scholarly journals Identification of Transient Noise to Reduce False Detections in Screening for Atrial Fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesam Halvaei ◽  
Emma Svennberg ◽  
Leif Sörnmo ◽  
Martin Stridh
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Signal Quality ◽  
Handheld Device ◽  
Expert Review ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Noise Identification

Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) with a handheld device for recording the ECG is becoming increasingly popular. The poorer signal quality of such ECGs may lead to false detection of AF, often caused by transient noise. Consequently, the need for expert review in AF screening can become extensive. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed for transient noise identification in AF detection. The network is trained using the events produced by a QRS detector, classified into either true beat detections or false detections. The CNN and a low-complexity AF detector are trained and tested using the StrokeStop I database, containing 30-s ECGs from mass screening for AF in the elderly population. Performance evaluation of the CNN-based quality control using a subset of the database resulted in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 96.4, 96.9, and 96.9%, respectively. By inserting the CNN before the AF detector, the false AF detections were reduced by 22.5% without any loss in sensitivity. The results show that the number of recordings calling for expert review can be significantly reduced thanks to the identification of transient noise. The reduction of false AF detections is directly linked to the time and cost spent on expert review.

scholarly journals Continuous 24-h Photoplethysmogram Monitoring Enables Detection of Atrial Fibrillation

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eemu-Samuli Väliaho ◽  
Jukka A. Lipponen ◽  
Pekka Kuoppa ◽  
Tero J. Martikainen ◽  
Helena Jäntti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Signal Quality ◽  
Night Time ◽  
User Experiences ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Time Frames ◽  
Rhythm Monitoring

Aim: Atrial fibrillation (AF) detection is challenging because it is often asymptomatic and paroxysmal. We evaluated continuous photoplethysmogram (PPG) for signal quality and detection of AF.Methods: PPGs were recorded using a wrist-band device in 173 patients (76 AF, 97 sinus rhythm, SR) for 24 h. Simultaneously recorded 3-lead ambulatory ECG served as control. The recordings were split into 10-, 20-, 30-, and 60-min time-frames. The sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score of AF detection were evaluated for each time-frame. AF alarms were generated to simulate continuous AF monitoring. Sensitivities, specificities, and positive predictive values (PPVs) of the alarms were evaluated. User experiences of PPG and ECG recordings were assessed. The study was registered in the Clinical Trials database (NCT03507335).Results: The quality of PPG signal was better during night-time than in daytime (67.3 ± 22.4% vs. 30.5 ± 19.4%, p < 0.001). The 30-min time-frame yielded the highest F1-score (0.9536), identifying AF correctly in 72/76 AF patients (sensitivity 94.7%), only 3/97 SR patients receiving a false AF diagnosis (specificity 96.9%). The sensitivity and PPV of the simulated AF alarms were 78.2 and 97.2% at night, and 49.3 and 97.0% during the daytime. 82% of patients were willing to use the device at home.Conclusion: PPG wrist-band provided reliable AF identification both during daytime and night-time. The PPG data’s quality was better at night. The positive user experience suggests that wearable PPG devices could be feasible for continuous rhythm monitoring.

scholarly journals A comparative study of the voice-related quality of life among Egyptian elderly with and without voice complaints

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesreen Fathi Mahmoud ◽  
Huda Zahran ◽  
Sherif Abdelmonam
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Voice Disorders ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Voice

Abstract Background This study focuses on the self-perception of the voice in the elderly as assessed by the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) questionnaire. This work aimed to compare differences in the voice-related quality of life outcomes between (1) elderly with and without voice disorders, (2) female and male elderly with voice disorders, and (3) different types of voice disorders, and to explore the correlation between the V-RQOL and perceptual analysis done by the clinician. Forty-three dysphonic and 44 non-dysphonic elderly filled out the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) protocol that analyzes the impact of dysphonia on life quality. Vocal perceptual assessment of each subject with dysphonia was made by three voice therapists, followed by a flexible nasofibrolaryngoscope. Results A significant statistical difference was found between the means of total V-RQOL scores and its subdomains for each group (dysphonic and non-dysphonic). No significant differences were found between male and female elderly with dysphonia. The statistical analysis showed a significant correlation with the vocal assessment made by the clinicians and the V-RQOL self-assessment made by the subjects. Conclusions This study provides valuable information regarding the risk factors that contribute to vocal quality in the elderly population. Our results revealed that different types of voice disorders are common among the elderly population with significant negative effects on quality of life. It was observed that the poorest score on the V-RQOL was for functional voice disorders, followed by neoplastic lesions, whereas MAPLs had the best score on the V-RQOL.

scholarly journals Monitoring Health Parameters of Elders to Support Independent Living and Improve Their Quality of Life

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 517
Author(s):  
Ilia Adami ◽  
Michalis Foukarakis ◽  
Stavroula Ntoa ◽  
Nikolaos Partarakis ◽  
Nikolaos Stefanakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Health And Well Being

Improving the well-being and quality of life of the elderly population is closely related to assisting them to effectively manage age-related conditions such as chronic illnesses and anxiety, and to maintain their independence and self-sufficiency as much as possible. This paper presents the design, architecture and implementation structure of an adaptive system for monitoring the health and well-being of the elderly. The system was designed following best practices of the Human-Centred Design approach involving representative end-users from the early stages.

scholarly journals Elderly and drugs: risks and necessity of rational use

2010 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
André de Oliveira Baldoni ◽  
Farah Maria Drumond Chequer ◽  
Elisa Raquel Anastácio Ferraz ◽  
Danielle Palma de Oliveira ◽  
Leonardo Régis Leira Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
The World

In recent decades, the world has undergone a demographic transformation with a rapid growth of the elderly population, resulting in an increased demand for funds to maintain their health and drug consumption. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes occurring in the elderly can interfere directly in the adverse effects of drugs and increase the risk of intoxication. In addition, there are external factors interfering with the pharmacotherapy of the elderly, such as inappropriate use and the lack of access to information. Many therapeutic classes of drugs should be used with caution or avoided in the elderly population, such as anti-inflammatory and some anti-hypertensive drugs, diuretics and digitalis. If not managed carefully, these medicines can affect the safety and quality of life in the elderly. Thus, the aim of this review was to identify drugs that should be used with caution in elderly patients in order to avoid intoxication and/or adverse drug events.

scholarly journals Rate-control vs rhythm-control of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients. From new, age-oriented outcomes to a more complex management strategy

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Fumagalli ◽  
Serena Boni ◽  
Simone Pupo ◽  
Marta Migliorini ◽  
Irene Marozzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Control Strategy ◽  
Rate Control ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Rhythm Control ◽  
Aged Patients ◽  
Aged People ◽  
Arrhythmia Management

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia in elderly people. Findings derived from clinical trials seem to demonstrate that a rate-control strategy of AF in aged patients improves prognosis if compared to a rhythm-control one. However, epidemiological studies concordantly show that the arrhythmia is associated to increased hospitalization and mortality rates. In last years, the proportion of patients admitted to hospital for AF has progressively increased; this trend is observed in subjects >75 and >85 years, while no change was found in younger cohorts. Importantly, in aged individuals, probably because of the loss of atrial activity, the increase of heart rate and the irregularity of RR intervals, AF begins a vicious cycle, leading from heart failure, through the compromise of functional and neurocognitive status, to overt disability, dementia and increased mortality. Evidence specifically aimed at clarifying the effects of arrhythmia management on outcomes characteristic of aged people is completely lacking. In the elderly, the question regarding the effects of a rate- or a rhythm-control strategy of AF should be considered as an aspect of a more complex strategy, addressed to reduce disability and hospitalizations, and to improve quality of life and survival.

scholarly journals Rhythm-control vs rate-control in the elderly: When to do it and which drug to prefer?

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Luca Botto ◽  
Carlo Piemontese ◽  
Giovanni Russo
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Elderly Patient ◽  
Rate Control ◽  
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Drugs ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Rhythm Control ◽  
Abnormal Rate

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a relevant cardiovascular condition that is more prevalent in the elderly patients aged over 65 years. AF, with abnormal rate and rhythm can cause symptoms directly or indirectly by exacerbating other frequently coexisting cardiac conditions such as valvular heart disease, hypertension, ischemic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Evidence suggests that aging-related cardiovascular changes predispose to the elderly to AF. Current therapeutic options such as antiarrhythmic drugs have not been extensively evaluated in the elderly population. Emerging pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for the management of AF, such as dronedarone or catheter ablation, are of particular interest in the elderly. The present paper reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and the management of AF in the elderly patient.

scholarly journals Quality of life of the elderly population during the virus Covid-19 pandemic with special reference to agriculturists

2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1155-1167
Author(s):  
Pavle Radanov ◽  
Ivana Lešević ◽  
Pavle Brzaković ◽  
Dragan Pajić
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
State Of Emergency ◽  
The Republic

In the Republic of Serbia, on March 15 th , 2020 Government decided to declare a state of emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the measures was a movement ban for people over 65 in urban areas and those over 70 in rural areas. This research should indicate how people over 65 in urban areas have endured this situation, especially in relation to the same population in rural areas, as well as implications of the movement ban on the quality of life of the elderly population. Special importance is given to the rural population engaged in agriculture. A tool of data collection in this research was anonymous survey. Respondents' answers were statistically processed, which led to clear conclusions about the large negative consequences for the elderly population, including the agricultural activities in rural areas. Covid-19 is still present, which opens further questions related to the quality of life of the elderly population, if necessity for similar measures recurs in the future.

KUALITAS HIDUP LANJUT USIA YANG TINGGAL DI PANTI: STUDI LITERATUR

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 58
Author(s):  
Majesty Kowureng ◽  
Kairupan Kairupan ◽  
Ns. Kristamuliana
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Elderly Living

Abstract : The increasing elderly population is a global phenomenon nowadays. Faced with this, the importance of ensuring the elderly is not only seen from a long life but also the quality of life of the elderly needs to be considered. Objective. The purpose of this literature study is to explain the quality of life and strategies to improve the quality of life of the elderly who live in nursing homes. Method. The method used to compile this literature study is by searching through an electronic database. Searching for articles is done by using the keywords Quality Of Life, Elderly, Nursing Homes, that are traced through Google Scholar, Pubmed, and Science Direct. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal is used to assess and analyze the quality of the article methodology. Result. There were 723 articles published from 2015 to 2019 related to the quality of life of elderly living in nursing homes that were identified. However, of 723 articles, only 6 articles met with the review requirements. Six articles that meet the inclusion criteria are divided into two major themes, namely the quality of life of elderly living in nursing homes (4 studies) and interventions that affect improving the quality of life of elderly living in nursing homes (2 studies). Conclusion. This literature study concludes that the majority of elderly people living in nursing homes had a moderate quality of life and physical activity interventions and religious-spiritual interventions affected improving the quality of life in elderly nursing homes. Suggestion. The author suggests making modifications to the nursing care of the elderly who live in nursing homes that are adjusted to any changes that occur in the elderly needed to improve their quality of life.Keywords : Quality of Life, Elderly, Nursing Homes. Abstrak: Peningkatan populasi lanjut usia merupakan fenomena global saat ini. Menghadapi hal tersebut, pentingnya menjamin lanjut usia bukan hanya dilihat dari umur yang panjang, tetapi juga kualitas hidup lanjut usia perlu untuk diperhatikan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menjelaskan kualitas hidup dan strategi peningkatan kualitas hidup lanjut usia yang tinggal di panti. Metode yang digunakan untuk menyusun studi literatur ini adalah dengan mencari melalui database elektronik. Pencarian artikel dilakukan dengan menggunakan kata kunci Quality Of Life, Elderly, Nursing Homes, yang ditelusuri melalui Google Scholar, Pubmed, dan Science Direct. Menilai dan menganalisis kualitas metodologi dalam setiap studi menggunakan The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal. Hasil. Didapatkan 723 artikel terkait kualitas hidup lanjut usia yang tinggal di panti yang diidentifikasi dan dipublikasikan dari tahun 2015-2019. Dari 723 artikel hanya 6 artikel yang memenuhi syarat untuk dianalisis. Enam artikel yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi terbagi menjadi dua tema besar yaitu kualitas hidup lanjut usia yang tinggal di panti (4 studi) dan intervensi yang berpengaruh meningkatkan kualitas hidup lanjut usia yang tinggal di panti (2 studi). Kesimpulan. Dari studi literatur ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa sebagian besar lanjut usia yang tinggal di panti memiliki kualitas hidup pada tingkat sedang dan intervensi aktivitas fisik dan intervensi spiritual keagamaan berpengaruh pada peningkatan kualitas hidup lanjut usia yang tinggal di panti. Saran. Melakukan modifikasi pada asuhan keperawatan lanjut usia yang tinggal di panti yang disesuaikan dengan setiap perubahan yang terjadi pada lanjut usia sangat diperlukan demi meningkatkan kualitas hidup mereka.

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