About the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society: Interview with Martin J. Gardner, MD, FRCP(C), FACC

The Canadian Heart Rhythm Society is a professional society of Canada’s heart rhythm specialist physicians and allied health professionals. In this feature interview, current President Martin Gardner, MD tells us more about the organization. Tell us about the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society. When was it formed, and why? The electrophysiology community in Canada has always been one of collegiality and close cooperation. In 2003, a group of Canadian cardiac electrophysiologists formed the Canadian Heart Rhythm Working Group to address uniquely Canadian issues in cardiac electrophysiology. As work proceeded, it became clear that there was an appetite for the creation of a formal society that would represent Canada’s heart rhythm community. The Canadian Heart Rhythm Society (CHRS) was established in October 2004 at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. In the short time since, CHRS has become recognized nationally and internationally as the voice of Canada’s heart rhythm community. CHRS is committed to a continuation of the long tradition of collegiality that has made the Canadian heart rhythm community world leaders in research, teaching, and clinical care. This collegiality is our core strength and is highly valued by our membership. It is also readily recognized and lauded by our colleagues in other countries. Who can join the CHRS? Approximately how many members are there currently? Membership is available to health professionals, scientists and educators who are interested in furthering the objectives of the Society. These are usually physicians engaged in the care of patients with cardiac rhythm or conduction disturbances. Trainee membership is available to individuals currently enrolled in an accredited electrophysiology or pacemaker training program. Associate professional membership is available to individuals whose profession is directly related to cardiac electrophysiology. There are at present over 110 members of the CHRS. What are some of the benefits of CHRS membership? Members enjoy the benefit of interaction with others, input into policy statements and guidelines development, educational opportunities and collaboration with colleagues. Members can attend the annual general meeting and symposium held each year during the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. Members also have access to the members-only section of the CHRS website, where there is information for patients, policy statements, and updates on issues such as device advisories and clinical trials. In addition, members receive a discount on the subscription cost to the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. When is the annual conference held? The annual conference is held in conjunction with the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in October each year. Is the CHRS also associated with the Heart Rhythm Society or the Canadian Cardiovascular Society? The CHRS is an affiliate of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. The CHRS has an informal affiliation with the Heart Rhythm Society. What do you consider the most prevalent heart arrhythmia experienced by patients in Canada? In addition, approximately how many Canadians suffer from atrial fibrillation? There are several important cardiac rhythm issues for Canadians. The most important is the risk of sudden death and access to life-saving therapies such as implantable defibrillators. Atrial fibrillation is very common, and is the most prevalent rhythm disorder affecting Canadians. It is estimated that over 10% of all Canadians over the age of 75 experience atrial fibrillation. Are there any changes in EP-related medical treatment that need to make in Canada? For example, I saw an article by Dr. Christopher Simpson in the July 2007 issue of CMAJ entitled “Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Work — So Why Aren't We Using Them.” Is this a concern for patients in Canada? Access to care is the number one issue for Canadians with heart rhythm and conduction disturbances. This includes access to consultation, diagnostic testing, therapy and follow-up. In order to address these issues, the Canadian health care system needs more specialists trained in electrophysiology and pacemaker/ICD insertion and follow-up, a greater capacity to perform electrophysiology studies and catheter ablation procedures (more electrophysiology laboratories), and a greater capacity to implant pacemakers and ICDs. Importantly, our referring physician community needs constant updating regarding the benefits of these procedures. Provincial health authorities need to understand and respond to these needs through appropriate health human resource increases and funding for equipment, laboratories and pacemaker/ICD budgets. What are some of the ways that electrophysiology practices in Canada might differ (and thus be more beneficial) from those in other countries such as the U.S.? The Canadian electrophysiology services are more centralized, particularly in academic centers, than the U.S. While this is associated with a very high level of expertise and provision of care that can be measured and standardized, it puts a strain on the limitation of resources in those centers. What advancements in electrophysiology do you hope to see in the next decade? The next decade will see advances in mapping and ablation equipment that will allow many more cardiac arrhythmias to be studied and cured with catheter techniques. Improvements in miniature implantable monitoring devices will make their use more widespread, making early diagnosis feasible. Advances in our understanding of genetics and how our genetic differences influence our risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias or sudden death will allow us to better predict who is at risk and will allow us to prevent problems earlier. For more information, please visit: www.chrsonline.ca