Index Test Predicts Heart Attack Mortality

A test created by Harbinger Medical Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN) aims to predict the risk of a patient's mortality, which also might indicate (or rule out) the need for an ICD. In a study performed by a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, the Wedensky Modulation Index predicted 80% of the life-threatening irregular heartbeats from patients who already had already suffered heart attacks, according to the Star Tribune.

June 13, 2008

1 Min Read
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The system uses low-voltage electricity to stimulate the heart and compares the heartbeat to a healthy heart. Here's the difference--a heart in good condition will have a dramatic response to stimulation, and a diseased heart that is experiencing an arrythmia has little response.Harbinger, a start-up company, wants to market the test by next year but hasn't received Medicare reimbursement yet. The test, which will cost between $200 and $300, could lead to lower ICD sales because of its accuracy.

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