Astrid Hermans

Post doc

Astrid Hermans was born on May 27th, 1995, in Kessel, The Netherlands. In 2014, she graduated from secondary school at Het Bouwens in Panningen and started the bachelor Health sciences at Maastricht University (Maastricht). After achieving the BSc degree in 2017, she started the master Biomedical sciences at Radboud University in Nijmegen, where she graduated with distinction (cum laude) in 2019. During her master’s, she completed a 8-month research internship at the Physiology department at Radboud University Medical Centre in Nijmegen (under supervision of Prof. dr. Thijssen) and a 7-month research internship at the Cardiology department at Maastricht University Medical Centre in Maastricht (under supervision of Prof. dr. Schotten).

After obtaining her MSc degree, she started working as PhD-student in the atrial fibrillation research group of Prof. dr. K. Vernooy, Dr. D. Linz and Prof. dr. U. Schotten at the department of Cardiology of Maastricht University Medical Centre (Maastricht). Her main aim was to evaluate the current state of art in atrial fibrillation detection and management as well as to develop and introduce novel mobile health approaches for the detection and management of atrial fibrillation.

In September 2023, she started as post-doc at the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht in Maastricht, focussing on implementation mobile health in atrial fibrillation care and optimization of remote atrial fibrillation detection and management. 

Department of Cardiology
P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht 
PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht

T: +31(0)43 387 1613

  • 2024
    • Diener, H. C., Becher, N., Sehner, S., Toennis, T., Bertaglia, E., Blomstrom-Lundqvist, C., Brandes, A., Beuger, V., Calvert, M., Camm, A. J., Chlouverakis, G., Dan, G.-A., Dichtl, W., Fierenz, A., Goette, A., de Groot, J. R., Hermans, A., Lip, G. Y. H., Lubinski, A., ... NOAH-AFNET 6 investigators (2024). Anticoagulation in Patients With Device-Detected Atrial Fibrillation With and Without a Prior Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: The NOAH-AFNET 6 Trial. Journal of the American Heart Association, 13(17), e036429. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.124.036429
    • Lip, G. Y. H., Nikorowitsch, J., Sehner, S., Becher, N., Bertaglia, E., Blomstrom-Lundqvist, C., Brandes, A., Beuger, V., Calvert, M., Camm, A. J., Chlouverakis, G., Dan, G.-A., Dichtl, W., Diener, H. C., Fierenz, A., Goette, A., de Groot, J. R., Hermans, A., Lubinski, A., ... NOAH-AFNET 6 investigators (2024). Oral anticoagulation in device-detected atrial fibrillation: effects of age, sex, cardiovascular comorbidities, and kidney function on outcomes in the NOAH-AFNET 6 trial. European Heart Journal, 45(19), 1733-1737. Article ehae225. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae225
    • Becher, N., Toennis, T., Bertaglia, E., Blomström-Lundqvist, C., Brandes, A., Cabanelas, N., Calvert, M., Camm, A. J., Chlouverakis, G., Dan, G.-A., Dichtl, W., Diener, H. C., Fierenz, A., Goette, A., de Groot, J. R., Hermans, A. N. L., Lip, G. Y. H., Lubinski, A., Marijon, E., ... NOAH-AFNET 6 investigators (2024). Anticoagulation with edoxaban in patients with long atrial high-rate episodes ≥24 h. European Heart Journal, 45(10), 837-849. Article ehad771. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehad771
    • Gawalko, M., Betz, K., Hendriks, V., Hermans, A. N. L., van der Velden, R. M. J., Manninger, M., Chaldoupi, S.-M., Hoogervorst, H., Martens, H., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Spreeuwenberg, M. D., Hendriks, J., & Linz, D. (2024). Changes in healthcare utilisation during implementation of remote atrial fibrillation management: TeleCheck-AF project. Netherlands Heart Journal, 32(3), 130-139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12471-023-01836-6
  • 2023
    • Manninger, M., Hermans, A. N. L., Caracioni, A.-A., Rohrer, U., Eberl, A.-S., Vernooy, K., Zirlik, A., Linz, D., & Scherr, D. (2023). Photoplethysmography-documented atrial fibrillation in the first week after catheter ablation is associated with lower success rates. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 10(1), Article 1199630. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2023.1199630
    • Betz, K., Verhaert, D. V. M., Gawalko, M., Hermans, A. N. L., Habibi, Z., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., van der Velden, R. M. J., Homberg, M., Philippens, S., Hereijgers, M. J. M., Vorstermans, B., Simons, S. O., den Uijl, D. W., Chaldoupi, S. M., Luermans, J. G. L. M., Westra, S. W., Lankveld, T., van Steenwijk, R. P., Hol, B., ... Linz, D. (2023). Atrial fibrillation-specific refinement of the STOP-Bang sleep apnoea screening questionnaire: insights from the Virtual-SAFARI study. Clinical research in cardiology, 112(6), 834-845. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-023-02157-9
    • Gawałko, M., Hermans, A. N., van der Velden, R. M., Betz, K., Vm Verhaert, D., Hillmann, H. A., Scherr, D., Meier, J., Sultan, A., Steven, D., Terentieva, E., Pisters, R., Hemels, M., Voorhout, L., Lodziński, P., Krzowski, B., Gupta, D., Kozhuharov, N., Pison, L., ... Hendriks, J. M. (2023). Patient motivation and adherence to an on-demand app-based heart rate and rhythm monitoring for atrial fibrillation management: data from the TeleCheck-AF project. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 22(4), 412-424. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjcn/zvac061
    • Hermans, A. N. L., Betz, K., Verhaert, D. V. M., den Uijl, D. W., Clerx, K., Debie, L., Lahaije, M., Vernooy, K., Linz, D., & Weijs, B. (2023). 360° Virtual reality to improve patient education and reduce anxiety towards atrial fibrillation ablation. EP Europace, 25(3), 855-862. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euac246
    • Hermans, A. N. L., Isaksen, J. L., Gawalko, M., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., van der Velden, R. M. J., Snippe, H., Evens, S., De Witte, G., Luermans, J. G. L. M., Manninger, M., Lumens, J., Kanters, J. K., & Linz, D. (2023). Accuracy of continuous photoplethysmography-based 1 min mean heart rate assessment during atrial fibrillation. EP Europace, 25(3), 835-844. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euad011
  • 2022
    • Hermans, A. N. L., Gawalko, M., Slegers, D. P. J., Andelfinger, N., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Verhaert, D. V. M., van der Velden, R. M. J., Betz, K., Evens, S., Luermans, J. G. L. M., den Uijl, D. W., Baumert, M., Nguyen, H. L., Isaksen, J. L., Kanters, J. K., Rienstra, M., Vernooy, K., Van Gelder, I. C., Hendriks, J. M., & Linz, D. (2022). Mobile app-based symptom-rhythm correlation assessment in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. International Journal of Cardiology, 367, 29-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.08.021
    • van der Velden, R. M. J., Hermans, A. N. L., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Gawalko, M., Elliott, A., Hendriks, J. M., Franssen, F. M. E., Slats, A. M., van Empel, V. P. M., Van Gelder, I. C., Thijssen, D. H. J., Eijsvogels, T. M. H., Leue, C., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Linz, D., & Simons, S. O. (2022). Dyspnea in patients with atrial fibrillation: Mechanisms, assessment and an interdisciplinary and integrated care approach. IJC Heart and Vasculature, 42, Article 101086. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2022.101086
    • Hermans, A. N. L., Gawalko, M., Dohmen, L., van der Velden, R. M. J., Betz, K., Verhaert, D. V. M., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Hendriks, J. M., & Linz, D. (2022). A systematic review of mobile health opportunities for atrial fibrillation detection and management. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 29(5), E205-E208. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwab158
    • Hermans, A. N. L., Gawalko, M., Dohmen, L., van der Velden, R. M. J., Betz, K., Duncker, D., Verhaert, D. V. M., Heidbuchel, H., Svennberg, E., Neubeck, L., Eckstein, J., Lane, D. A., Lip, G. Y. H., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Sanders, P., Hendriks, J. M., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., & Linz, D. (2022). Mobile health solutions for atrial fibrillation detection and management: a systematic review. Clinical research in cardiology, 111(5), 479-491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-021-01941-9
    • Verhaert, D. V. M., Betz, K., Gawałko, M., Hermans, A. N. L., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., van der Velden, R. M. J., Philippens, S., Vorstermans, B., Simons, S. O., den Uijl, D. W., Chaldoupi, S.-M., Luermans, J. G. L. M., Westra, S. W., Lankveld, T., Kadhim, K., Pepin, J.-L., van Steenwijk, R. P., Hol, B., Schotten, U., ... Linz, D. (2022). A VIRTUAL Sleep Apnoea management pathway For the work-up of Atrial fibrillation patients in a digital Remote Infrastructure: VIRTUAL-SAFARI. EP Europace, 24(4), 565-575. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euab229
    • Zink, M. D., Laureanti, R., Hermans, B. J. M., Pison, L., Verheule, S., Philippens, S., Pluymaekers, N., Vroomen, M., Hermans, A., van Hunnik, A., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Vernooy, K., Linz, D., Mainardi, L., Auricchio, A., Zeemering, S., & Schotten, U. (2022). Extended ECG Improves Classification of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Based on P- and f-Waves. Frontiers in physiology, 13, Article 779826. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.779826
    • Isaksen, J. L., Baumert, M., Hermans, A. N. L., Maleckar, M., & Linz, D. (2022). Artificial intelligence for the detection, prediction, and management of atrial fibrillation. Herzschrittmachertherapie und Elektrophysiologie, 33(1), 34-41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00399-022-00839-x
    • Hermans, A. N. L., Gawalko, M., Hillmann, H. A. K., Sohaib, A., van der Velden, R. M. J., Betz, K., Verhaert, D., Scherr, D., Meier, J., Sultan, A., Steven, D., Terentieva, E., Pisters, R., Hemels, M., Voorhout, L., Lodzinski, P., Krzowski, B., Gupta, D., Kozhuharov, N., ... TeleCheck-AF investigators (2022). Self-Reported Mobile Health-Based Risk Factor and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc-Score Assessment in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: TeleCheck-AF Results. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 8, Article 757587. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2021.757587
  • 2021
    • Hermans, A. N. L., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Lankveld, T. A. R., van Mourik, M. J. W., Zeemering, S., Dinh, T., den Uijl, D. W., Luermans, J. G. L. M., Vernooy, K., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Schotten, U., & Linz, D. (2021). Clinical utility of rhythm control by electrical cardioversion to assess the association between self-reported symptoms and rhythm status in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. IJC Heart and Vasculature, 36, Article 100870. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2021.100870
    • Van Der Velden, R. M. J., Verhaert, D. V. M., Hermans, A. N. L., Duncker, D., Manninger, M., Betz, K., Gawalko, M., Desteghe, L., Pisters, R., Hemels, M., Pison, L., Sohaib, A., Sultan, A., Steven, D., Wijtvliet, P., Gupta, D., Svennberg, E., Luermans, J. C. L. M., Chaldoupi, M., ... Linz, D. (2021). The photoplethysmography dictionary: practical guidance on signal interpretation and clinical scenarios from TeleCheck-AF. European Heart Journal - Digital Health, 2(3), 363-373. https://doi.org/10.1093/ehjdh/ztab050
    • Betz, K., van der Velden, R., Gawalko, M., Hermans, A., Pluymaekers, N., Hillmann, H. A. K., Hendriks, J., Duncker, D., & Linz, D. (2021). Interpretation der Photoplethysmographie: Schritt für Schritt. Herzschrittmachertherapie und Elektrophysiologie, 32(3), 406-411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00399-021-00795-y
    • Gawalko, M., Duncker, D., Manninger, M., van der Velden, R. M. J., Hermans, A. N. L., Verhaert, D. V. M., Pison, L., Pisters, R., Hemels, M., Sultan, A., Steven, D., Gupta, D., Heidbuchel, H., Sohaib, A., Wijtvliet, P., Tieleman, R., Gruwez, H., Chun, J. L., Schmidt, B., ... TeleCheck-AF investigators (2021). The European TeleCheck-AF project on remote app-based management of atrial fibrillation during the COVID-19 pandemic: centre and patient experiences. EP Europace, 23(7), 1003-1015. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euab050
    • Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., van der Velden, R. M. J., Hermans, A. N. L., Gawalko, M., Buskes, S., Keijenberg, J. J. H. M. W., Vorstermans, B., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Hendriks, J. M., & Linz, D. (2021). On-Demand Mobile Health Infrastructure for Remote Rhythm Monitoring within a Wait-and-See Strategy for Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: TeleWAS-AF. Cardiology, 146(3), 392-396. https://doi.org/10.1159/000514156
    • Hermans, A. N. L., Gawalko, M., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Dinh, T., Weijs, B., van Mourik, M. J. W., Vorstermans, B., den Uijl, D. W., Opsteyn, L., Snippe, H., Vernooy, K., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Linz, D., & Luermans, J. G. L. M. (2021). Long-term intermittent versus short continuous heart rhythm monitoring for the detection of atrial fibrillation recurrences after catheter ablation. International Journal of Cardiology, 329, 105-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.12.077
    • Linz, D., Hermans, A., & Tieleman, R. G. (2021). Early atrial fibrillation detection and the transition to comprehensive management. EP Europace, 23, II46-II51. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euaa424
    • Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Hermans, A. N. L., van der Velden, R. M. J., Gawalko, M., den Uijl, D. W., Buskes, S., Vernooy, K., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Hendriks, J. M., & Linz, D. (2021). Implementation of an on-demand app-based heart rate and rhythm monitoring infrastructure for the management of atrial fibrillation through teleconsultation: TeleCheck-AF. EP Europace, 23(3), 345-352. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euaa201
  • 2020
    • Hermans, A. N. L., Andrade, J. G., & Linz, D. (2020). Arterial Stiffness Association With Symptom Burden in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Direct Cause or Marker of Concomitant Risk Factors?Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 36(12), 1843-1846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjca.2020.08.003
    • Hermans, A. N. L., van der Velden, R. M. J., Gawalko, M., Verhaert, D. V. M., Desteghe, L., Duncker, D., Manninger, M., Heidbuchel, H., Pisters, R., Hemels, M., Pison, L., Sohaib, A., Sultan, A., Steven, D., Wijtvliet, P., Tieleman, R., Gupta, D., Dobrev, D., Svennberg, E., ... TeleCheck-AF investigators (2020). On-demand mobile health infrastructures to allow comprehensive remote atrial fibrillation and risk factor management through teleconsultation. Clinical Cardiology, 43(11), 1232-1239. https://doi.org/10.1002/clc.23469
    • Linz, D., van der Velden, R. M. J., Gawalko, M., Hermans, A. N. L., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., & Hendriks, J. M. (2020). Remote management and education in patients with cardiovascular conditions during COVID-19 and beyond. IJC Heart and Vasculature, 30, Article 100646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2020.100646
    • van der Velden, R. M. J., Hermans, A. N. L., Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Gawalko, M., Vorstermans, B., Martens, H., Buskes, S., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Linz, D., & Hendriks, J. M. (2020). Coordination of a remote mHealth infrastructure for atrial fibrillation management during COVID-19 and beyond: TeleCheck-AF. International Journal of Care Coordination, 23(2-3), 65-70. Article 2053434520954619. https://doi.org/10.1177/2053434520954619
    • Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Hermans, A. N. L., van der Velden, R. M. J., den Uijl, D. W., Vorstermans, B., Buskes, S., Hendriks, J. M., Vernooy, K., Crijns, H. J. G. M., & Linz, D. (2020). On-demand app-based rate and rhythm monitoring to manage atrial fibrillation through teleconsultations during COVID-19. IJC Heart & Vasculature, 28, Article 100533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2020.100533
    • Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Hermans, A. N. L., Linz, D. K., Dudink, E. A. M. P., Luermans, J. G. L. M., Weijs, B., Vernooy, K., & Crijns, H. J. G. M. (2020). Frequency and Determinants of Spontaneous Conversion to Sinus Rhythm in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department with Recent-onset Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review. Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology Review, 9(4), 195-201. https://doi.org/10.15420/aer.2020.34
  • 2019
    • Pluymaekers, N. A. H. A., Hermans, A. N. L., Middeldorp, M. E., Kadhim, K., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Sanders, P., & Linz, D. (2019). Gender differences and daily variation in atrial fibrillation risk factor profiles: Considerations for risk factor management. IJC Heart and Vasculature, 25, Article 100442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2019.100442