As COVID-19 continues to spread, and the length of our lockdowns increases, many patients with rare diseases and their families are wondering what comes next. How will you receive treatment? When should you visit your doctor? Well, there is now an answer for those with atrial fibrillation, says Cardiology 2.0. The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health and Safety (PPAHS) created a free online clinic to assist those with atrial fibrillation during COVID-19.
Interested in learning more about the clinic, or pursuing additional resources? Check out Virtual Patient Care.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is categorized by an irregular and rapid heartbeat. Although it is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation increases the chance of heart failure or stroke. It is often caused by heart defects or damage. However, other causes include sleep apnea, viral infections, stress, high blood pressure, heart and lung diseases, metabolic imbalances, stimulants, and heart surgery.
There are four subsets of atrial fibrillation. First, occasional or paroxysmal AF occurs when symptoms come and go. Symptoms can last for a few minutes or hours, but then stop. Next, persistent AF sees an abnormal heart rhythm that requires treatment to return the heart to normal. Then there is long-standing persistent AF, continuous atrial fibrillation lasting up to a year or longer. Finally, permanent AF means that the heart’s natural rhythm cannot be fixed. People with permanent AF require medication.
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and confusion, fatigue, body weakness, and heart palpitations. Learn more about this condition.
Virtual Patient Care
PPAHS created Virtual Patient Care to assist with patients’ unmet needs during COVID-19. The goal of the clinic is to connect patients with atrial fibrillation with clinicians during emergencies and to increase patient education and treatment adherence. Virtual Patient Care seeks to provide positive patient outcomes for those at a high risk of stroke. Many patients will already be diagnosed with AF or previously treated with related medications. Phone lines and an online chat system will facilitate doctor-patient communication.
Although the clinic will not provide prescription medications or medical advice, clinicians will help patients maintain their treatment therapy schedule. This schedule is sometimes upset by a lack of education or awareness on the medication’s purpose or use.
Additional resources will be provided by the American Heart Association, StopAfib.org, Mended Hearts, AC Forum, Heart Rhythm Society, and Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association.
