Breakthrough Therapy For Heart Failure
Media Release 20 May 2004
Breakthrough therapy for heart failure offers patients a longer life
Many New Zealanders currently suffering from heart failure have been offered new hope with the publication today of a
landmark trial in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The COMPANION Trial (Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Heart Failure trial) has shown for the
first time that a cardiac device could reduce the risk of death by up to 36% amongst New Zealanders living with the
disease (see footnote 1).
"These results could revolutionise the way heart failure is treated in New Zealand," according to Dr Jim Stewart,
Interventional Cardiologist at Auckland City Hospital.
"By implanting a matchbox-sized cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) device, this trial was able to demonstrate a
reduction in the number of deaths and an increase in the quality of life for patients with heart failure," Dr Stewart
said.
COMPANION provides compelling evidence More than 1,500 US heart failure patients were enrolled in three groups and all
received medicine to manage their disease.
The first group received medicine only, the second group also received an implantable cardiac resynchronisation therapy
(CRT) device which helps synchronise the heart's pumping ability, while the final group received a device combining CRT
therapy with a defibrillator (or CRT-D) which can shock a rapidly beating heart back to normal rhythm.
The results of the COMPANION trial were overwhelming, with both patient groups on CRT experiencing significantly
improved health outcomes.
The trial results showed a substantial 34% per cent reduction in death or hospitalisation for heart failure amongst
patients with a CRT device, versus those treated with medication alone. When defibrillation was added to the CRT system,
there was a 40% reduction in death or hospitalisation for heart failure, and a 36% reduction in the risk of death alone.
Heart failure a major public health problem According to Dr Stewart, heart failure is a major public health problem in
New Zealand, which results in huge financial drain and emotional strain on society.
"This COMPANION trial proves for the first time that significantly improved patient outcomes can be achieved with
cardiac resynchronisation therapy, over and above what we can currently offer with medication alone in New Zealand," Dr
Stewart said.
"By utilising both CRT and medication, we can offer some people with heart failure a new option which improves the way
they feel, enhances their quality of life and allows them to live longer," he said.
New Zealand patient labeled a "miracle" after CRT therapy 69-year-old Ken Hayes used to spend long periods of time in
hospital every year because of cardiovascular disease.
Since having a CRT device implanted in September 2000, he has been named a "miracle" patient with significant
improvements to his health.
Before CRT therapy the left side of Ken's heart was about the size of a child's football, however after 33 months with
the implant his heart was reduced back to its normal size. Ken's blood pressure has also returned to normal, and is in
fact like that of a young man.
"The pacemaker has totally changed my life. I haven't had to stay a night in hospital for ages.
"I consider myself a living testimony to the incredible outcomes that can be achieved with these amazing implant
devices," Mr Hayes concluded.
ENDS