Irregular heartbeats can lead to heart failure, cardiac arrest, stroke, dementia, and, most seriously, sudden death. Atrial fibrillation, a common type of irregular heartbeat, can increase the risk of stroke fivefold. In Vietnam, many patients only discover they have an irregular heartbeat after experiencing a serious medical event.

Irregular heartbeats are a cardiovascular problem that increases the risk of stroke. Photo: Pexel

Fortunately, many devices now enable early detection. Besides electrocardiogram (ECG) machines used in hospitals and clinics, individuals can purchase electronic blood pressure monitors and smartwatches with built-in heart rate tracking software. These devices are easy to use at home.

Among modern blood pressure monitors with integrated irregular heartbeat detection, the Omron HEM 7142T2 is a popular choice. This automatic blood pressure and heart rate monitor is suitable for home use. The Omron HEM 7142T2 can identify irregular heartbeats during measurement and alerts the user with a symbol and on the display. The device also connects to the Omron Connect app, allowing users to store and track results over time. This feature makes daily cardiovascular health management more convenient, especially for those who need long-term blood pressure monitoring.

Automatic blood pressure monitor with integrated irregular heartbeat detection. Photo: Omron Healthcare

Beyond product technology, Omron engages in social responsibility initiatives to improve community access to modern healthcare devices. In July, the company partnered with Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy to donate 1,800 HEM-7142T2 automatic blood pressure monitors and 200 HBF-222T body composition monitors to primary healthcare facilities where access to quality medical care is limited. The HBF-222T assesses body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, visceral fat, skeletal muscle, and other metrics, which are particularly useful for older adults, individuals with obesity, and athletes.

Omron and Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy donated 1,800 automatic blood pressure monitors to primary healthcare facilities on 25/7. Photo: Omron Healthcare

In addition to the equipment donation, the event included training sessions for nearly 300 healthcare workers from community health centers and primary care facilities. These sessions aimed to enhance healthcare professionals' ability to use the devices effectively and improve frontline blood pressure monitoring.

The program also incorporated health education and communication activities focusing on blood pressure management, early detection of irregular heartbeats, and prevention of stroke and heart failure. These activities empower individuals to take proactive steps in managing their cardiovascular health at home.

Experts suggest that combining advanced technology with frontline healthcare worker training improves community-based cardiovascular screening. This approach encourages regular home health monitoring, especially for high-risk groups like older adults, people with underlying hypertension or diabetes, and those with a history of stroke.

Medical knowledge update activity at the equipment donation event on 25/7. Photo: Omron Healthcare

These activities reaffirm Omron Healthcare's long-term commitment to realizing its "Going for Zero" vision in Vietnam. This vision aims to eliminate cardiovascular events not just through technology, but also by investing in community health systems.

Diep Chi