Integrated Approach in Frail Older People with Atrial Fibrillation

Launched by HEART CARE FOUNDATION · Jan 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the Integrated Approach in Frail Older People with Atrial Fibrillation, is designed to see if a new method of managing older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and other long-term health conditions can improve their overall health and quality of life. The study will compare this new approach, known as the iABC method, with the usual care these patients receive. The iABC method focuses on three main goals: preventing strokes through proper medication, managing symptoms better, and taking care of other related health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 65 years old and have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation as well as one or more other long-term health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Participants can expect regular check-ups and support from a team of healthcare professionals who will help manage their conditions. The trial is currently looking for patients in several European countries, including Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, Romania, Serbia, and Spain. It's important to note that some patients may not be eligible if they have certain heart conditions or serious illnesses that could affect their participation.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Outpatients of both sexes with age ≥65 years;
• • First diagnosed, paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing persistent or permanent AF, confirmed as per guideline-recommended diagnostic criteria for AF, e.g. with electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitoring;
• • ≥1 additional long-term comorbidity, thus fulfilling the definition of multimorbidity: hypertension (treated with at least 2 antihypertensive drugs), coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease, heart failure, stroke/TIA, diabetes mellitus, COPD, CKD.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Mechanical prosthetic heart valve or moderate/severe mitral stenosis;
• • Patient unwilling to be enrolled and sign written informed consent;
• • Patient unable to understand the study and attend the follow-up;
• • Serious diseases with a life expectancy inferior to 12 months;
• • Patients included in other interventional studies.
• Only for sites randomized to the iABC group:
• • - Patient without a device suitable for iABC use.