Hospital Pioneers Lifestyle & Tech Integration to Combat Cardiovascular Disease
Eindhoven, Netherlands – A proactive shift towards lifestyle intervention and technological advancement is yielding promising results in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease at the Catharina Hospital and beyond, according to recent findings and collaborative initiatives. new approaches are not only reducing the need for invasive procedures but also uncovering previously underestimated risk factors.
Traditionally focused on intervention, the Catharina Hospital began examining patient outcomes based on lifestyle factors, recognizing that not all patients would benefit from procedures like ablation. this per-patient analysis,spearheaded by Dr. Dekker, revealed a notable impact: the number of second interventions in a lifestyle-focused group dropped to just 18 percent. The research also highlighted the underestimation of sleep apnea as a contributing factor to atrial fibrillation. “Because of the insights, I now argue even more for structural attention to lifestyle,” Dekker stated, emphasizing the importance of addressing preventative measures. In some instances, improved lifestyle adherence even eliminated the necessity for further procedures.
Innovation extends beyond lifestyle coaching. the catharina Hospital collaborates with Philips, whose equipment is utilized in over half of the world’s heart and catheterization centers, to develop technologies that reduce patient stress and care pressure. Philips’ Best and Eindhoven branches are focused on image-guided diagnostic systems and artificial intelligence to support physicians.A patient-friendly sensor, utilizing AI to detect bosom fibrillation via a plaster, is also under progress.
Furthermore, the hospital’s pioneering endoscopic bypass operation (endo-CAB), performed by cardiothoracic surgeon Ferdi Akca, offers a less invasive alternative to conventional bypass surgery, requiring only a small incision. Akca has successfully completed 600 endo-CAB procedures in the last three years.
Recognizing the challenges patients face maintaining weight loss achieved through GLP-1 medication, National Pharmacy and Ancora Health are partnering to integrate medication with lifestyle guidance and research. This approach encourages participation in digital lifestyle programs like SLIMMER Online, designed to promote long-term healthy habits.
