- An estimated half a million Australians have atrial fibrillation (AF), which is an irregular pulse or heartbeat.1,2
- AF is a major public health issue. In 2020-21 an estimated $1.4 billion was spent on AF, making it the second most expensive cardiovascular disease condition in Australia.3
- Wearable devices such as smart watches can help identify possible AF symptoms, which can then be further investigated by a healthcare professional.4
- For the first time in nearly 10 years, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society conference is being held in Australia. This is the biggest event in the Asia-Pacific for cardiologists and electrophysiologists.5
Monday 23 September 2024: Sydney is set to become the epicenter of cardiovascular innovation, as leading cardiologists from across the globe gather from September 26 to 29 for the 2024 Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) conference. Coinciding with Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week, a Hearts4heart initiative, this prestigious event is being held in Australia for the first time in nearly 10 years.
The conference will spotlight the latest advancements in electrophysiology and the future technological, clinical and research breakthroughs in the field of arrhythmia, which includes atrial fibrillation (AF).
Australia is a leader in AF risk factor management and contributed significantly to the latest iteration of the international AF management guidelines. However, nearly six per cent of Australians over the age of 55 are living with atrial fibrillation.1,2 It is the second most expensive cardiovascular condition in Australia with around $1.4 billion allocated to atrial fibrillation cases every year.6
Associate Professor Chrishan Nalliah, a clinical academic electrophysiologist with MQ Health Cardiology, says the Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society conference is an incredible opportunity to showcase the cardiovascular talent in Australia, as well as increase awareness of a condition which impacts more than 500,000 Australians.
"The Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society conference is an incredible opportunity for those specialising in the field of cardiology in Australia. This event will have more than 2,500 cardiologists and electrophysiology physicians engaging in discussions around arrhythmia, spanning from fundamental research involving genetic and molecular advancements, to significant breakthroughs in device and lead technologies.
"When it comes to heart health management, people often think of implantable devices such as pacemakers, but wearable devices like smart watches and fitness trackers, can play a critical role in identifying underlying abnormalities of heart rhythm or other health parameters, which can drastically improve the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation," commented A/Professor Nalliah.
"If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and dementia.1,6"
Hearts4heart founder and CEO, Tanya Hall, who is presenting at the conference, says her own experience of AF could have been treated and diagnosed much sooner if she'd had access to a device.
"More than 4.5 million Australians use a fitness tracker to monitor steps, sleep or energy output, but these wearable devices can also be a convenient way to detect heart irregularities.7 While it's only an indication, if a wearable device detects an abnormal heartbeat, the user can then visit their GP for a heart check with a stethoscope to determine the reason for the irregularity.
"Hearts4heart research has highlighted that fewer than 1 in 3 (27%) people aged 57 or older had heard of atrial fibrillation. Mortality rates related to AF have almost doubled over the last two decades8, so being aware of the symptoms of AF is key to early diagnosis, stroke prevention and effective patient management," stated Ms Hall.
Over half a million Australians are currently living with atrial fibrillation, and up to 30% of them may be undiagnosed.1,9 One in four individuals over 55 years is at risk of developing AF.10 Even the fittest of us may be living with AF symptoms and excessive exercise like cycling and running may bring on atrial fibrillation.11
AF can lead to serious health complications, including an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and even dementia.1,13 Anyone experiencing a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, dizziness, unexplained tiredness, shortness of breath, fainting, swelling of the ankles or chest pain, should speak with their GP about getting a heart check with a stethoscope.
