29 September – World Heart Day: OMRON Healthcare highlights importance of early detection and monitoring of AFib (Atrial Fibrillation) in hypertensive people and the elderly

29 September – World Heart Day:
OMRON Healthcare highlights importance of early detection and monitoring of AFib (Atrial Fibrillation) in hypertensive people and the elderly

• AFib is the most common form of arrythmia, potentially affecting 1 out of 3 individuals1

• AFib is a leading cause of blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications

• 1 in 2 patients will not feel a subjective symptom so education and monitoring those vulnerable is a must

London, 29 September 2020 – In support of World Heart Day, OMRON Healthcare Europe calls on the healthcare community, services and UK Government to emphasize the importance of atrial fibrillation (AFib) early detection and monitoring. AFib is one of the most frequent types of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. On average, those aged 55 and over face a lifetime risk of developing AFib of 37% across Europe, and research shows that the prevalence of AFib in people aged 65 years and older could almost double in the next 40 years.

As the risk of developing AFib increases with age, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation explicitly made the recommendation of systematic checks for people over 75 years old and opportunistic for the over 65 years old (about once every two years). In this context, OMRON Healthcare recommends the use of home blood pressure monitors with built-in AFib detection technology, so that those affected can refer to their clinician or GP for formal diagnosis or to adjust pre-existing medical plans accordingly.

While aging is the leading risk factor for AFib, lifestyle and comorbidities (the presence of one or more additional conditions) can also play a significant role. High blood pressure has been identified by researchers as a risk factor in nearly 60% of the AFib cases. In line with this, The ESC Guidelines as of 2020 recommend opportunistic AFib screening in hypertensive patients. Obesity, sleep apnea and diabetes are also risk factors for AFib. This evidence suggests that widespread adoption of home blood pressure monitoring along with a suitable education programme would equip vulnerable members of the public with the tools and understanding to better manage their cardiovascular health.

Often atrial fibrillation is accompanied by a variety of noticeable symptoms such as chest discomfort, difficulty breathing or chest pain. However, 1 out of every 2 patients will not feel a subjective symptom, despite their condition. As such, identifying individuals at risk of developing AFib is vitally important, as there is strong evidence that early detection and treatment of modifiable risk factors can reduce morbidity and mortality rates. In this context, relying on a blood pressure monitor equipped with a built-in AFib detection function such as the OMRON X7 Smart represents the first step in home health monitoring.

“Despite being easy to diagnose, AFib is forecasted to nearly double in the following decades. The outlook is worrying – Untreated, AFib can lead to potentially devastating consequences. As leaders in cardiovascular health, our most advanced home blood pressure monitor technology allows hypertensive patients to detect potential presence of AFib from home, and keep all their cardiovascular data in one place, so that they can have a more comprehensive view of their heart health and eventually, get in touch with their clinicians to devise a proper treatment plan”, said Lucia Prada, Marketing Director of OMRON Healthcare Europe.

X7 Smart

The X7 Smart is a clinically validated blood pressure monitor, with Bluetooth connection, that detects the possibility of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an often undetected condition which can lead to a higher risk for stroke and embolism.

The device sends results to your smartphone via Bluetooth and have your blood pressure readings through the Omron connect app, which allows you to understand together with your doctor how to best manage problems related to your health.

X7 Smart monitors blood pressure and detects AFib with high specificity and sensitivity, simply pressing the “start” button for 2 seconds, takes three consecutive blood pressure measurements at 30 second intervals, then displays the average to give you a realistic indication. Finally, thanks to its dual screen, it compares the latest results with the other daily readings and weekly averages.

The X7 Smart can be purchased at Amazon.com and at pharmacies throughout the UK.

About Omron Healthcare

Committed to helping people live more active and fulfilling lives with zero compromise, OMRON Healthcare is a global leader in the field of clinically proven, innovative medical equipment for health monitoring and therapy.

Throughout its 87-year history OMRON Healthcare has been striving to improve lives and contribute to a better society by developing innovations that help people prevent, treat and manage their medical conditions, both at home and in clinical practice in over 117 countries.

OMRON Healthcare is the Global No.1 brand in both blood pressure monitors, with over 200 million units sold, as well as nebulizers for respiratory treatment with over 30 million devices sold. The company’s additional core product categories are low-frequency pain therapy equipment, body composition monitors and electronic thermometers.

OMRON Healthcare Group is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. OMRON Healthcare Europe B.V. is the healthcare division for Europe, Russia, Middle East and Africa and provides services to customers in more than 74 countries.

1 Hindricks G. et al. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). European Heart Journal (2020) 00, 1-126. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612.