Key result
Community ECG screening detects atrial fibrillation in ~6% of elderly residents and reveals severe OAC underuse.
Why the study?
Atrial fibrillation is often undiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature, prompting this study to estimate its prevalence and identify risk factors in the Hong Kong elderly population.
What is the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and the rate of oral anticoagulant utilization among elderly individuals in Hong Kong community homes?
Cross-Sectional (n=2,798)
Yes
What is the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and the rate of oral anticoagulant utilization among elderly individuals in Hong Kong community homes?
Community screening in Hong Kong elderly reveals a 5.5% prevalence of atrial fibrillation, with a concerningly low oral anticoagulant utilization rate of 12.7% among those diagnosed.
Low OAC use among screened elderly with AF signals a care gap; leaves open whether community screening improves outcomes.
Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF), which is one of the most common types of arrhythmias, is often undiagnosed because of its asymptomatic nature.This study aims to estimate the prevalence of AF in the Hong Kong elderly population and identify the risk factors for AF. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from March 2015 to May 2017 during a summer outreach program to community elderly homes organized by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.Electrocardiogram (ECG) screening was conducted using a hand-held single-lead ECG device (AliveCor).Results: This study screened 2,798 subjects aged ≥60 years.The mean age was 76.1±8.1 years, 77.4% were female, and 71.1% had primary education or below.Screening detected AF in 5.5% (n=154/2,798) of participants with a mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3.8±1.2.Age of ≥85, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking history were found as risk factors for AF.Only 12.7% (n=19/154) of patients with AF were prescribed oral anticoagulants.A history of stroke and male sex were positive factors for anticoagulant usage, while older age often hindered the use of anticoagulants. Conclusion:The diagnosis rate of AF and utilization rate of anticoagulants were low among the elderly in Hong Kong.
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Cheng et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Atrial Fibrillation (n=2,798). Electrocardiogram (ECG) screening using a hand-held single-lead device (AliveCor) was evaluated on Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation. Electrocardiogram screening in community elderly homes detected atrial fibrillation in 5.5% of subjects aged ≥60 years, of whom only 12.7% were prescribed oral anticoagulants.
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