Aug 29, 2000
Guidant Foundation Supports NASPE Website

Site Expansion to Feature Patient Information on Cardiac Arrhythmias

Indianapolis, IN - To increase patient awareness of lifesaving and life-enhancing therapy options for cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure, the Guidant Foundation today announced that it has awarded $250,000 to the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE) to help fund the NASPE website development project.

The project will enable NASPE to enhance and expand the website with educational content and services of value to its members, the general medical community, patients and the public. NASPE''s website steering committee, led by NASPE President-elect Eric N. Prystowsky, M.D., director, clinical electrophysiology lab, The Care Group, Indianapolis, has begun the planning phase of the project.

David S. Cannom, M.D., medical director of cardiology, Good Samaritan Hospital, clinical professor of medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, and NASPE president, commented, "NASPE sponsors the world's largest scientific meeting in the field of pacing and arrhythmia research each May. Last year over 6,000 scientists from 72 countries attended the meeting, held in Washington, D.C. Key topics for discussion included ongoing clinical trials in implantable devices therapy, ongoing research into the electrophysiology and epidemiology of sudden cardiac death, the presentation of new data showing that novel pacing systems may prove helpful for congestive heart failure patients, as well as practical seminars relating to everyday practice. Guidant's gift will facilitate this educational program by making the material available to the broader worldwide physician and patient community through the NASPE website."

"The Guidant Foundation is pleased to support NASPE''s goal of developing a state-of-the-art website that will become the recognized source of premier information and education related to cardiac arrhythmias," said James R. Baumgardt, president of the Guidant Foundation. "The foundation welcomes the opportunity to work with NASPE and other organizations which provide timely, critical health care information to the broader patient population."

Cardiac arrhythmias are any abnormal rhythm in the beat of the heart. Arrhythmias, which affect millions of people worldwide, are caused when something goes wrong with the heart's electrical system. Some arrhythmias are harmless. Others, however, can be signs of serious or even life-threatening problems that require immediate treatment.

Ventricular fibrillation, one type of arrhythmia, is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death, which in turn is the most common cause of death in the U.S. Sudden cardiac death accounts for 350,000 to 400,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. The number of people who experience sudden cardiac death in Europe is even higher.

Despite the fact that the public has an increasing appreciation of the effects of high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and lack of exercise on the health of the heart, few are aware of the role cardiac arrhythmias play in the heart health equation.

Heart failure, the most rapidly growing cardiovascular disorder worldwide, is a medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the metabolic needs of the body. It affects well over 5 million people in the United States and an estimated 6.5 million in Europe. Nearly one million new cases are diagnosed annually.

Heart failure is characterized by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, problems with physical strength and stamina, fatigue, fluid retention and exercise intolerance. Patients often report disruption of their lives and dissatisfaction with their abilities to perform daily activities.

Public education about cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure, and an awareness that there is much to be done about them, has the potential to improve the health outcomes of individuals worldwide.

NASPE is an organization of physicians, scientists, and allied professionals throughout the world dedicated to the study and management of cardiac arrhythmias. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and training, and providing leadership toward optimal healthcare policies and standards.

The Guidant Foundation is committed to increasing patient awareness and access to advancements in health care. Through philanthropic partnerships, the foundation supports charitable and educational programs that help patients who are at risk or suffer from cardiovascular and vascular disease. The Guidant Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Guidant Corporation. A global leader in the medical technology industry, Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT) provides innovative, minimally invasive and cost-effective products and services for the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease.