Heart rhythm : the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society
-
Sudden death of a sibling is thought to be associated with greater risk of death in long QT syndrome (LQTS). However, there is no evidence of such an association. ⋯ Sudden death of a sibling prompted more aggressive treatment but did not predict risk of death or ACA, whereas QTc >/= 0.53 s, gender, and syncope predicted this risk. All subjects should receive appropriate beta-blocker therapy. The decision to implant an ICD should be based on an individual's own risk characteristics (QTc, gender, and history of syncope).
-
Comparative Study
Efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation by cryoballoon ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary veins (PVs) has emerged as an effective treatment for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, serious complications raise concern about an even wider application. In terms of safety, cryoenergy has advantages compared with radiofrequency. A new cryoenergy balloon catheter has been recently developed to make AF ablation shorter and safer. ⋯ This is the first study that reports the results of the new cryoballoon AF ablation approach showing 86% freedom from AF recurrence after 6 months. Cryoballoon PV ablation promises to be effective for patients with paroxysmal AF and normally sized left atria.
-
Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes. However, limited studies have examined survival rates after exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest in the youth. ⋯ Survival following exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest in the youth has been universally poor over the last 7 years in the United States, despite a recent trend toward improved survival. Improved reporting systems are needed to accurately monitor these events, and strategies to improve outcomes from exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest in the youth, such as improved emergency response planning and public access defibrillation programs, should be considered.