Heart research leading the way to better brain health
Knowing about a silent heart condition can make a big difference
In Canada, someone experiences a stroke and needs to go to the hospital or emergency room roughly every 5 minutes. Sometimes, a stroke can be the first sign of a previously undiagnosed heart condition called atrial fibrillation, the most common type of arrhythmia.
“A stroke can be a permanently disabling, life-altering event, so prevention is key,” explains Dr. David Gladstone, a neurologist and Director of Sunnybrook’s Regional Stroke Prevention Clinic, which provides personalized interventions to help reduce the risk of repeat strokes.
The challenge is that atrial fibrillation is often difficult to detect and acts as a “silent risk factor for stroke,” he explains. For Carolyn Kearns, wearing a new prolonged heart monitor helped Dr. Gladstone identify that she had an irregular heart rhythm in need of treatment to help her avoid future strokes.
In one of Dr. Gladstone’s research studies, his team discovered that as many as 1 in 6 patients with stroke had silent atrial fibrillation but didn’t know it. Gladstone’s research has highlighted the value of wearable heart monitoring technology to improve the early detection of silent atrial fibrillation. With such a diagnosis, these patients may then receive preventative medication.
This type of dedication is an example of how experts at Sunnybrook relentlessly pursue solutions and discoveries. The research led by Sunnybrook’s stroke team has led to changes in practice protocols and guidelines worldwide, setting a new standard of care.
Dr. Gladstone and his colleagues are keen to continue accelerating ideas into action. The development of new anticoagulant drugs and devices makes him optimistic about better stroke prevention treatments ahead.
Patient participation in clinical trials is an essential part of making these trailblazing advances. Sunnybrook’s Regional Stroke Centre strives to be able to offer the latest promising treatments to patients, even at the clinical trial testing stages. “We are grateful to patients like Mrs. Kearns who volunteer to participate in research studies and contribute to advancing medical knowledge.”
Dr. Gladstone appreciates the opportunity to work collaboratively with patients and Sunnybrook’s multi-disciplinary teams to drive leading-edge care. “Our common goal is to prevent strokes, save lives, and improve patient outcomes,” he says.
