The atrial fibrillation epidemic is approaching the physician’s door: will mobile technology improve detection?

BMC Medicine

Hans-Christoph Diener³  Lauri Toivonen²  Perttu J Lindsberg¹ 

[1] Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, Biomedicum Helsinki, and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland;Cardiac Electrophysiology, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, Helsinki, 00290, Finland;Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen 45147, Germany

关键词: Personal medical application;    Telemedicine;    Disease screening;    Embolic stroke;    Cardiac monitoring;    Arrhythmia;    Atrial fibrillation;   

Others  :  1121425
DOI  :  10.1186/s12916-014-0180-8

 received in 2014-07-01, accepted in 2014-09-10,  发布年份 2014

【 摘 要 】

The rising numbers of people with atrial fibrillation (AF) carry a heavy toll on our graying population. Epidemiological data suggest that AF exists in 1 in 10 individuals aged older than 80 years. The risk of embolic stroke increases along with well-known cardiovascular risk factors. Should there be systematic screening for the elderly? Although 1 in 10 is a huge hit rate in screening for any major illness, the initiative for such programs in AF remains in ‘research and development’.

At present, cardiologists can utilize implantable loop recorders in patients referred for specialist consultation. Novel technologies are also available, including cloud-based, algorithm-assisted, non-invasive monitoring patches, which allow extended observation periods.

What about people in the community without a recognized need for cardiologic investigation? Mobile technology has made detection of pulse irregularity possible without medical attention. Smartphone apps enable opportunistic rhythm monitoring, but true arrhythmias need to be medically verified. AF may be the first common disorder to be effectively screened for by mobile technology. In the spirit of proactive campaigns such as ‘Know Your Pulse’, we should prepare for rapidly increasing reports of various pulse irregularities.

【 授权许可】

   
2014 Lindsberg et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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