short-term risk for serious outcomes?
November 9, 2011, emedcentral
A prospective cohort study at a university teaching hospital emergency department analyzed patients presenting with syncope or near syncope (1). Patients with altered mental status, alcohol/drug intoxication, seizure or head trauma were excluded. Physicians prospectively filled out a data collection form and evaluated and treated patients at their discretion.
Hospital expanding cardiac care
November 9, 2011, The Herald
Heart patients can now get more advanced care in Johnston County.
Metal Detectors Probably Safe With Pacemakers
1st November 2011, Fox News
Airport security screening with hand-held metal detectors is most likely safe for people with devices to help the heart beat regularly, such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators, a European study said.
Long QT Syndrome: Description and Symptoms
October 31, 2011
You have likely seen news reports of high school athletes experiencing sudden cardiac arrest during a game or practice. Long QT syndrome is a common cause of this. If you are an athlete, coach or parent, it is critical that you know what this heart condition is and what the possible symptoms are. Having this knowledge could save the life of a young athlete.
EXCLUSIVE: Investigation of Girl Scout's death nearly complete
October 31, 2011, North County Times
"We believe that she has a heart condition known as Long QT syndrome, but it's a condition that can only be diagnosed definitively after life by genetic testing," Swalwell said. "And that's where we're at at this point."
Fludrocortisone flops for vasovagal syncope: POST 2
October 31, 2011, HeartWire
Vancouver, BC - Fludrocortisone (Florinef, Bristol-Myers Squibb) is of no benefit in reducing episodes of moderate to severe vasovagal syncope, results of the Prevention of Syncope Trial 2 (POST 2) show.
EaSyAs II boosts role for implantable loop recorder
October 28, 2011, HeartWire
An implantable loop recorder (ILR) with remote monitoring is a safe and cost-effective approach to investigating recurrent unexplained syncope and diagnosing its underlying cause, results of the Eastbourne Syncope Assessment Study II (EaSyAS II) show.
STARS launches national campaign to tackle fatal heart problems
October 19, 2011
Do you take fainting to heart? The majority of Americans don’t. Although fainting affects an estimated one million people in the United States each year, a national survey released today by the patient advocacy group STARS (Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures), shows that one in two Americans are unaware that fainting could be a warning sign for a serious, potentially life-threatening heart condition.
Kick starting the campaign Trudie Lobban, Founder & CEO of STARS-US will be touring New York today talking on the Daily Buzz, Conn Jackson show, MyFamilyMyLife and numerous other stations urging everyone to take fainting to heart.
National Survey Reveals 1 in 2 People are Unaware That Fainting Could Signal a Life-Threatening Heart Condition
October 19, 2011
New Public Awareness Campaign Educates Americans About the Important Link Between Fainting and Heart Health
New Public Awareness Campaign Educates Americans About the Important Link Between Fainting and Heart Health
October 19, 2011
"STARS is proud to participate in this innovative educational campaign to spotlight the seriousness of fainting and its real health impact," said Trudie Lobban, MBE, Founder and CEO of STARS. "As part of our outreach, new information and interactive resources are available at www.STARS-US.org to help people take fainting to heart. Download The Fainting Checklist to help you and your doctor work towards a correct diagnosis."
Recycled pacemakers save lives in India
October 2011 HeartWire
Pacemakers retrieved from the deceased can be refurbished and successfully reimplanted in patients who otherwise could not afford the device, a new study demonstrates
Back in the water
October 12, 2011, News Press.com
Angiletta was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, a disorder of her heart's electrical activity.
Quick-thinking teachers revive girl, 12, after collapse
October 10, 2011, Today- msncb.com
When a 12-year-old girl collapsed with heart arrhythmia in the middle of a school hallway, two teachers acted quickly to save her life. The teachers, the girl, and her parents talk to TODAY’s Matt Lauer about the rescue, caught on camera.
Running gives me a sense of achievement
October 10, 2011, The News
He may have a pacemaker to prevent his heart from missing a beat, but that hasn’t stopped Russell Bestley living life to the full.
Understanding the genetics of Long QT syndrome
October 6, 2011, The Permanente Medical Group, Inc.
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a condition that affects the ability of the heart to beat correctly.
When Children Faint
October 3, 2011, DukeHealth.org
In my practice I am frequently asked to see children who faint. They may be young children who are upset or crying or growing adolescents who faint in the morning when getting out of bed. Often these fainting episodes are harmless. But they could indicate an underlying problem.
A Wish Your Heart Makes: Streator girl given Make-A-Wish
September 22, 2011, The Times
Sara was tested for and diagnosed with Long QT syndrome, after her grandmother, Chere Kersmarki, had an attack related to Long QT.
Implants that jump start a heart would save countless lives. So why are so few people given them?
September 22, 2011, Mail Online
Unsurprisingly, my heart fluttered during my encounter with the Hollywood star. But, less than an hour later, it did something far more scary.
Towaco Home to NJ Top Doc, Cardiac Entrepreneur
September 22, 2011,MontvillePatch
Today, Tullo is listed as one of the state's top doctors in the October issue of New Jersey Monthly. Out of more than 20,000 doctors in the state, Tullo was one of 647 featured physicians to be selected by their peers. Tullo’s specialty is cardiac electrophysiology.
DR. MOM: When and why some children faint
September 20, 2011, Evansville Courier and Press
Fainting, known medically as syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by decreased blood flow to the brain. Fainting is fairly common in children and teens, and almost half of all college students report that they have fainted at least once in their life.
Synopsis of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Guideline for Management of Transient Loss of Consciousness
September 20, 2011, Annals of Internal Medicine
Transient loss of consciousness (TLoC) is common and often leads to incorrect diagnosis, unnecessary investigation, or inappropriate choice of specialist referral. In August 2010, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published a guideline that addressed the initial assessment of and most appropriate specialist referral for persons who have experienced TLoC.
Syncope and Sudden Death in Student Athletes
September 15, 2011, EMS 12-Lead Podcast
In this episode Tom Bouthillet and David Baumrind are joined by Trudie Lobban of STARS (Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures) — a not-for-profit organization that works together with individuals, families and medical professionals to offer support and information about unexplained loss of consciousness.
The Silent Culprits
A local woman’s frequent fainting leads doctors to a quiet killer
September 9, 2011, The Bradenton Times
For nearly two years, Mary Miles experienced fainting spells. She never knew when they would strike
Tucson girl's sudden death spurs heart screenings
September 7, 2011, Arizona Daily Star
Less than a year after her 12-year-old daughter collapsed on the soccer field and died, a Tucson mother has taken an unprecedented step in preventing sudden cardiac death in other children.
MRI-Safe Pacemaker Technology: Interview with Dr. Richard Wu, Dr. Jose Joglar, and Dr. Ron Peshock
September 06, 2011, EP Lab Digest
In this interview, Richard Wu, MD, Jose Joglar, MD, and Ron Peshock, MD describe a recent case in which a patient with Medtronic’s Revo MRI SureScan pacemaker became the first in North Texas to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Drs. Wu, Joglar, and Peshock are all located at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
Biotronik Pacemaker Algorithm Could Reduce Risk of Adverse Clinical Outcomes, Study Finds
September 06, 2011, QMed
BIOTRONIK, a leading manufacturer of implantable cardiac devices and pioneer of wireless remote monitoring technologies, announced the print publication of "Reduction of Right Ventricular Pacing with Advanced Atrioventricular Search Hysteresis: Results of the PREVENT Study", by Christof Kolb, M.D., et al, on behalf of the PREVENT study group (doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2011.03075.x) in Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE).1
Home Monitoring of Heart Device May Be Safe
Studies Show Remote Monitoring of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators May Extend Battery Life
September 01, 2011, WebMD
Remote monitoring of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) also reduced inappropriate shocks and extended battery life, according to one of the reports.
Rick Billett recovering after a fall, suffers broken neck
September 01, 2011, The Frazee Forum
Rick had been having a few episodes that his wife Sandy knew nothing about. He said his heart skipped some beats and the next thing he knew Chuck Turcotte and Don Thorp were assisting him up off the floor.
Youngster Megan battles rare condition that means just brushing her hair could be fatal
August 19, 2011, DailyRecord.co.uk
The 13-year-old suffers from an extremely rare condition called hair brushing syndrome.
Keeping pace with heart checks
August 19, 2011, cayCompass.com
Every three months, Mary McCoy got on a plane from Little Cayman and flew to Miami to have the batteries in her pacemaker checked.
Did NHS fail teenager Bruno?
August 18, 2011, Midweek Herold
Parents demand answers after review of tests reveal undiagnosed medical condition
Pacemaker is fitted for patient, 106
August 16, 2011, Shropshire Star
A 106-year old great-grandfather was fitted with a pacemaker after collapsing while making a cup of tea for friends.
Long QT Survivor Grateful for her Rescuers
August 8, 2011, EMS World
Pam Bonin had recently completed her second half-marathon. In a manager's meeting at Oliver Winery, the 5-foot-6, 130-pound Bonin suddenly blacked out and slumped over in her chair.
A psychiatric approach to vasovagal syncope
August 8, 2011, Current Psychiatry Online
Vasovagal syncope—also called neurocardiogenic syncope—is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure usually diagnosed and treated by a cardiologist.
MRI safe pacemaker implanted
August 04, 2011, Midland Daily News
St. Mary's of Michigan, Michigan CardioVascular Institute (MCVI) and Covenant HealthCare are now offering the Revo MRI SureScan pacing system, the first MRI safe pacing system designed, tested and FDA approved for use in the magnetic resonance imaging environment.
FDA proposes requiring premarket approval for implantable pacemakers
August 03, 2011, Cardiovascular Business
The FDA proposed requiring the filing of a premarket approval application or a notice of product development protocol for the Class III preamendments device implantable pacemaker pulse generator, according to a proposal published July 27 in the Federal Register.
Bartlett man in triathlon after heart transplant
August 03, 2011, Daily Herald
The dial on his pacemaker cranks up to 165 beats per minute, but that's not enough for triathlete Kevin Lue.
Courageous disabled lad gets garden makeover
July 27, 2011, Redditch Advertiser
The mother of a courageous disabled Redditch boy says the work of a national charity is going to transform her son’s life.
feel dizzy as you stand up? Your blood pressure may be dangerously low
July 26, 2011, Daily Mail
Anita suffers from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome — a condition which causes her to collapse or faint up to 30 times a day.
Perspective – Evaluation of the Child With Syncope
July 25, 2011 Elsevier Global Medical News
Fainting in children most often is benign. Often from a history alone, you can determine critical information that will enable you to reassure the patient and family or to consider referral for a specialist evaluation.
Medtronic Announces 2011 "Global Heroes"
July 21st 2011
Twenty-five long-distance runners who benefit from medical technology will be honored as "Medtronic Global Heroes" when they run the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon or TC 10 Mile on Sunday, October 2, 2011
UT researchers contribute to largest study to date on new treatment of syncope
July 13th 2011
Building on The University of Toledo’s reputation as one of the world’s leading centers for the diagnosis and treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a team of seven UT researchers recently co-authored the largest study ever published on treatment of the syndrome.
Heart rhythm charities launch global patient surveys
12 July 2011
Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A) and sister charity, Syncope Trust And Reflex Anoxic Seizures (STARS), The Blackouts Trust, are launching their first global patient surveys to gather information on the patient experience of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of heart rhythm disorders and syncopal conditions.
Calling all Patients and Carers - Please complete our survey
STARS would like to gather more information regarding the patient experience from symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of syncopal conditions (including Syncope, RAS, POTS).
Your feedback will help to inform, educate and raise awareness of syncope globally. Please be assured that this is a confidential and anonymous survey. Carers can complete on behalf of patients.
Take a few minutes to complete the survey.
How gravity can knock you sideways
Daily Telegraph, 27 June 2011
For some people, standing up is a hazard that puts them at risk. Barbara Rowlands explains.
Student who fainted every time she stood up for 14 years can finally stand tall
Daily Mail, June 24 2011
A student with a rare condition that caused her to faint every time she stood up over 14 years is finally back on her feet.
'Keep it Cool' Advice for Older People
The National Institute on Aging offers this advice for keeping cool in unusually hot weather.
Older people are at high risk for developing heated-related illness because the ability to respond to summer heat can become less efficient with advancing years. Fortunately, the summer can remain safe and enjoyable for everyone who uses good, sound judgment.
Need to check young athletes' hearts is debated
STL Today
Few events shock the public like the sudden death of an apparently healthy child or adolescent.
Arrhythmia Alliance Urging People and GPs to Actively Participate in
Heart Rhythm Week
Pulse checks are a cost-free way to save thousands from death, disability and poor health arising from heart rhythm disorders.
How a heart problem has changed a young mum’s life
Charities are this week urging GPs to carry out routine pulse checks to detect underlying heart problems. Kristina Jackson explains how her health and life has been transformed by a heart rhythm disorder
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome following Lyme disease – Source: Journal of Cardiology, Issue No 2, 2011
A subgroup of patients suffering from Lyme disease (LD) may initially respond to antibiotics only to later develop a syndrome of fatigue, joint pain and cognitive dysfunction referred to as 'post treatment LD syndrome'. We report on a series of patients who developed autonomic dysfunction in the form of Postural Tachycardia Symdrome (POTs) summary article
Read full article
Common condition causes young girls to faint while getting their hair done
KSL.com
Kathryn experienced what is called 'Hair-grooming syncope'.
Medical Diagnosis Changes Lakeland Boy's Life
The Ledger
Robert, 9, has been diagnosed with long Q-T syndrome, an abnormality of the heart's electrical system.
What causes older people to fall so frequently?
The Globe and mail
I’m a 68-year-old male and I’ve collapsed twice, one time putting a big dent in my living room wall. Friends of mine have also collapsed at one time or another.
The answer: Syncopal epsiodes, or falling with a temporary loss of consciousness is a significant issue that can have potentially severe complications.
Atrial Fibrillation boosts non accidental falls in elderly
Internal Medicine News
SAN FRANCISCO – A history of atrial fibrillation independently more than triples the risk of a non-accidental fall in the elderly, an emergency department study has shown.
850,000 people annually in the U.S hospitalised for arrhythmia
Nutrition diet news
850,000 people annually in the United States alone are hospitalized for arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat. A normal heart beats 50 to 100 beats per minute. But arrhythmia feels as if your heart has skipped a beat or perhaps is fluttering. Sometimes you can physically feel it, but most of the times a doctor can only detect it.
Insight into life with a pacemaker
Blue Mountains Gazette
Experienced cardiologist Dr John England’s new book, Kickstart, reveals an intriguing secret he has to date only shared with his patients.
Heart condition may be behind constant fainting
ABC local, Houston
When someone faints, most of us take it lightly, but fainting can be a symptom of something much more serious. Learn the latest on why you should pay attention when a family member tends to faint.
First MRI-safe pacemaker implanted locally
Daily Democrat
UC Davis Medical Center cardiologists have given the first patient in inland Northern California a new type of pacemaker that can function during magnetic resonance imaging, or an MRI.
Syncope researcher travels to Shanghai to present findings
There is very little medical information available on fainting and the condition is often misdiagnosed. Karabin’s presentation focused on giving doctors worldwide the tools to diagnose fainting and improve patient lives.
Woman diagnosed with Long Q T
Statistics show that one in 10,000 people — which is equivalent to about 70 people in Detroit's population — has LQTS, also called prolonged QT syndrome.
Line of defence
Athletes need to be screened
Eastwood athlete overcomes illness
After six months of trips to every type of doctor possible and undergoing every possible exam and test, she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Mother Hurt in Fall Recovering
Moon's life changed forever after fainting in her doctor's office three months ago.
Passing out: How worried should I be?
So when does passing out indicate a serious underlying problem, and when is it just an alarming, but relatively harmless occurrence?
Bowling Green High School basketball player diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope
Free health screening for adults and students
UTMC researchers find link between mitochondrial cytopathies and autonomic nervous system function
First ever faint and fall clinic opens at the University of Utah Health Care
University of Utah Health Care has opened a clinic that is unlike any other in the nation.
Fainting patients fall into one of three categories
Implantable loop recorder helps avoid numerous tests for syncope
Many patients with unexplained syncope eventually were diagnosed with an implantable loop recorder, but only after nearly a dozen prior tests.
What to do if you are feeling faint
Dr. Oz explains causes and what to do in the event of a faint
Internal Medicine News: Vigilance is needed for more serious causes of syncope
American Autonomic Society to Provide a Unique Workshop on Autonomic Disorders and Syncope for medical professionals
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) - Mayo Clinic
Phil Fischer, MD discusses the latest research on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Medtronic Foundation Makes Donation to STARS US on Behalf of Global Hero Kayrat Disinbaev
Learn more about the Medtronic Global Heroes Program at www.medtronic.com/globalheroes
US Express e-Newsletter 1
Why Did Eating Make Her Faint?
STARS supporter tells her story to the Washington Post
Stars partners with Arrhythmia Alliance on "Know Your Pulse" Campaign
Find out more about "Know Your Pulse" - Click here
If you would like to order "Know Your Pulse" cards contact:
info@stars-us.org (supply is limited)
Sir Roger Moore Supports STARS!
'Know Your Pulse' by Sir Roger Moore. Click here to view Sir Roger taking his pulse!
To listen to Sir Roger Moore's experience of syncope click here
Read Sir Roger's biography click here
STARS volunteer advocate raises awareness
STARS part of coalition to end 2 year waiting period
STARS part of coalition to end 2 year waiting period for disabled people under age 65 to become eligible for Medicare benefits.
Marty Harris is interviewed about her Vasovagal Syncope
STARS member Marty Harris is interviewed about her Vasovagal Syncope and how she copes and is able to continue living a normal life with her dog Adele.
Trudie Lobban and Rebecca Smith interviewed
Trudie Lobban, founder and CEO and Rebecca Smith, Executive Director interviewed live about STARS and the work they do on the International Talk Radio Show, "Disability Matters"
STARS supporter who suffers from POTS interviewed
"Gymnast's dream of attending Olympics made possible"
Watch interview »
View photos of her trip »
STARS supporter Ron Schara, best known as host of the television series "Minnesota Bound" tells his story about his "fainting spells"
Blackouts and Syncope non-profit launched in United States
Press Release
A STARS advocate tells her story to Bostons Fox News
While we constantly recognize people such as police officers and firefighters as heroes we tend to overlook man or woman's best friend...