Atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart rhythm becomes irregular and often rapid, is a major global health problem affecting 59.7 million people worldwide. This condition increases the risk of serious complications, such as stroke, heart failure, and memory problems. To address these challenges, research by Dr Kam Cheong Wong from the University of Sydney provides a practical and innovative approach to detecting and managing this condition in communities. His approach links the process of identifying atrial fibrillation directly to medical care, allowing for earlier detection and better outcomes for patients. By detecting the condition early, individuals can work to reduce risk and avoid serious health problems.
Dr. Huang designed a system to screen for atrial fibrillation in local communities using modern portable electrocardiogram (ECG) devices that record heart rhythms. These devices are easy to use even for seniors and provide results quickly. In one large study, participants used the devices to record their heart rhythms for several months. The results showed that the handheld single-lead EKG machine was very effective in identifying irregular heartbeats, almost as accurate as the traditional 12-lead EKG machines commonly used in clinics and hospitals. Importantly, people who used handheld single-lead ECG devices were more likely to have atrial fibrillation detected than those who relied solely on routine medical visits. Participants also found the devices simple and convenient, which helped ensure they continued to use them as recommended.
“This community atrial fibrillation screening model is feasible, acceptable, and effective for diagnosing atrial fibrillation in older adults who are independent in their daily lives or with the help of support persons,” Dr. Huang explained. This emphasizes the importance of screening systems. How the design meets the specific needs of the population it serves, ensuring accessibility and usability.
A key advantage of Dr. Huang’s system is how well people adhere to the program. Nearly everyone who took part in the six-month study successfully completed it. Participants were instructed to record their heart rhythms regularly and received support to help them understand and use the technology. This high level of participation shows that the system can work well in real life, especially with appropriate training and communication to resolve any issues or technical difficulties.
Dr. Huang’s research also explores how this type of screening fits into the larger picture of health care. He reviewed similar programs around the world and found that handheld single-lead electrocardiographs were already in widespread use. However, many early studies lacked randomization and control groups. Dr. Huang’s work fills a gap and demonstrates how ambulatory ECG devices, combined with clear communication and follow-up, can become a reliable and practical tool for the community.
To better understand the challenges and successes of the program, Dr. Huang studied how people and the health care system interact. This approach reveals ways to improve systems, such as deciding how long people should use devices and exploring how technologies like artificial intelligence can help analyze data. While computers can help the entire process be faster and more efficient, Dr. Huang emphasized that computers should support medical staff, not replace them. Personal care and trust remain critical to ensuring patients feel supported.
Another important part of the study is ensuring screening results are shared with participants’ doctors. This allows follow-up care to proceed smoothly and doctors can use the results of the screening to help manage the condition effectively. The system also makes it easy for doctors to include screening as part of regular health checkups, ensuring it fits naturally into existing healthcare routines. This streamlined process means the program can work in many places, including areas with fewer resources.
“By optimizing screening duration, utilizing cost-effective and accurate atrial fibrillation diagnostic equipment, and incorporating artificial intelligence for ECG interpretation, this screening method and approach can be adapted to different contexts with different resource availability,” said Dr. Huang, emphasizing that he The system’s adaptability to various medical environments.
Dr. Huang’s discovery goes beyond detecting atrial fibrillation. By demonstrating how technology can improve health care delivery, his work opens the door to broader use of digital tools to address other health issues. His system is particularly useful for addressing the challenges faced by an aging population because it provides a simple and affordable way to manage chronic and potentially acute diseases. The flexibility of the method means it can be adapted to the needs of different healthcare systems around the world, making it a valuable screening system integrated with ongoing care to improve global health.
Reflecting on the impact of his work, Dr. Huang emphasized the importance of teamwork and open discussion in driving progress. “A comprehensive continuum of care approach includes clinical and data integration, enabling continuity of care. Clinical integration includes preventive health screening during assessment, followed by atrial fibrillation management, while data integration ensures results are documented in the medical record for future reference. Future review. Importance.
Acknowledgments: joint efforts
Dr. Huang attaches great importance to the environment that supports his work and emphasizes the role of teamwork and exchange of ideas. “Intellectual discussion is the source of success: significant achievements are often born in a dynamic and stimulating environment catalyzed by disagreement and intellectual exchange,” he shares. This belief, which emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and working together to solve complex problems, was the driving force throughout his research.
Paper reference
Huang Jinchang. Community atrial fibrillation screening: a comprehensive continuum of care approach. PhD thesis, University of Sydney, 2024.
Picture reference
Kam Cheong Wong, Tu N Nguyen, Simone Marschner, Samual Turnbull, Anupama Balasuriya Indrawansa, Rose White, Mason Jenner Burns, Vishal Gopal, Haeri Min, Desi Quintans, Amy von Huben, Steven A Trankle, Tim Usherwood, Richard I Iley, Saura Lindley, Saurabh Kumar, Clara K Chow, A randomized controlled implementation study integrating patient self-screening with a remote central monitoring system to screen for atrial fibrillation in community-dwelling residents aged 75 years and older, European Journal of Preventive CardiologyVolume 31, Issue 18, December 2024, Pages 2104–2114, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwae312
About the author
Dr. Huang Jinchang Advocates the integration of medicine and engineering, and is committed to revolutionizing cardiovascular care through digital health innovation. As a Senior Research Fellow at the Westmead Center for Applied Research at the University of Sydney and a Senior Lecturer at the Bathurst Clinical School at Western Sydney University, Dr Wong brings an impressive 20 years of clinical expertise and 10 years of engineering experience.
Dr Ng holds an MD (University of Sydney), a medical degree (University of Queensland) and an MSc and BEng (National University of Singapore), focusing on applying digital health technologies to enhance early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. His research demonstrates the real-world impact of telehealth innovations, particularly in the screening and management of atrial fibrillation. Driven by a commitment to accessibility and practical solutions, Dr. Huang’s work connects cutting-edge science with community-focused applications to ensure heart health services are available to all.
