Europe's aging population: Challenges and Atrial Fibrillation projections for 2060

Europe is currently experiencing an ageing population, with accounting for eight of the top ten countries in terms of percentage of the world's elderly population*, and Germany, France and Italy being the top three countries in terms of the elderly population in Europe**.　Furthermore, research shows that by 2060 the number of people in Europe over 65 years of age with Atrial Fibrillation will be more than double the current number.***

Early detection and treatment of Atrial Fibrillation is a key step in stroke prevention

Atrial Fibrillation is widely recognized as one of the risk factors contributing to stroke, with its incidence rising notably with age. While early detection and appropriate treatment can lead to a cure, identifying it at an early stage poses a significant challenge, as approximately 40% of patients either exhibit no symptoms or have symptoms that quickly dissipate. Recognizing the early signs of Atrial Fibrillation and initiating treatment is of great importance to prevent the condition from progressing to a severe state that may lead to a stroke, especially when the patient is asymptomatic. Consequently, maintaining a consistent regimen of recording ECGs at home and promptly sharing the ECG data with a healthcare provider upon detecting any abnormal signs is absolutely essential.

OMRON Healthcare's ongoing commitment to promoting home healthcare devices and cardiovascular health in Europe

Since establishing a sales headquarters in Europe in 1990, the Company has been supplying home healthcare devices such as blood pressure monitors and nebulisers, to pharmacies and drugstores in these regions. Furthermore, the Company has strengthened its cooperation with academic societies and experts, such as the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology, to promote the home blood pressure measurement in Europe. In 2017, AliveCor and OMRON Healthcare entered into a capital and business partnership agreement. Since then, they have collaborated on various initiatives, including the development of COMPLETE, an upper-arm blood pressure monitor with ECG technology, and disease awareness campaigns focused on hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation.
Utilizing the established customer touchpoints, the Company is dedicated to promoting portable ECG devices in both France and Italy. Additionally, actively encouraging pharmacists to disseminate more information about Atrial Fibrillation, aligning with OMRON Healthcare's overarching vision of "Going for ZERO," which aims to eliminate cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events.

Andre Van Gils, Senior General Manager, Global Sales and Marketing Group HQ commented

"OMRON Healthcare is dedicated to reducing cardiovascular events globally. Expanding beyond hypertension, we now target stroke prevention, a top global cause of death. Our partnership with AliveCor fortifies our European market presence, boosting AFib awareness and risk awareness. With a strong foothold in home blood pressure monitoring for hypertensive patients and an understanding of the hypertension-AFib connection, OMRON and AliveCor aim to enhance European well-being. Together, we'll expand home ECG monitoring among high-risk individuals, contributing to stroke prevention amid Europe's aging population."

Media Contact

Megumi Nishiguchi

Public Relations Department
OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd.

Tel: +81-75-925-2004