Dr Yassir Javaid
MA (Cantab) FRCP FRCGP PGDip Cardiology, GPwSI Cardiology
Atrial fibrillation can go unnoticed, but simple home blood pressure checks may support earlier conversations with your GP.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults, and approximately one-third of AFib patients are asymptomatic.1 In such cases, AFib is frequently detected during clinical screening in different settings.
A silent stroke risk
The condition causes an irregular heartbeat, which can allow blood to pool in the heart and form clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.
Around 1.4 million people in the UK are living with AFib, according to the Stroke Association. The same organisation says AFib can make someone five times more likely to have a stroke,2 and AFib-related strokes can be more severe. Because AFib can be symptomless in the beginning or intermittent, it may only be discovered during a routine check-up or after a serious event.
Who is most at risk?
AFib can affect adults of any age, but risk increases as people get older. It is also more common in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, sleep apnoea or an overactive thyroid and in people who smoke.3 For those already managing hypertension or other chronic conditions, understanding heart rhythm as well as blood pressure can provide a fuller picture of cardiovascular health.
“The diagnosis and treatment of Atrial fibrillation is a race against stroke. As the biggest independent risk factor for stroke, every missed diagnosis is a missed opportunity to potentially prevent a life-changing event. Technology now has the potential to identify more people earlier, helping close the diagnosis gap and improve outcomes,” says Dr Javaid, MA (Cantab) FRCP FRCGP PGDip Cardiology.
The diagnosis and treatment of Atrial fibrillation is a race against stroke
Routine checks matter
Many people already monitor their blood pressure at home. This everyday habit could also create an opportunity to notice potential signs of an irregular heart rhythm. OMRON’s Intellisense AFib technology integrates AFib screening into selected blood pressure monitors, enabling users to check blood pressure and screen for signs of possible AFib in one simple measurement from home.4
A blood pressure monitor cannot diagnose AFib. However, if it detects signs of an irregular rhythm, it may prompt someone to seek medical advice sooner. A clinician can then decide whether further assessment, such as an ECG, is needed.
Call to action: Could your blood pressure monitor help identify AFib?
AFib is one of the biggest independent risk factors for stroke, yet many people do not know they have it. OMRON’s Intellisense AFib technology brings AFib screening into routine blood pressure monitoring, supporting earlier awareness and conversations with healthcare professionals.
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[1] Sgreccia D, et al. (2021). Comparing outcomes in asymptomatic and symptomatic Atrial fibrillation. J Clin Med.
[2] Verdecchia, P., Angeli, F. & Reboldi, G. (2018). Hypertension and Atrial fibrillation: Doubts and certainties from basic and clinical studies. https://tinyurl.com/237b4u6u.
[3] NHS. Atrial fibrillation. https://tinyurl.com/4r596rth.
[4] Lei N, et al. (2021). Hybrid decision support to monitor Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention. Int J Environ Res Public Health.
