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A new definition of syncope – was discussed at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in Barcelona. The new definition– makes the diagnosis more precise and now dependent on a specific cause. Restrictions on driving are not recommended for drivers with mild reflex syncope.

Up to 1 in 4 patients thought to be suffering from epilepsy do not actually have this condition. Now an implantable ECG monitor allows detection of abnormal heart rate causing syncope, according to a presentation during the European Society of Cardiology recent congress in Barcelona.

Stroke is a major cause of mortality in the UK, accounting for about 53 000 deaths annually. 12 5000 strokes per year are thought to be directly attributable to atrial fibrillation (AF). Now two publications are available to update health care professionals on this challenging clinical problem.

A record number of 31,371 delegates attended the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)Congress in Barcelona this week. Clinical trials in atrial fibrillation were among the most well attended sessions, receiving worldwide news coverage within minutes of presentation. Principal among these were RE-LY and PLATO, details of which we feature here.

As the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2009 draws ever closer, the evidence in favour of a healthy lifestyle for the prevention of cardiovascular disease grows ever stronger. While there will be numerous presentations of specific interest to Arrhythmia Watch, prevention is the highlight theme of this year’s event, which will take place in Barcelona from 29 August to 2 September. Lifestyle factors are heavily on the agenda.

A US study published in Circulation [1] demonstrates that school based automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) provide high survival rates for both students and non students suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) on school premises.

It has recently been announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of dronaderone (Multaq®) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL). Multaq® is the first drug approved in the United States that has shown a clinical benefit to reduce cardiovascular hospitalization in patients with AF/AFL.

The latest statistics regarding the use of pacemakers and implantable cardiac devices in Europe were presented at EUROPACE 2009, the meeting of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) (1). These show large disparities throughout Europe. For example, Germany has one of the highest ICD implant rates in Europe, and EHRA commits to reducing inequalities.

Arrhythmias are a major UK health issue. Recognising this, an alliance of patients, carers, patient groups, community groups, healthcare professionals, government and allied professionals have come together in June to educate members of the public about “Knowing your pulse”.

In the UK, there are currently more than two million people with (diagnosed and undiagnosed) arrhythmias, including 1.2 million people with atrial fibrillation (AF). Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the UK’s biggest killer, killing more people than lung cancer, breast cancer and AIDS combined.