Valley doctors study new heart device said to alert patients if they have a heart attack

MESA, AZ - Revolutionary technology that aims to help alert people when they are having a heart attack is being tested right here in the Valley.

If you or a loved one has had a heart attack, you know the fear that there could be another right around the corner.

But what if you could find out, or even be alerted, before damage is done?

Elizabeth Von Behren is hoping the new device implanted near her heart could help her live a life without living in fear.

She has had a very tough year.

"Everything was so scary, with the open heart surgery and then the heart attack," said Von Behren.

But she's hoping the Angel Med System will change that.

"It will vibrate to alert the patient and has different vibrations depending on whether this is a non serious or a serious clinical event," said Dr. Andrew Kaplan with Banner Heart Hospital.

It was created to alert patients when they are having a heart attack. It's being studied right now at Banner Heart Hospital and Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center.

"The theory is that by monitoring patients we'll be able to intervene and get those patients into the hospital system much earlier and prevent them from having permanent damage." Kaplan says the hope is the device will also eliminate unnecessary trips to the emergency room, saving time and money.

Elizabeth was the second person to have the new technology implanted. "Not a week yet and I'm up and doing, played bridge yesterday."

Her device has not yet been activated, but once it is, she knows it is her family that is really counting on it.

"Well they all thought it would be a good idea for me, they'd like to keep me around a little longer," said Elizabeth.

As with all trials, there are risks. If you're interested, Banner Heart Hospital is searching for more candidates for the Angel Med alert study.

To find out if you're eligible, talk to your doctor and call 480-854-5077.

February is American Heart Month , a reminder that it’s never too early to improve your heart health.

Join us Friday on ABC15-TV for a series of special reports on heart disease:

NOW@9 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Parents who lost their infant son to congenital heart disease will be live on Now@9 to talk about the hardships they faced and what they are doing now to help other children facing similar health problems.

ABC15 News at 4 p.m.
A new heart device called the Guardian System is in trials at Banner Baywood Heart Hospital. We will show you how this life-saving technology could provide early warning signs of a heart attack.

ABC15 News at 5 p.m.
New technology is allowing heart transplants in infants to take place right here in the Valley. ABC15’s Rebecca Thomas talks with the parents of the first infant heart transplant patient and introduces us to this remarkable young child.

Barbara Walters Special: A Matter of Life and Death at 9 p.m.
Walters talks about her own open-heart surgery along with President Bill Clinton, David Letterman, Robin Williams and others. The special also includes information on how symptoms of heart disease differ in men and women.

ABC15 News at 10 p.m.
Prominent Arizonans have also battled heart disease, including civic leaders, athletes and entertainers. ABC15’s Katie Raml sits down with former Congressman John Shadegg about his battle with heart disease and his coronary bypass surgery.