Dr. John Sapp (BScM’94, MD’94) is leading a study that could improve the lives of heart patients suffering from a deadly condition.

Patients with ventricular tachycardia, caused by scarring of the heart, could have more options for treatment thanks to the work of Dr. Sapp.

Dr. Sapp is a professor of Cardiology at Dalhousie Medical School, and is the study’s principal investigator.

“Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heartbeat that often causes sudden death,” he says. “VT caused by heart attack scar can be very difficult to deal with, and can have quite a severe impact on both survival and quality of life.”

A study of 259 patients revealed that drug therapy may not be the only – or best – treatment, as previously thought.

“Heart rhythm researchers and patients who live with VT worked together to discover that catheter ablation is a better option for most,” says Dr. Sapp.

While ablation is a riskier option, it is preferable to medication and its long-term effects.

Read more in “Halifax‑led study leads to better treatment for people with deadly heart condition” on dal.ca.