Key result
Opportunistic screening with a single-lead ECG device did not significantly increase the detection of new atrial fibrillation cases compared to usual care (1.43% vs 1.37%, p=0.73).
Why the study?
AF increases risks of stroke, heart failure, and mortality, but may remain undiagnosed if asymptomatic; single-lead ECG devices may help GPs diagnose it.
Does opportunistic screening with a single-lead ECG device improve the detection of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in adults aged ≥65 years compared to usual care?
Population
17 107 patients aged ≥65 years with no recorded AF status in the Netherlands
Comparison
Opportunistic single-lead ECG screening at GP discretion vs usual care
Design
Cluster randomised controlled trial
Follow-up
1 year
Authors
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Opportunistic single-lead ECG screening does not increase new AF detection in primary care; challenges broad implementation and directs research to targeted strategies.
RCT (n=17,107)
Open-label
Cluster randomized
Yes
Does opportunistic screening with a single-lead ECG device improve the detection of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in adults aged ≥65 years compared to usual care?
Effect estimate: OR 1.05 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.35)
Absolute Event Rate: 1.43% vs 1.37%
p-value: p=0.73
Opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation using a single-lead ECG device in primary care did not increase the detection rate of new AF cases compared to usual care.
Kaasenbrood et al. (2020) conducted an RCT in Atrial fibrillation (n=17,107). Opportunistic screening with a single-lead ECG device (MyDiagnostick) vs. Usual care was evaluated on Proportion of newly diagnosed cases of atrial fibrillation (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.35, p=0.73). Opportunistic screening with a single-lead ECG device did not significantly increase the detection of new atrial fibrillation cases compared to usual care (1.43% vs 1.37%, p=0.73).
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