What is an AF Center of Excellence (AF CoE)?
What is an AF Center of Excellence (AF CoE)?
An AF CoE is a special medical center that gives the best care to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) — a common heart rhythm problem.
Why do we need AF CoEs?
• AF is now a very common and serious heart problem around the world.
• Many hospitals treat AF in different ways, and not all follow the best medical guidelines.
• AF CoEs help to standardize care and give high-quality treatment in a safe, organized way.
Main Goals of AF Care (the “3 Pillars”)
1. Prevent Stroke – by giving blood thinners when needed.
2. Control Symptoms – using medicines or procedures to slow the heart or bring it back to normal rhythm.
3. Manage Risk Factors – such as high blood pressure, diabetes, weight, sleep problems, smoking, and alcohol.
This is based on the latest U.S. and European guidelines.
Who Works in an AF CoE?
A team of different specialists work together, such as:
• Heart doctors (cardiologists and electrophysiologists)
• Family doctors
• Stroke and sleep doctors
• Nurses and pharmacists
• Dietitians and psychologists.
What Should an AF CoE Do?
• Diagnose AF early – using ECG, smart watches, or implantable devices.
• Make a care plan for each patient – based on symptoms and risks.
• Use clear pathways – for hospital, clinic, or emergency care.
• Provide ablation and device treatments – if needed.
• Follow up regularly – to check rhythm, symptoms, and medicine.
• Collect and review data – to improve results.
Patient Education is Very Important
Patients and families must learn:
• What AF is
• What treatments are available
• When to call the doctor
• How to prevent stroke
• How to live a healthy lifestyle
This can be taught using videos, apps, brochures, or in-person classes.
Different Types of Hospitals Can Join
Even if a hospital does not offer every treatment, it can work with others in an AF Cooperative network. Together, they make sure patients get complete care.
How Do We Know an AF CoE is Doing a Good Job?
• The center should measure success (like fewer strokes, better quality of life).
• It should have regular team meetings to improve care.
• It can join national or international registries to compare and learn from others.
Final Message
AF Centers of Excellence are built to:
• Give better, safer care
• Help patients live longer and healthier lives
• Use the right treatment, at the right time, by the right person
They are a team effort that combines education, organization, and quality care.
Source:
Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), 2024
Published in Heart Rhythm Journal, April 2024
