17.08.2018
Articles

Podiatric detection of atrial fibrillation

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Podiatrists are ideally placed to carry out opportunistic checks for undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) as part of a routine podiatry assessment and when encountering visual symptoms that suggest an underlying circulatory disorder.

Opportunistic podiatric detection of AF does, and will continue to, prevent avoidable strokes.

  • AF is a common heart condition that causes an irregular heart rate which is often abnormally fast
  • The risk of having a stroke increases five-fold in people with AF, and 25% of patients who suffer an AF-related stroke are unaware they have the condition
  • Average health and social care costs due to stroke per patient are nearly £22,500 at one year and over £46,000 at five years
  • An irregular pulse, detected by a simple foot pulse check, can indicate AF
  • Having AF doubles the risk of death, regardless of age.

Download RCPod's policy position on: Podiatric detection of atrial fibrillation