Patients at low risk of heart attacks who received additional counseling through a decision aid that summarizes the evidence and engages them in making decisions often chose less extensive testing once it was clear that they weren't having heart attacks.

Researchers found that mortality rates among in-hospital sudden cardiac arrest patients dropped from 69.6 percent in 2001 to 57.8 percent in 2009 due to the use of therapeutic hypothermia. The analysis included more than 1 million patients.

Framingham and Reynolds risk scores underrate cardiovascular disease danger for patients with rheumatoid arthritis
A study confirms that inflammation, which plays a key role in putting patients with rheumatoid arthritis at increased risk for heart disease, is not a factor in many cardiac risk assessment methods.

Study connects dilated cardiomyopathy to GATAD1 gene
Researchers used classical genetic tactics and current gene sequencing tools to identify a new gene that causes cardiomyopathy in a family whose members display a unique recessive form of inheritance: mutations in both copies of a gene.

Study participants received either a placebo or 100 million stem cells derived from bone marrow in their hips in a one-time injection intended to improve the function of the heart's left ventricle. Certain stem cell types were associated with the greatest improvement. View video on YouTube.

26th Annual Echocardiographic Symposium at Vail
July 22-26, 2012, in Vail, Colo.
An intensive, comprehensive review emphasizes introduction of new technologies and use of echocardiographic information for patient care. The symposium stresses integration of all echocardiography techniques into the ultrasound examination. Emphasis includes new technologies, Doppler hemodynamics, tissue Doppler, diastology, transesophageal echocardiography and heart failure.

Aug. 2-5, 2012, in Sedona, Ariz.
Topics include guidelines to prevent and improve morbidity and mortality rates and reduce cost of care for patients with diabetes and heart disease; preoperative evaluation of CV patients undergoing noncardiac surgery; and indications, use and limitations of advanced device therapy for congestive heart failure.

Aug. 12-15, 2012, in Tahoe, Nev.
This course, subtitled Strategies for the Evaluation and Treatment of Heart Failure in the Clinical Practice, reviews new diagnostic tools, drugs and devices and their roles in specific clinical situations. A special session on the ABIM heart failure module will be presented.

Aug. 26-31, 2012, in Dana Point, Calif.
This course covers subspecialty content important to preparation for certification and provides an unparalleled interactive learning experience. Mini-symposia address electrophysiology, statistics and epidemiology, test-taking skills, and professional development. Workshops include cardiac anatomy, pathophysiology, echocardiography and cardiac catheterization.

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