BUZZ-J&J falls on pausing rollout of heart device in US to investigate stroke risk

** Shares of Johnson & Johnson JNJ.N fall as much as 3.3% to an over 3-year low of $141.44

** Stock set for its worst day in nearly 2 years if losses hold

** Drug and medical device maker said it has temporarily paused the rollout of its Varipulse heart device in the U.S., citing an abundance of caution as co investigates four reported stroke events

** Shares of rivals Boston Scientific BSX.N and Medtronic MDT.N gain 5.5% and 4.1%, respectively

** JNJ shares fell 7.7% in 2024

(Reporting by Puyaan Singh)

((Puyaan.Singh@thomsonreuters.com))