Recently released figures* reveal that a national programme aiming to improve the detection and treatment of an irregular heart rhythm known as Atrial Fibrillation (AF) has helped to prevent 11,734 strokes and saved 2,933 lives.

AF is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm and can increase risk of stroke, leaving survivors with disabling consequences. Around 200,000 people in the UK develop AF each year 1. Detecting AF early and making sure people are given optimal treatment – usually blood-thinning medication to prevent clots (anticoagulants) reduces the risk of stroke by two thirds.

Over the last four years, an NHS programme, delivered by the AHSN Network, has introduced a number of initiatives to identify and treat those with the condition, including pulse checks for over 65’s, mobile ECG devices for GP surgeries and pharmacies, and ‘virtual clinics’ involving specialists working with GPs to advise on the best treatment for people with AF.

Since the start of the programme, the number of additional people with AF receiving treatment each year has increased by almost 300,000.

Health Innovation Manchester, the AHSN for Greater Manchester and East Cheshire, has been supporting the national AF programme of work from 2016-2020. The work has helped to prevent 1,033 strokes and saved 258 lives. 87.3% of eligible patients are now also receiving optimal treatment.

Amanda Risino, Chief Operating Officer of Health Innovation Manchester, said: “We’re delighted to see that more people with AF are being identified and are receiving treatment sooner in Greater Manchester and East Cheshire as part of this national NHS programme. This programme of work was carried out in collaboration with NHS RightCare and localities to ensure maximum uptake and benefit for our residents.”

Cara Afzal, Senior Programme Development Manager, led the AF programme within HInM. She added: ‘It is fantastic to see that the work we have undertaken over the past four years as part of this national AF programme has contributed to significant improvements for those with AF, including earlier diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment. We have worked collaboratively with our partners across the GM and EC system as well as national partners on this important area of work.’

Dr Alpesh Patel is a GP at White Lodge Medical Practice in North London who has witness first-hand the benefits of this work. Dr Patel said: “Suffering a stroke can be such a debilitating illness physically and psychologically for patients and their families, and to be able to prevent even one person from having to endure these consequences is incredibly rewarding.”

Professor Gary Ford, Chief Executive of Oxford Academic Health Science Network and Consultant Stroke Physician, said: “Identifying people who have AF and ensuring they are provided with the most appropriate anticoagulant therapy can significantly reduce their risk of having a stroke.

“The work we have undertaken with our partners in primary care, alongside others in both the NHS and charity sector, has prevented thousands of people having a stroke. The latest data also shows that these measures have resulted in significant cost saving to the NHS and social care, with £158 million and £105 million saved respectively.”

* https://qof.digital.nhs.uk/ 

1. Martinez C, Katholing A, Wallenhorst C, et al. Increasing incidence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation in the UK from 2001 to 2013. Heart 2015;101:1748–1754

Stroke costs based on PHE Size of the prize 2017. The economic burden of stroke care in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Xu et al 2017

Stroke statistics taken from State of the nation, Stroke Association, January 2017