We believe this therapy has the potential to bring added relief and improved quality of life for the millions of patients who suffer from heart failure. Guidant has pioneered the development of device-based systems to treat heart failure through 10 years of heart failure research dedicated to understanding mechanisms of the failing heart and the benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy. This research and development has resulted in approximately 40 patents and more than 220 peer-reviewed papers and abstracts. Sudden death accounts for nearly half the deaths from heart failure. Often sudden death occurs due to extremely fast ventricular arrhythmias.
Heart failure is a widespread, growing condition that robs people of quality and quantity of life.
Nearly 5 million Americans and 6.5 million Europeans currently suffer from heart failure. Half of these patients will die within five years of being diagnosed with the disease. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in patients age 65 and up, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute . Nearly one million new cases of heart failure are diagnosed annually worldwide, making it the most rapidly growing cardiovascular disorder. Heart failure is characterized by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, problems with physical strength and stamina, fatigue, fluid retention and exercise intolerance.