Key result
Intermittent single-lead ECG screening for AF undergoes testing to assess stroke risk reduction.
Why the study?
It was unknown whether intermittent screening for atrial fibrillation with a single-lead ECG reduces the risk of stroke and other key outcomes, including death, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.
Does intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation reduce the risk of stroke in adults aged 70 years and over?
Does intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation reduce the risk of stroke in adults aged 70 years and over?
The SAFER programme is a large-scale randomized trial designed to definitively determine whether intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation in older adults reduces stroke risk.
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Does not support routine use yet; leaves open whether intermittent single-lead ECG screening reduces stroke in adults ≥70 until 2027 results.
This article describes the SAFER programme that was established to determine whether intermittent screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) with a single-lead ECG reduces risk of stroke and other key outcomes such as death, dementia and cardiovascular disease. The programme comprises feasibility studies, a pilot trial, a randomised controlled trial, qualitative studies and an economic analysis. Recruitment and screening for the trial has been completed and it is anticipated that follow up will finish in 2027.
Mant et al. (2026) studied this question. Intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation is being tested to assess its impact on reducing stroke risk and other adverse outcomes in a comprehensive trial.
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