Screening for undiagnosed atrial fibrillation.

Screening for undiagnosed atrial fibrillation. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2018 Jul 02;: Authors: Sandhu RK, Healey JS Abstract INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition of global importance and it is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. A considerable proportion of patients with AF are asymptomatic and stroke may be the first clinical manifestation of their AF diagnosis. AF screening provides an opportunity to identify patients with undetected AF prior to suffering a devastating complication. Areas covered: This review will provide a rationale for AF screening; summarize AF screening methods, studies and economic analyses; evaluate AF as a condition meeting criteria for population screening and discuss potential drawbacks. Expert commentary: While AF screening is simple, low-risk and in most cases low-cost, additional research is needed validating new technologies and devices; defining strategies for linking screening with initiation of oral anticoagulation therapy and determining whether AF screening ultimately reduces stroke and stroke-related complications and costs. PMID: 29963930 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy - Category: Cardiology Tags: Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther Source Type: research