Two new real-world data analyses presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2014 independently demonstrate that routine treatment with Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) was associated with fewer major bleeds and strokes compared to warfarin. The results of both studies, which involved over 60,000 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in the US, demonstrate that the safety and effectiveness profile of Pradaxa treatment seen during the RE-LY clinical trial can be achieved in broad patient populations receiving routine clinical care for stroke prevention. One analysis was conducted by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, using commercial US health insurance databases, and the second analysis was conducted by the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, using the US Department of Defense Military Health System database. In the US, the licensed doses for dabigatran etexilate are 150mg twice daily and 75mg* twice daily to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced interim findings from an analysis of two health insurance databases showing that in routine care, non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients treated with Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) had fewer strokes and fewer major bleeding events compared to patients treated with warfarin. The data were described in a poster presentation at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2014.

Obesity is a known risk factor for atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., WellPoint and HealthCore, announced today that the companies are commencing a research project to identify and address unmet medical needs across populations of mutual interest.

Medtronic, Inc. today revealed the results of a new study which found that atrial fibrillation (AF) and bradycardia-two common heart rhythm disorders-occurred at higher than expected, and clinically significant, rates in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis.

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology collection continues to grow with the launch of JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology, which will feature original research and review articles regarding cardiac rhythm disorders. David J. Wilber, MD, FACC, will serve as Editor-in-Chief of the new journal, which will begin publishing in March 2015 on a bimonthly basis.

Medtronic today announced Japanese regulatory approval and launch of the Evera MRI(TM) SureScan® implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) System for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans positioned on any region of the body. Reimbursement also was approved by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW). The Medtronic Evera MRI ICD is currently limited to investigational use in the United States.

October 30, 2014 - GreatCall, Inc., the leader in creating mobile health and safety solutions for active aging, is bringing the ability to affordably track heart health anywhere, anytime to its Touch3 smartphone as a pilot program. The AliveCor® Heart Monitor is now available as a Touch3 accessory, enabling those with suspected or diagnosed heart conditions as well as those at risk of heart conditions to fully participate in their own cardiac health.