How Can Podiatrists and Other Health Care Professionals Support the Detection of Atrial Fibrillation?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Podiatry

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 33.5 million globally, with significant associated costs and risks, including stroke and heart failure.
• A high percentage of AF cases (43-48%) are asymptomatic, complicating early detection and management.
• Targeted screening strategies show potential for reducing stroke incidence and healthcare expenditure, unlike general population screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for opportunistic screening of atrial fibrillation (AF) by podiatrists and other healthcare professionals.
• To provide guidance on implementing AF screening within podiatry practices.
• To highlight the role of early detection in managing AF and preventing associated complications.

Main Methods:

• This commentary paper reviews current literature on atrial fibrillation prevalence, risks, and screening.
• It proposes a model for opportunistic AF screening integrated into routine podiatry care.
• Discussion includes the rationale for podiatrists' unique position in identifying high-risk, asymptomatic individuals.

Main Results:

• Podiatrists are well-positioned to screen older adults, a demographic with a higher prevalence of AF.
• Opportunistic screening can identify asymptomatic AF cases, enabling timely intervention.
• Implementation guidance focuses on referral pathways for diagnosis and management.

Conclusions:

• Opportunistic AF screening by podiatrists offers a viable strategy to detect asymptomatic cases.
• Early detection and management through defined referral pathways can mitigate AF-related stroke risk and mortality.
• Further podiatry-led research is recommended to validate screening protocols and outcomes.