Researchers at the University of Leicester, England will use the state-of-the-art genetic techniques to examine DNA from over 20,000 patients with heart disease. The study will help to identify new genes and molecules responsible for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). This, in turn may help to develop new diagnostic and treatment strategies. Preliminary findings from her research will be presented at the University of Leicester on 24 June.

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A new pacemaker that makes it safe for heart disease patients to have a vital diagnostic test they previously could not has been implanted in the first Tasmanian. Previously Tasmanians with pacemakers in their hearts could not undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans used to detect cancer, strokes and other disease. Hobart cardiologist Leigh Bowman says the new MRI-friendly pacemaker will make a big difference as at least half of pacemaker patients will need an MRI in their lifetime.

A Dutch study showed that people who took preventive doses of the statin pills, such as Lescol, before and after their operations to get an artery unclogged or repaired were much less likely to die or have a heart attack afterward. Statins are widely prescribed to reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna mitral heart valve. This has allowed the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, the world leader in the science of heart valves to launch the product in the United States. The valve is a pericardial tissue-based bioprosthetic device designed for the treatment of mitral valve disease. The PERIMOUNT Magna mitral valve provides patients and surgeons with an important option for mitral valve replacement with features like asymmetric shape, low profile and expansive sewing cuff.