Atrial fibrillation (AF)
Diagnosis
Patients that notice a sudden change in their heartbeat and have chest pain are advised to see their GP straight away. If their GP thinks the patient has atrial fibrillation after assessing their symptoms, they may suggest an electrocardiogram and refer the patient to a cardiologist.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart.
The Society for Cardiological Science and Technology released its Clinical Guidelines by Consensus. These guidelines provide an approved methodology for recording a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram.
Telemedicine
With the development of new technologies, cardiac event monitoring can now be done in the community setting. This reduces the burden on the acute sector.
- From Greater Manchester and Cheshire Cardiac and Stroke Network - Wireless telemedicine in primary care: Phase 1 report
- From Lancashire and South Cumbria Cardiac Network - Cardiac telemedicine in primary care: Delivering benefits for patients and the NHS in Lancashire and Cumbria A report for commissioners