Healthcare researchers are developing a new software tool to improve the care of elderly patients with atrial fibrillation who have multiple health problems. Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, affecting more than 40 million people worldwide.
People with this condition often also suffer from other health issues like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. These additional problems, called comorbidities, can make managing atrial fibrillation even more complicated and can negatively impact a person’s overall health.
To address this, the research team is creating a standardized way to provide treatments for these additional conditions alongside atrial fibrillation.
The project is called EHRA-PATHS, a large international effort to improve how patients with atrial fibrillation and at least one other chronic condition are treated. It is being led by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA).
A previous survey by EHRA-PATHS found that one of the main challenges in managing atrial fibrillation was the lack of a coordinated care model. Many patients were not being referred to specialists who could help manage their other health issues.
To fix this, the researchers identified 22 specific conditions that often occur in people with atrial fibrillation. For each of these conditions, they created detailed care pathways. These pathways help doctors quickly identify if a patient has any of these conditions, guide them on what tests to perform, and suggest the best ways to manage the conditions.
The key part of the project is the software tool that is being designed to bring all these care pathways together. This tool will make it easier for healthcare workers to assess and manage the health of patients with atrial fibrillation, making sure that underlying health problems are spotted early and treated effectively.
If the software detects a condition that needs specialist attention, it will suggest referrals for the patient to receive the right care.
The software is not just an idea—it is being tested in a clinical study that includes 65 hospitals across 14 European countries. The study is divided into two phases. In the first phase, doctors will evaluate how well patients aged 65 and older with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation are managing their health.
Around 1,300 patients are expected to participate. The main goal is to see how well doctors are currently managing their patients’ risk factors and other health conditions.
The second phase of the study is a randomized controlled trial with 1,080 patients. In this phase, the researchers will compare two groups: one that receives care using the new software tool and one that receives the usual care. This part of the study will focus on 12 specific health problems that are commonly linked with atrial fibrillation.
These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, obesity, kidney problems, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, problems with heart valves, lack of physical activity, lung diseases like asthma or COPD, and alcohol use.
The aim of the software is clear: to improve the lives of patients with atrial fibrillation by catching other health problems early and managing them better. By doing this, the researchers hope to prevent complications, reduce hospital visits, and improve the overall health and survival of these patients.
If successful, the software could become a standard tool in hospitals around the world, making it easier for doctors to manage complex health problems in elderly patients.
Preventing heart rhythm diseases like atrial fibrillation is also important. There are several lifestyle changes people can make to reduce their risk. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is key, as excess body weight can increase the risk of heart problems. Regular physical activity, even just 30 minutes a day, can help keep the heart strong.
Managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes is also crucial since these are major risk factors for heart rhythm problems. It is also important to avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can harm the heart. Managing stress with relaxation techniques and regular check-ups with a doctor can also help catch potential problems early.
Taking care of heart health not only helps prevent conditions like atrial fibrillation but also supports overall well-being. With tools like the one being developed by EHRA-PATHS, there is hope that managing heart conditions alongside other health issues will become easier and more effective in the future.
The study was led by Hein Heidbuchel and his team, who hope their work will change the way elderly patients with heart rhythm disorders are treated across Europe and beyond.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
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