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

TL;DR

Podiatrists can help detect silent heart rhythm issues that increase stroke risk, potentially improving outcomes through early referral.

Contribution

The paper proposes a novel role for podiatrists in opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening to reduce stroke risk.

Findings

43–48% of atrial fibrillation cases are asymptomatic, increasing stroke and heart failure risks.

Podiatrists can detect atrial fibrillation in high-risk, asymptomatic patients during routine care.

Opportunistic screening with defined referral pathways may reduce AF-related strokes and healthcare costs.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a global health crisis affecting 33.5 million people, with costs projected to reach £75 billion by 2035. A significant concern is that 43–48% of cases are asymptomatic, increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure. While general population screening lacks strong support, targeted screening shows promise in reducing stroke occurrence and healthcare costs. Podiatrists, who frequently treat adults of advancing age, are uniquely positioned to detect AF in high‐risk, asymptomatic individuals. This commentary advocates for opportunistic AF screening by podiatrists and other healthcare professionals, offering guidance for implementation. Early detection through defined referral pathways is crucial for timely diagnosis and management, potentially reducing AF‐related strokes that can lead to early mortality. Further high‐quality podiatry‐led studies are recommended to build on this commentary paper.

Figures