Researchers from two Lithuanian universities have developed a patient-safe monitoring technology to identify and manage individual factors provoking atrial fibrillation.
The technology is a result of the successful collaboration of Kaunas University of Technology Biomedical Engineering Institute (KTU BMEI) and Vilnius University (VU) Santaros Clinics.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia), diagnosed in 33 million people worldwide. Due to a rapidly ageing population, it is estimated that the prevalence of this condition will increase two-fold in the coming decades.
It is therefore important to diagnose and treat atrial fibrillation in time, as it can eventually lead to serious complications such as stroke. The disease usually starts with self-terminating so-called “paroxysmal episodes”, which, if recognised in time, can be treated by non-medication means.
Smart bracelet for heart rhythm monitoring already developed
These episodes may be different for each patient: for some, they may last for a short period and recur infrequently, for others, the episodes can be longer and more frequent. Untreated atrial fibrillation eventually develops into a persistent condition, which is more complicated to treat.
For more than 10 years, the researchers at KTU BMEI have been working in the field of atrial fibrillation monitoring technology development, and the result of their efforts are globally new technological solutions.