Monash University leading international trial into sudden cardiac arrests

MELBOURNE researchers are leading an international trial into the “Hollywood Heart Attack”, a sudden cardiac arrest where victims clutch their heart and drop dead.

MELBOURNE researchers are leading an international trial into the phenomenon of the “Hollywood Heart Attack” — a sudden cardiac arrest where victims clutch their heart and drop dead.

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Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in adults globally and it is hoped the trial, spearheaded by Monash University, will identify those at risk of dying in the months following an initial heart attack.

It comes as the Sunday Herald Sun can reveal a report into the Victorian Heart Hospital, to be built at Monash, shows the facility will bring more than $400 million into Victoria.

Dr Sarah Zaman, an interventional cardiologist at Monash Heart, said the risk of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest was highest in the first months after a heart attack.

“Currently there is no proven way to predict who will die from an arrest early after initially having an attack,” she said.

“This study is focused on people who, as a result of an attack, have an impairment of the heart’s function.

“It is these patients with damaged heart muscles who are at risk of dying suddenly.”
More than 1000 patients will be part of the trial which will include centres across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the United States

Dr Zaman said the study, if successful, could have a significant impact on patient treatment and help prevent sudden cardiac deaths.

Interventional cardiologist at Monash Heart Dr Sarah Zaman.

“The upcoming Victorian Heart Hospital will also have a big impact on this trial because that will allow us to integrate our research straight into the cardiology department,” she said.

A new report released today shows the VHH will bring more than $400 million a year into Victoria once it was fully operational.

“The key finding was that the VHH will become a major employer in southeast of Melbourne,” Monash University Pro Vice-Chancellor of Enterprise Sarah Newton said.

“The interesting thing about that $400 million figure is that more than a third of that will be from research and education activity.

“All that innovation from the heart hospital will result in enormous economic activity.”

The specialist hospital is expected to have capacity for 2000 cardiac surgical procedures and 108,000 consultations every year, with facilities including a cardiac emergency department.

Ms Newton said a tender document for the hospital’s design covered a price range between $400 million and $600 million.

The Andrews Government is yet to secure full funding for the project.

“What we’re looking for is best value for money, within that range, and honouring the promise the Premier has made in his announcement to the Victorian people,” he said.

“I am consistently receiving inquires from around the world, big companies, and researchers who want to know when they can put up their hands to join the VHH.”