A group of 29 international experts has recently advocated for the simultaneous screening of hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart arrhythmia, highlighting its potential to prevent thousands of strokes annually. This expert review underlines the critical connection between hypertension and atrial fibrillation (AF), a type of irregular heart rhythm, both of which are significant risk factors for stroke.
The lead author of the study, Professor Teemu Niiranen, a renowned expert in hypertension from the University of Turku, Finland, emphasized the importance of recognizing this deadly combination of conditions. The study was published in Circulation, a prestigious journal of the American Heart Association, and points to a pressing need for changes in current screening practices.
Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation: A Dangerous Duo
Hypertension and atrial fibrillation are often linked in a cycle where one condition exacerbates the other. High blood pressure can lead to atrial fibrillation, and the irregular heartbeat of AF can increase the risk of blood clots, which in turn can lead to stroke, heart failure, and even dementia.
In the review, Professor Niiranen stresses that while hypertension is commonly screened, atrial fibrillation is not, leading to many undiagnosed cases until a serious event like a stroke occurs. He calls for more proactive screening practices to identify AF earlier and prevent these potentially life-threatening conditions from progressing unnoticed.
“Hypertension and atrial fibrillation form a dangerous combination, one leading to the other, and together they greatly elevate the risk of stroke, heart failure, and dementia,” says Niiranen. “It’s like a ticking time bomb.”
The Importance of Early Detection
Current methods to detect atrial fibrillation are simple and non-invasive, yet the condition often remains undiagnosed because routine screenings don’t incorporate checks for irregular heart rhythms. According to the experts, incorporating AF screening into routine blood pressure checks could be a game-changer.
Professor Niiranen further emphasizes that the consequences of undetected AF are severe. Atrial fibrillation is known to increase the risk of stroke by fivefold, but recent studies also suggest a link to dementia, making early detection even more crucial.
How to Detect Atrial Fibrillation
There are several easy-to-use tools available to detect atrial fibrillation:
Pulse Checks: A simple 30-second check at the wrist or neck can identify an irregular heartbeat.
Blood Pressure Monitors with Irregular Heartbeat Alerts: Many modern blood pressure devices have built-in alerts to signal irregular heart rates.
Portable ECG Devices: Small, portable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors or smartwatches can detect atrial fibrillation in under a minute.
The integration of these devices into routine healthcare visits could help identify at-risk individuals before a stroke occurs, allowing for early treatment and potentially saving lives.
A Call to Action
The experts behind the review strongly advocate for the incorporation of atrial fibrillation screening into routine blood pressure assessments. By doing so, patients at risk can be identified earlier, receive appropriate treatment, and ultimately reduce their risk of debilitating strokes and other serious complications.
In conclusion, Professor Niiranen urges health professionals to adopt a more comprehensive approach to screening: “By incorporating atrial fibrillation screening into routine blood pressure screenings, we could identify at-risk patients earlier, start appropriate treatment, and save lives.”
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