Professor Christian Heiss, a consultant at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH), has been recognised for his significant contributions as a co-author and a reviewer to two high-profile clinical practice guidelines, published in the prestigious European Heart Journal and presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) conference in London earlier this month.
The guidelines, developed by an international group of experts, provide crucial recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) – a condition that affects nearly 300 million people worldwide. PAD is caused by a build-up of deposits in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the legs and can not only lead to amputations but often is an early warning sign for other serious issues like heart attacks and strokes.
The new guidelines cite an innovative new diagnostic method developed at SASH, known as the estimated ankle-brachial pressure index, a method particularly effective in detecting PAD in patients with diabetes, who are often difficult to diagnose due to their calcified blood vessels. (Rodway EClinicalMedicine 2024 and Rodway J Clin Med 2022)
The first guidelines also focus on multidisciplinary care, early detection and personalised treatment plans for PAD patients, promoting lifestyle changes such as walking regimens and healthy diets. The second guidelines specifically address the treatment of high-blood pressure and arterial hypertension. These recommendations are set to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications like amputations, heart attacks and strokes.
Professor Christian Heiss second from left at the ESC Conference, London
Professor Christian Heiss, SASH Consultant in Interventional Angiology said: “This research highlights the importance of early detection and tailored multi-disciplinary treatment plans for PAD patients. By adopting these guidelines, we can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications and improve the quality of life for millions of people globally.
“The inclusion of techniques developed at SASH, is proof of the high-quality research and care being delivered at the Trust. It’s exciting to see our work recognised on such a large stage”.
The ESC guidelines also encourage the use of modern diagnostic tools, such as mobile apps and wearable devices, to help patients manage their conditions. The integration of technology with medical care represents a significant step forward in ensuring that patients adhere to their personalised treatment plans.
The guidelines have been published in the European Heart Journal, which boasts an impressive Impact Factor of 39.3, making it one of the highest-rated cardiology journals in the world. You can access the full publications here and here.