Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they are giving, as part of the 10 Year Health Plan for England, to whether wider use of longer-duration, non-invasive ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring could (1) help reduce waits for arrhythmia diagnosis, and (2) support earlier detection of atrial fibrillation.

The 10-Year Health Plan recognises that there is more that can be done to improve timely diagnosis closer to the patient’s home. The plan’s commitment to the three big shifts, and the further development of facilities such as community diagnostic centres, are central to delivering the Government’s commitment to achieve a 25% reduction in premature mortality due to cardiovascular disease and stroke across England, including people with arrythmias. For further information, a copy of our plan Reforming elective care for patients is attached.

The use of novel digital health and technology, such as non-invasive ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring in the community, will facilitate the earlier diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as cardiac arrythmias and atrial fibrillation.