Reducing cardiovascular events by tackling Atrial Fibrillation

We are working to reduce cardiovascular events by supporting a range of projects to implement the national Atrial Fibrillation Toolkit’s “Detect, Protect and Perfect” model.

We have supported a range of projects in the past related to this important component of cardiovascular disease prevention. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart rhythm problem that if left undetected and unmanaged increases your risk of stroke and heart attack. The AF Toolkit was developed by the national Health Innovation Network and includes data tools and online resources to assist in the implementation of the Detect, Protect and Perfect model of reducing AF related strokes and heart attacks.

Detect

People with undetected AF are at risk of experiencing an AF-related stroke, which may lead to death or significant disability. Early detection of AF to allow initiation of protective anticoagulant therapy is vital. The HIN deployed 400 ECG screening devices to high-impact settings in a project that detected 597 possible cases of undiagnosed AF, you can find the final report here.

Protect

Medications are available to reduce the chance of having a stroke or heart attack associated with blood clots formed because of AF. This component of the AF Toolkit is focused on ensuring that those with AF are prescribed medications such as vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS).

Perfect

Starting anticoagulation doesn’t prevent all strokes or heart attacks, so this component of the programme helps clinicians and patients to achieve excellence in anticoagulation by optimising medication regimes, increasing adherence to medications and improving patients’ abilities to self-monitor and self-manage their anticoagulation.