The feasibility of population screening for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using hand-held electrocardiogram devices

Mant, J ORCID: 0000-0002-9531-0268, Modi, RN ORCID: 0000-0001-9651-6690, Charlton, P ORCID: 0000-0003-3836-8655, Dymond, A ORCID: 0000-0003-0764-3095, Massou, E ORCID: 0000-0003-0488-482X, Brimicombe, J ORCID: 0000-0002-3443-3256, Freedman, B ORCID: 0000-0002-3809-2911, Griffin, SJ ORCID: 0000-0002-2157-4797, Hobbs, FDR ORCID: 0000-0001-7976-7172, Lip, GYH ORCID: 0000-0002-7566-1626, McManus, RJ ORCID: 0000-0003-3638-028X and Williams, K ORCID: 0000-0002-6188-9363 (2024) The feasibility of population screening for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using hand-held electrocardiogram devices. EP Europace, 26 (3). pp. 1-9. ISSN 1099-5129

Preview

Text The feasibility of population screening for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using hand-held electrocardiogram devices.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (348kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background and Aims There are few data on the feasibility of population screening for paroxysmal AF using hand-held ECG devices outside a specialist setting or in people over the age of 75. We investigated the feasibility of screening when conducted without face-to-face contact (‘remote’) or via in-person appointments in primary care, and explored impact of age on screening outcomes. Methods People aged ≥65 years from 13 general practices in England participated in screening during 2019-20. This involved attending a practice nurse appointment (10 practices) or receiving an ECG device by post (3 practices). Participants were asked to use a handheld ECG for 1-4 weeks. Screening outcomes included: uptake, quality of ECGs, AF detection rates, and uptake of anticoagulation if AF was detected. Results Screening was carried out by 2,141 (87.5%) of people invited to practice nurse-led screening and by 288 (90.0%) invited to remote screening. At least 56 interpretable ECGs were provided by 98.0% of participants who participated for 3 weeks, with no significant differences by setting or age, except people aged 85 or over (91.1%). Overall, 2.6% (64/2,429) screened participants had AF, with detection rising with age (9.2% in people aged 85 or over). 53/64 (82.8%) people with AF commenced anticoagulation. Uptake of anticoagulation did not vary by age. Conclusion Population screening for paroxysmal AF is feasible in general practice and without face-to-face contact, and in all ages over 64 years, including in people aged 85 and over.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1103 Clinical Sciences; Cardiovascular System & Hematology
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Nursing and Advanced Practice
Publisher:	Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date of acceptance:	22 February 2024
Date of first compliant Open Access:	12 March 2024
Date Deposited:	12 Mar 2024 11:41
Last Modified:	04 Jul 2025 13:30
DOI or ID number:	10.1093/europace/euae056
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/22780

View Item