What is arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart rhythm is irregular, due to faults in the bioelectric system that stimulates the heart rhythm. Typical symptoms are a feeling of a stopping heartbeat, premature contraction, an abnormally fast pulse (tachycardia) or an abnormally slow pulse (bradycardia).

An irregular heart rate is defined as a rate that is 25% less or 25% more than the average rate detected during a measurement.

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. During atrial fibrillation, the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart work in a chaotic and irregular way – out of coordination with the two lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.

Episodes of atrial fibrillation can be occasional or permanent. About 70% of atrial fibrillation episodes are asymptomatic and remain undiagnosed.

At first, atrial fibrillation appears only as an irregular heart rhythm and can be missed in occasional visits to the doctor. This is why early detection is very important and can reduce the risk of stroke by 68%.

How do I measure arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation?

Thanks to Afib technology, the Omron M6 Comfort & Omron M6 Comfort Omron M7 Intelli IT reliably detect arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation as demonstrated in an international study* presented at the 2018 European Society of Cardiology conference.

* M. Ishizawa, T. Noma, T. Minamino et al., Multiple measurements with automated blood pressure monitor can detect atrial fibrillation with high sensitivity and specificity in general cardiac patients, ESC Congress 2018.

What should I do if the atrial fibrillation symbol appears?

It is recommended that you consult your physician for further examination.

Is it reliable to measure pressure if I have atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation or an irregular heart rhythm can interfere with your blood pressure readings and make it difficult to get an accurate measurement. Repeated measurements may be required to deal with variability*. In atrial fibrillation mode, the pressure measurement is taken 3 times by the Omron M6 Comfort & Omron M6 Comfort Omron M7 Intelli IT and the average value is displayed. However, if the effect of the irregular heart rate is too large to give a measurement result, then the blood pressure monitor will display an error message (E5/E6).

* Prof Roland Asmar et al, European Society of Hypertension Recommendations for Conventional, Ambulatory and Home Blood Pressure Measurement.

I have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation but the blood pressure monitor doesn't always show it?

Atrial fibrillation may not be happening at the time of some of your blood pressure measurements. It is recommended that you consult your doctor regularly.