Atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, affects more than 40 million people globally.
Many individuals with atrial fibrillation also have other medical conditions that can further impact their survival, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, obesity, and chronic kidney disease.
Healthcare researchers are developing a novel software tool designed to enhance the management of elderly patients who have atrial fibrillation along with multiple concurrent health conditions.
This initiative, known as the EHRA-PATHS project, is an international effort coordinated by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA).
Its primary objective is to establish a standardized approach for addressing the treatment of these coexisting conditions.
Researchers have identified 22 specific health conditions that are relevant to patients with atrial fibrillation. For each of these conditions, they have created concise care pathways to guide their evaluation and ensure effective management.
These pathways are being incorporated into a software tool designed to assist healthcare professionals in the comprehensive evaluation of patients with atrial fibrillation.
The overarching goal is to enhance patient outcomes by systematically detecting and managing underlying health conditions and, when necessary, referring patients for multidisciplinary care.
The software tool will undergo evaluation in a clinical study involving 65 hospitals across 14 European countries. The study will consist of two parts:
- The first part will assess the management of risk factors and coexisting conditions in approximately 1,300 patients aged 65 years and older who have newly been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
- The second part will involve a randomized controlled trial with 1,080 patients, investigating whether the software tool improves the management of atrial fibrillation when compared to standard care.
Preventing heart rhythm diseases such as atrial fibrillation involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and effectively managing underlying health conditions. This includes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Regular physical exercise.
- Managing high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Effectively managing stress.
- Undergoing regular health check-ups.
The development of this innovative software tool represents a significant stride toward enhancing care for elderly patients who have atrial fibrillation in conjunction with other medical conditions.
By offering a systematic and standardized approach to care, this tool holds the potential to improve patient outcomes and the overall management of atrial fibrillation.
For individuals concerned about heart health, consider exploring studies that investigate the potential heart disease risk reduction associated with the consumption of eggs and the potential adverse effects of herbal supplements on heart rhythm.
Additionally, delve into recent research on supplements that may help prevent heart disease and stroke, along with findings that highlight how a year of dedicated exercise in middle age can reverse concerning heart failure.
The study was conducted by Hein Heidbuchel et al and presented at EHRA 2023.
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