Heart Rhythm Disorder Focus of “LiveFIT NH” NH OUTLOOK Series

Rural Health Care and Statin Drugs Also Highlighted on NHPTV Special Airing 3/1 and 3/2

(DURHAM, February 23, 2009) — Long QT syndrome is an inherited heart rhythm disorder that kills seemingly healthy young people. Three generations of a Lyme, NH, family have the disorder and they share their story with NH OUTLOOK’s Phil Vaughn on the next “LiveFIT NH” special, Sunday, March 1st @ 9:30 a.m. and Monday, March 2nd @ 6 p.m.

The Sansone family talks about the genetic heart disorder, which remained a mysterious killer in their lives until recently. Two years ago their daughter fainted during gym class and a pediatric cardiologist diagnosed her with Long QT syndrome. Since then, other family members have been diagnosed with the disorder. If discovered early, the long-term prognosis is good, but awareness of the disorder is the first step towards saving lives.

Also, NH OUTLOOK’s Richard Ager examines the obstacles and solutions to keeping rural children healthy. Rural parents face increasing challenges in providing health care for their children. 

Then, can a simple blood test used along with cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins prevent strokes and heart attacks in apparently healthy people with normal cholesterol? A recent study is stirring debate over who should be screened with this new test and whether the benefits of widespread use of statins outweigh the cost and risks. NH OUTLOOK’s Beth Carroll speaks with a researcher and cardiologist at Dartmouth Medical Center about the study, which many in the medical community are calling a prevention breakthrough.  

NH OUTLOOK, NHPTV’s award-winning public affairs program, is all about New Hampshire. NH OUTLOOK airs Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and again Mondays at 6 p.m. NH OUTLOOK programs are also available for viewing online at www.nhptv.org/outlook, along with other specials like the “Politics and Eggs” series, NH Education Adequacy forums, and UNH NH Authors’ Series.