Key result
Screening with the AliveCor handheld ECG device detected asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in 1.3% (2 of 149) of high-risk patients attending diabetes and vascular clinics.
Why the study?
To evaluate the feasibility and utility of the AliveCor handheld ECG device in screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in high-risk secondary care clinic patients.
Does screening with the AliveCor handheld ECG device detect asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients attending secondary care diabetes and vascular clinics?
Cross-Sectional (n=149)
Does screening with the AliveCor handheld ECG device detect asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients attending secondary care diabetes and vascular clinics?
Handheld ECG screening in high-risk secondary care clinics is feasible and can identify previously undetected atrial fibrillation requiring anticoagulation.
Supports feasibility of handheld ECG screening in high-risk clinics; leaves open need for prospective outcome trials before wider adoption.
Aim: To determine the feasibility and utility of the AliveCor® handheld ECG device in screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients attending secondary care clinics. Materials & methods: Patients were recruited from diabetes and vascular outpatient clinics, and the AliveCor device used to store a 30-second ECG recording. Clinical risk stratification systems (CHAD2S2-VASc and HAS-BLED) assessed individual suitability for oral anticoagulation. Results: Atrial fibrillation was detected in 2 of 149 patients (1.3%), with CHA2DS2-VASc-derived annual stroke risk of 4%. Given low bleeding susceptibility (HAS-BLED), oral anticoagulation was strongly indicated. Conclusion: AliveCor technology offers a simple approach to retrieve large volumes of ECG data. A follow-up study with a larger cohort would reinforce the clinical utility of screening this high-risk population.
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Kalia et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation risk in diabetes and vascular patients (n=149). AliveCor handheld ECG device screening was evaluated on Detection of atrial fibrillation. Screening with the AliveCor handheld ECG device detected asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in 1.3% (2 of 149) of high-risk patients attending diabetes and vascular clinics.
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