January 10, 2008–ROME–An abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) in a young, highly-trained athlete might be the first expression of an underlying heart condition that could later become life threatening, according to a study published in today’s New England Journal of Medicine. This means that athletes with abnormal ECGs should be checked regularly, according to investigators.

“Contrary to previous reports describing such ECG patterns as innocent manifestations of ‘athlete's heart,’ without adverse clinical consequences, the present study shows that these abnormal ECGs may represent the initial expression of genetic cardiac disease… and adverse clinical outcomes," according to lead investigator Dr Antonio Pelliccia (Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy) and colleagues.

January 10, 2008­–LITTLE ROCK–State Senator Tracy Steele is proposing that every high school in Arkansas have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available at school activities.

Steele made the proposal to the Joint Committees on Public Health, Welfare and Labor, the first step in the legislative process toward enacting a law that would require the defibrillators.

Steele says the plan could possibly save the lives of young people at sporting events and other school activities.

The proposal is in response to the death of Anthony Hobbs of Little Rock, a 17-year-old basketball player for Parkview High School. Hobbs collapsed during a game on January 2.

Hobbs was rushed to Baptist Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Initial autopsy results showed abnormalities in the heart.

January 10, 2008–MINNEAPOLIS–The Medtronic Foundation today announced new grant guidelines for its HeartRescue program. In 2008, funding priority will be given to school programs that educate students about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and prepare them to act in an emergency.

To increase the number of bystanders trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED use, the 2008 HeartRescue program will focus U.S. grants on schools, school districts, government agencies, and non-profit organizations that develop comprehensive school-based programs that will prepare a new generation of people to recognize SCA when it happens and take action when it does.