According to the World Health Organization (11June 2021), cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally accounting to 17.9 million deaths in 2019 which represent 32% of global death.
Crucial in improving outcomes and saving lives is the early detection and timely management of cardiovascular diseases.
Point-of-care (POC) is transforming the landscape of cardiovascular healthcare by focusing on prevention, early detection and in managing chronic conditions. Point-of-care makes healthcare accessible, efficient and personalized.
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What is Point of Care Testing?
POCT is best defined by where it’s done- that is near the site of patient care, anywhere outside a central laboratory. POCT delivers rapid results, often within minutes for a timely and accurate clinical decision making.
Advantages of Point of Care Diagnostics
- Timely Intervention: Critical in acute cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction, limb ischemia and stroke
- Increased Accessibility: Devices (ECG/hand held doppler) can bridge the gap between patient and quality health care.
- Improved Patient Outcomes: early diagnosis and treatment reduce complications and improve recovery time resulting to reduction in mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases.
- Cost-Effectiveness: reduction in overall hospital admission leading to healthcare cost savings.
Key Point of Care Devices for Cardiovascular Diseases
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs): allows quick assessment of heart electrical activity for arrhythmias, myocardial infarction and other cardiac conditions.
- Cardiac Biomarker Tests: cardiac troponins, NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide, and high sensitivity CRP can indicate myocardial injury, expediting diagnosis and treatment.
- Blood Pressure Monitors: for the diagnosis of hypertension, a major risk factor for CVDs.
- Portable Ultrasound Devices: handheld ultrasound device to assess arterial and cardiac diseases.
Integration with Digital Health
The integration of POC devices with digital health platforms enhances their utility. Mobile apps and telehealth services can help provide doctors with comprehensive insight to patients’ cardiovascular health ensuring continuous care and timely intervention in chronic conditions.
Challenges
- Accuracy and Reliability: Regular calibration and validation of POC devices.
- Training and Education: For proper interpretation of results.
- Regulatory and Quality Control: maintain credibility of POCT.
Point-of-care is a disruption in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Sources
St. John, A and Price, C.P. (2014 August) Existing and Emerging Technologies for Point-of-Care Testing. Clinical Biochemistry Review