The Hywel Dda Podiatry and Arrhythmia Service project has introduced AliveCor’s Kardia devices into routine podiatry appointments, enabling rapid screening for arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. The device works as a pocket-sized, medical-grade electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor that uses a smartphone or tablet to record and analyse the heart’s rhythm.

Traditionally, diagnosing atrial fibrillation – a major stroke risk factor – requires hospital visits and lengthy referrals, often taking up to 10 days. This condition makes individuals five times more likely to suffer a stroke, which can be severe and life-altering.

With the device, patients can be assessed on the same day at their local clinic, reducing delays, improving treatment and easing pressure on primary care. So far, 75 per cent of patients in the health board have received an ECG within 24 hours of their screening with the Kardia device – a process that usually takes up to 10 days.

Eighteen cases of atrial fibrillation have been diagnosed to date as a result of this opportunistic screening, with patients treated promptly, potentially preventing 18 strokes.

The project was shortlisted for The Advancing Healthcare Awards 2025 for Digital and Technology Innovation and received a highly commended recognition at the ceremony on Friday, 14th November 2025. 

This initiative began in clinics at Cardiff Metropolitan University and was led by Dr. Jane Lewis from the CURIAD Centre. It was taken further by Ffion Lloyd-Thomas, a podiatrist from Hywel Dda – both of which are part of the National Cardiovascular Research Network. Building on its success, the team plans to expand screening to consultant-led vascular clinics and Type 1 Diabetes ‘One Stop’ clinics, with the ultimate goal of making this approach standard practice across the UK.

Dr. Jane Lewis said: “It has taken an enormous amount of time and effort by the whole team to get this project up and running in Hywel Dda University Health Board. Facing as many challenges as we have, many would have given up. Knowing the potential life-changing consequences a catastrophic AF-related stroke can have makes identifying just one person opportunistically with AF, makes that work worthwhile.

“Podiatrists are perfectly placed to lead on this initiative for Wales, building on their already strong relationships with GP’s, Cardiac Physiologists and arrythmia specialists to support our mutual patients. A great demonstration of working smarter to address Public Health Wales’s Working together for a healthier Wales strategy.”

Ffion Lloyd-Thomas added: “As podiatrists we have always been able to hear irregular heart rhythms whilst conducting vascular assessments, but this project ensures we are identifying them in an efficient and safe system which reduces the strain on primary care.

“As part of the prevention agenda, Hywel Dda Podiatry and Arrythmia service already identifies those with high-risk factors for cardiovascular disease in an attempt to reduce their risk, and the incorporation of this project means we are hopefully reducing their risk of stroke further again. This targeted opportunistic screening for Atrial Fibrillation really is ‘Making Every Contact Count’”.

Barry McDonnell, co-lead of the National Cardiovascular Research Network, said of initiative:

“It’s fantastic to see such impactful, public-facing research implemented here in Wales by members of our National Cardiovascular Research Network. Undertaking clinically relevant research that directly benefits the people of Wales is exactly what we advocate at the NCRN. We wish the team all the best in scaling-up the next stage of their project and preventing more strokes here in Wales.”