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CARDIOLOGY EUROPEAN HOSPITAL  Vol 24 Issue 4/15 16 Test predicts myocardial infarction outcomeResearchers have identified a new test that can be used to predict the likelihood of a patient developing heart failure, or even dying following a heart attack, Mark Nichols reports. Known as the index of microvascular resistance – or IMR – a new test to predict myocardial infarction out- come uses a pressure-sensitive and temperature-sensitive wire that can be used to accurately work out the extent of injury in a blood vessel supplying blood to the heart. Findings from a study from the University of Glasgow and funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) were presented at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) Conference, held in Manchester this June. The researchers showed that a wire inserted into the coronary artery, after someone has a heart attack, can predict if they will go on to develop heart failure. Professor Colin Berry, lead researcher and cardiologist from the University of Glasgow and Golden Jubilee National Hospital, said: ‘Heart attacks lead to heart failure, which is a big problem in the UK, and has a huge impact not only on the individual, but on the families and carers of those suffering – affecting whole communities. ‘Thanks in large part to the work of the British Heart Foundation, 70% of people who have a heart attack now survive, but this means we now see an increased number of people surviving but left with damaged hearts and heart failure. ‘We want to improve the outlook for people after they have a heart attack and develop new treatments to limit heart damage, reducing the burden of heart failure.’ Around 175,000 heart attacks occur in the UK each year; survivors could find the heart has been dam- aged and could lead to heart failure (HF). As is known, early treatment after a heart attack can reduce the chance of HF. After a suspected myocardial infarction a patient is routinely given a coronary angiogram to identify any narrowed blood vessels – but although this can identify narrowed vessels, it cannot show if, or how much, cardiac blood vessel damage has occurred. The Glasgow researchers now say the new wire technique can be used to work out the level of arterial damage, enabling doctors to quickly identify patients at a high risk of HF after their heart attack, based on damage to the arteries. Patients were enrolled in this new research at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Glasgow. All will have life-long follow-up to check whether the IMR result pre- dicts survival in the long term. Professor Colin Berry is Chair of Cardiology and Imaging in the University of Glasgow and academic lead in cardiology and consultant cardiologist at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital and Western Infirmary, Glasgow. With specialist interests lie in interventional cardiology and imaging, and research focus on injury and repair pathways in coronary heart disease, Berry is a committee member of the British Cardiovascular Society Academic & Research Committee, the British Society of Cardiovascular Research and the British Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the American College of Cardiology Cardiac exploration gains tool to access hidden areas New mobile ECG gives 360-degree view The conventional 12-lead ECG has cer- tainly proved its worth in display- ing rhythm disorders or ischemia. Nevertheless, as the display possi- bilities of a 12-lead ECG are limited to only about 110 degrees of the heart, an exact location of a cardiac event often cannot be determined. Personal MedSystems has pro- duced a brand new combination of smartphone, or tablet PC, and ECG technology to reveal a significantly greater area of the heart. This is the next generation of ECG devices. A broader display is gained via ten supplementary leads, calculated for a 360-degree view. Combined with the free CardioSecur pro app – and using only four electrodes – the mobile 22-lead ECG shows V7-V9 as well as VR3-VR9, in addition to all 12 standard leads. Thus it allows diagnosis of the left and right lateral as well as posterior cardiac wall. CardioSecur pro also provides unrivalled communication and mobility options, the manufacturer points out. Faster precise diagnosis Distinguished in the Best Medical App contest at MEDICA 2014, CardioSecur pro ECG technology is a reduced electrodes system based on the EASI standard first devel- oped in the 1960s and described by Dower in the 1980s. Numerous pub- lications scientifically acknowledge that EASI is a highly precise alterna- tive to conventional ECG systems, the maker reports. ‘The outstanding quality and accuracy of CardioSecur pro has been validated in numerous clinical studies against conventional 12-lead ECG systems with 10 elec- trodes, and evidences a 99% plus match regarding specificity on the heart’s activity. ‘Using only the four electrodes mitigates artefacts to a bare mini- mum ensuring maximum signal quality and exceptionally stable lead depiction. As the four electrodes are placed on very marked positions of the thorax lead misplacement, often consequential to highly diverse anatomies, is eradicated.’ The origi- nality of the professional mobile ECG system lies in its mobility and simple communication system, the firm adds. ‘Due to its small size and light weight (50 grams), it can be taken anywhere easily, without taking up much space. Time saving is significant due to swift electrode application and intuitive ECG report export options in PDF format via email, iMessage or AirPrint. ECG reports can be easily e-mailed to fel- low professionals or attached to the patient’s electronic records, serving the increased need of efficiency.’ ECG readings with CardioSecur pro do not take up much space on a mobile device, as 10,000 minutes of ECG can be recorded per 1GB. Optionally, Personal MedSystems offers an automatic interpretation. Details: www.mobile-ecg.com www.cardiosecur.com Copyright:Shutterstock/SebastianKaulitzki

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