World Meeting of Heart Rhythm Experts

Congress: World-leading cardiac rhythm experts meet in Berlin

09/12/2013

More than 200 experts on cardiac arrhythmias from all parts of the world came together for a symposium on the weekend in Berlin. It was about the exchange of new treatment options - and developments in relation to rhythm killing the ventricles. Launched five years ago, the convention has become the leading think tank.

For most people who suffer from cardiac arrhythmias such as so-called Herzstoplern these disorders are not life-threatening, but still significantly affect the quality of life and work capacity. Fears and depressions accompany those affected in all situations. In Germany, about 100,000 people suffer from the so-called benign tachycardia. The „benign tachycardia“ usually occurs at rest and ends as suddenly as it has begun. It can sometimes help to simply drink a glass of water in quick strokes and to breathe deeply into the book. The focus of the congress, however, was more technical innovation.

This year a number of new developments and experiences were presented and discussed. New, tiny pacemakers who manage without faulty electrodes but also experiences on the interaction of the autonomic nervous system and arrhythmia were on the agenda. There are also new insights in dealing with competitive sports. Contrary to the currently existing valid American and European recommendations to prove that competitive athletes with frequent rhythm levels are banned from participating in sports and competitions, leading experts argue for a case-by-case analysis. Experience in the past has shown that most athletes can continue to do sports. This was shown by new study results presented at the congress.

The so-called IN-TIME study provided surprising results in the assessment of the effect of telemedical monitoring of cardiac insufficiency patients with defibrillators. Their use had a life-prolonging effect on a large number of patients. In contrast, another study not only revealed the uselessness of special pacemakers, but even discovered that they pose a much greater danger than previously believed by the experts. The exchange also reevaluated the importance of experience and routine in installing pacemakers and defibrillators. To achieve this, at least 50 implantations of such devices per year are necessary, according to the specialists. Facts have also been gathered regarding the role of the autonomic nervous system in the development of cardiac arrhythmias. Therapies such as renal artery renervation, which has been used to lower high blood pressure, may also be helpful in the treatment of arrhythmia in the heart chambers. Whether the perfecting in different therapeutic procedures or the prevention of infections in pacemaker surgery. The Congress demonstrates the need for a global exchange of experts when it comes to treating cardiac arrhythmia. (Fr)