President Bill Clinton Kicks Off Heart Rhythm 2013 In Denver

DENVER, May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, former United States President, Bill Clinton presents the keynote address at the Opening Plenary Session at Heart Rhythm 2013, the Heart Rhythm Society's 34^th Annual Scientific Sessions and this year's premier conference on cardiac arrhythmias. Taking place at the Colorado Convention Center, Heart Rhythm 2013 builds on years of tradition and will once again bring together the world's most noted experts to network and explore advancements in the cardiac arrhythmia field.

"The Society's Annual Scientific Sessions is an opportunity for international collaboration of physicians, allied healthcare professionals and scientists to showcase the latest education and research in cardiac rhythm care," stated Anne M. Gillis, MD, FHRS, president of the Heart Rhythm Society. "This year, we will celebrate the Society's evolution, focusing on honoring our past and shaping our future. Special presentations will highlight groundbreaking events of our past that led to science and technology that continue to influence our dynamic field today and improve patient care."

Along with the influential and powerful voice of progress during the opening session led by President Bill Clinton, new additions to Heart Rhythm 2013 include:

• Lead Management Forum: On Wednesday, May 8, a new, "hot topic" for the field that will be held to explore practical aspects of lead development, implantation, follow up and extraction.
• VT/VF Summit: On Wednesday, May 8, a one-time, day-long session will discuss the historical development and state-of-the-art application of strategies to diagnose, evaluate and treat patients with ventricular arrhythmias in the context of different cardiac disease.
• Arrest the Risk Awareness Campaign Session: On Thursday, May 9, Walter Clair, MD, FHRS and Kevin Thomas, MD lead this special session to discuss the Society's latest research in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) to help identify current awareness levels and perceptions of SCA by electrophysiologists, general cardiologists, primary care practitioners and consumers.
• Battle of the Titans: On Thursday, May 9, for the first time at Heart Rhythm, two debates chaired first by N. A. Mark Estes, III, MD, FHRS, CCDS and then Anne B. Curtis, MD, FHRS, CCDS will take place. Each debate will feature two world-renowned experts going head to head with the first debate on Warfarin and the second on ICD usage.
• Rapid Fire Sessions: On Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10, two rapid fire sessions on Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and Devices will each feature five, 4-minute case presentations followed by a 7-minute expert panel discussion to evaluate each case and discuss potential treatment options. The Thursday session on AF will be chaired by John D. Day, MD, FHRS and the Friday session on Devices will be chaired by Byron K. Lee, MD, UCSF.
• Pioneers Unplugged: On Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10, in recognition of our historic past, a new session will highlight the history, technical changes, and evolution of modern practice and patient care. Three discussions on Pacing, Clinical and Basic Electrophysiology, and Ablation will be chaired by David L. Hayes, MD, FHRS, CCDS; Douglas P. Zipes, MD, FHRS; and Eric N. Prystowsky, MD, FHRS; respectively.

Scientists, physicians and Heart Rhythm Society leadership will be available to discuss specific sessions and heart rhythm innovations further. Visit the HRS Press Room (Room 610) at the Colorado Convention Center or contact Kennesha Baldwin, (202) 464-3441.  Qualified media are invited to attend and can visit http://www.hrsonline.org/News/Heart-Rhythm-2013-Media for more information. 

Heart Rhythm 2013 is the most comprehensive educational program for heart rhythm professionals, featuring more than 8,000 attendees, 250 educational sessions and more than 130 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services.  The Heart Rhythm Society's Annual Scientific Sessions have become the must-attend event of the year, allowing the exchange of new vital ideas and information among colleagues from every corner of the globe.

About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of more than 5,800 heart rhythm professionals in more than 72 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.HRSonline.org, voted 2012's "Best in Class" website for a nonprofit by the Interactive Media Council.

SOURCE Heart Rhythm Society