Heart trial opens new treatment options
A MAJOR international medical trial could expand potentially life-saving treatment options for people with mild-to-moderate heart conditions.
Led by Flinders University Professor Joseph Selvanayagam, the decade-long study involved 18 sites across Australia, Germany and the UK and examined the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
Currently offered mainly to patients with severely reduced heart function, ICDs detect and correct dangerous heart rhythms.
Researchers found ICD implantation reduced sudden cardiac death across the trial group and showed particular benefits for patients aged under 70 with heart muscle scarring.
Professor Selvanayagam said patients with moderately reduced heart function should consider cardiac MRI and discuss ICD treatment with their cardiologist if significant scarring is detected.
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