DETECT, PROTECT, CORRECT, PERFECT

New report highlights healthcare professionals who practice DETECT, PROTECT, CORRECT, PERFECT when treating Atrial Fibrillation (AF).

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder. It is caused by many underlying cardiac conditions and often it appears without any apparent cause. The arrhythmia, however, has deleterious consequences if not correctly managed. The correct management of the condition involves control of the rhythm disorder itself, management of any underlying cause, and encouragement to improve unhealthy lifestyles. Above all, the risk of stroke must be assessed so that appropriate protective therapy can be instituted.

Because of the complexity of this arrhythmia, the Atrial Fibrillation Association was founded to help patients and doctors improve the treatment of the condition and contribute to investigations to help discover new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. AF Association’s long-standing “DETECT, PROTECT, CORRECT, PERFECT” campaign calls for healthcare professionals to DETECT AF with a simple pulse check, PROTECT against AF-related stroke with anticoagulation therapy, and CORRECT the irregular rhythm with access to appropriate treatments — leading to PERFECT the patient care pathway.

Work published in this year’s AF Association Healthcare Pioneers Report demonstrates innovative approaches to detecting, protecting, correcting, and perfecting atrial fibrillation management.

AF Association President and co-founder Professor John Camm said: “Our Pioneer reports continue to inspire medical experts around the world to improve the treatment, care, and quality of life for people with Atrial fibrillation (AF). AF Association is proud to announce that our winners for 2023 have remained committed to identifying these key areas to Detect, Protect, Correct and Perfect when treating Atrial Fibrillation (AF).”

Mrs Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder and CEO of AF Association, says “Congratulations to 2023 AF Healthcare Pioneers for their outstanding work to improve care and quality of life for people with AF. This report needs to be shared so that it will inspire healthcare professionals to explore new approaches for detecting and managing AF leading to reduced number of AF-related strokes and improved quality of life for all those living with AF.”

A copy of the report can be downloaded from www.AFPioneers.org.