1
|
Calvert P, Mills MT, Howarth K, Aykara S, Lunt L, Brewer H, Green D, Green J, Moore S, Almutawa J, Linz D, Lip GYH, Todd D, Gupta D. Remote rhythm monitoring using a photoplethysmography smartphone application after cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. DIGITAL HEALTH 2024; 5:461-468. [PMID: 39081939 PMCID: PMC11284012 DOI: 10.1093/ehjdh/ztae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Aims Direct current cardioversion (DCCV) is a commonly utilized rhythm control technique for atrial fibrillation. Follow-up typically comprises a hospital visit for 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) two weeks post-DCCV. We report the feasibility, costs, and environmental benefit of remote photoplethysmography (PPG) monitoring as an alternative. Methods and results We retrospectively analysed DCCV cases at our centre from May 2020 to October 2022. Patients were stratified into those with remote PPG follow-up and those with traditional 12-lead ECG follow-up. Monitoring type was decided by the specialist nurse performing the DCCV at the time of the procedure after discussing with the patient and offering them both options if appropriate. Outcomes included the proportion of patients who underwent PPG monitoring, patient compliance and experience, and cost, travel, and environmental impact. Four hundred sixteen patients underwent 461 acutely successful DCCV procedures. Two hundred forty-six underwent PPG follow-up whilst 214 underwent ECG follow-up. Patient compliance was high (PPG 89.4% vs. ECG 89.8%; P > 0.999) and the majority of PPG users (90%) found the app easy to use. Sinus rhythm was maintained in 71.1% (PPG) and 64.7% (ECG) of patients (P = 0.161). Twenty-nine (11.8%) PPG patients subsequently required an ECG either due to non-compliance, technical failure, or inconclusive PPG readings. Despite this, mean healthcare costs (£47.91 vs. £135 per patient; P < 0.001) and median cost to the patient (£0 vs. £5.97; P < 0.001) were lower with PPG. Median travel time per patient (0 vs. 44 min; P < 0.001) and CO2 emissions (0 vs. 3.59 kg; P < 0.001) were also lower with PPG. No safety issues were identified. Conclusion Remote PPG monitoring is a viable method of assessing for arrhythmia recurrence post-DCCV. This approach may save patients significant travel time, reduce environmental CO2 emission, and be cost saving in a publicly-funded healthcare system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Calvert
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Mark T Mills
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Kelly Howarth
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Sini Aykara
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Lindsay Lunt
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Helen Brewer
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - David Green
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Janet Green
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Simon Moore
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Jude Almutawa
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Derick Todd
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Dhiraj Gupta
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Betz K, Linz D, Duncker D, Hillmann HAK. [Characterization of atrial fibrillation burden using wearables]. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2024; 35:111-117. [PMID: 38334830 PMCID: PMC11161421 DOI: 10.1007/s00399-024-00995-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The characterization of atrial fibrillation (AF) according to current guidelines categorically refers to the differentiation between paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent AF. A more precise characterization of AF, including the evaluation of AF burden, is playing an increasingly significant role in both scientific research and clinical practice. Digital devices, especially those with the capability of passive (semi-)continuous recording, can contribute to a more accurate quantification of AF burden. Particularly in patients with an already established diagnosis of AF, the evaluation of AF burden can be used to monitor the success of antiarrhythmic therapy including antiarrhythmic drugs or pulmonary vein isolation. However, important questions remain unanswered: In addition to a uniform, evidence-based definition of AF burden, clinically relevant cut-offs for AF burden and resulting therapeutic consequences (e.g., subclinical AF) need to be elaborated. Furthermore, the establishment and evaluation of care structures for assessing and integrating AF burden in clinical care, especially by incorporating data from wearable medical devices, should take place.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstanze Betz
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, Niederlande.
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Eifelklinik St. Brigida GmbH & Co. KG, Simmerath, Deutschland.
- Netherlands Heart Institut, Utrecht, Niederlande.
| | - Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, Niederlande
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australien
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Kopenhagen, Dänemark
| | - David Duncker
- Hannover Herzrhythmus Centrum, Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Henrike A K Hillmann
- Hannover Herzrhythmus Centrum, Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gruwez H, Ezzat D, Van Puyvelde T, Dhont S, Meekers E, Bruckers L, Wouters F, Kellens M, Van Herendael H, Rivero-Ayerza M, Nuyens D, Haemers P, Pison L. Real-world validation of smartphone-based photoplethysmography for rate and rhythm monitoring in atrial fibrillation. Europace 2024; 26:euae065. [PMID: 38630867 PMCID: PMC11023210 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Photoplethysmography- (PPG) based smartphone applications facilitate heart rate and rhythm monitoring in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite an endorsement from the European Heart Rhythm Association, validation studies in this setting are lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the accuracy of PPG-derived heart rate and rhythm classification in subjects with an established diagnosis of AF in unsupervised real-world conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty consecutive patients were enrolled, 4 weeks before undergoing AF ablation. Patients used a handheld single-lead electrocardiography (ECG) device and a fingertip PPG smartphone application to record 3907 heart rhythm measurements twice daily during 8 weeks. The ECG was performed immediately before and after each PPG recording and was given a diagnosis by the majority of three blinded cardiologists. A consistent ECG diagnosis was exhibited along with PPG data of sufficient quality in 3407 measurements. A single measurement exhibited good quality more often with ECG (93.2%) compared to PPG (89.5%; P < 0.001). However, PPG signal quality improved to 96.6% with repeated measurements. Photoplethysmography-based detection of AF demonstrated excellent sensitivity [98.3%; confidence interval (CI): 96.7-99.9%], specificity (99.9%; CI: 99.8-100.0%), positive predictive value (99.6%; CI: 99.1-100.0%), and negative predictive value (99.6%; CI: 99.0-100.0%). Photoplethysmography underestimated the heart rate in AF with 6.6 b.p.m. (95% CI: 5.8 b.p.m. to 7.4 b.p.m.). Bland-Altman analysis revealed increased underestimation in high heart rates. The root mean square error was 11.8 b.p.m. CONCLUSION Smartphone applications using PPG can be used to monitor patients with AF in unsupervised real-world conditions. The accuracy of AF detection algorithms in this setting is excellent, but PPG-derived heart rate may tend to underestimate higher heart rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henri Gruwez
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Synaps Park 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Limburg Clinical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Daniel Ezzat
- Limburg Clinical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim Van Puyvelde
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Dhont
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Synaps Park 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium
- Limburg Clinical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Meekers
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Synaps Park 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Limburg Clinical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- Research Institute Center for Statistics (CENSTAT), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Femke Wouters
- Limburg Clinical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Michiel Kellens
- Limburg Clinical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Hugo Van Herendael
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Synaps Park 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium
| | - Maximo Rivero-Ayerza
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Synaps Park 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium
| | - Dieter Nuyens
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Synaps Park 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium
| | - Peter Haemers
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurent Pison
- Department of Cardiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Synaps Park 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium
- Limburg Clinical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Linz D, Gawalko M, Betz K, Hendriks JM, Lip GY, Vinter N, Guo Y, Johnsen S. Atrial fibrillation: epidemiology, screening and digital health. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2024; 37:100786. [PMID: 38362546 PMCID: PMC10866942 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is highly prevalent with a lifetime risk of about 1 in 3-5 individuals after the age of 45 years. Between 2010 and 2019, the global prevalence of AF has risen markedly from 33.5 million to 59 million individuals living with AF. Early detection of AF and implementation of appropriate treatment could reduce the frequency of complications associated with AF. International AF management guidelines recommend opportunistic and systematic screening for AF, but additional data are needed. Digital approaches and pathways have been proposed for early detection and for the transition to early AF management. Mobile health (mHealth) devices provide an opportunity for digital screening and should be part of novel models of care delivery based on integrated AF care pathways. For a broad implementation of mHealth-based, integrated care for patients with chronic diseases as AF, further high quality evidence is necessary. In this review, we present an overview of the present data on epidemiology, screening techniques, and the contribution of digital health solutions to the integrated management of AF. We also provide a systemic review on current data of digital and integrated AF management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Monika Gawalko
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Konstanze Betz
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Eifelklinik St. Brigida, Simmerath, Germany
| | - Jeroen M. Hendriks
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gregory Y.H. Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Nicklas Vinter
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Diagnostic Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yutao Guo
- Six Medical Center, Department of Pulmonary Vessel and Thrombotic Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Søren Johnsen
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|