Atrial fibrillation alliance established in China
A national alliance for atrial fibrillation has been established in order to improve treatment and reduce complications for patients, doctors said in Shanghai on Friday.
A total of 80 local hospitals, including leading public hospitals, district-level hospitals and neighborhood health centers, have joined in the alliance which allows patient transfers within the system for appropriate treatment. Patients can receive screening at grassroots hospitals, be transferred to leading hospitals for surgery, and return to grassroots centers for rehabilitation, said Dr Li Yigang, director of Xinhua Hospital’s cardiology department.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase the risk of strokes, heart failure and kidney problems. It also influences cognition and raises the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
The incidence of atrial fibrillation in China is currently 5.9 percent among people over 65 years old.
“Early and proper treatment are key to improve patients’ life quality and reduce mortality,” Li said. “The alliance will offer training to medical staff in grassroots hospitals for regular treatment and help identify patients in neighborhood health centers earlier.”