Although there are many risk factors for AF, specific tools are required to identify patients likely to develop AF in the general population to allow early intervention. This has the potential to reduce the risk of stroke and heart failure in the community by potentially introducing lifestyle measures, anti-coagulation and intervention including catheter ablation to reduce the morbidity and hospitalisation associated with AF. This population based study involves initial screening to identify patients at risk of AF based on a CHA2DS2Vasc score ≥2.
The Baker Specialist Clinics provide the ideal platform with a multi-disciplinary team to identify patients at risk of AF and implement lifestyle changes through diet, exercise and alcohol intake depending on the outcome of study. Partnering with an established diabetes weight loss program at the Baker Institute will facilitate achieving lifestyle goals. Other recognised risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and sleep disordered breathing will also be managed by nurse practitioners and visiting specialists.