Cost-effectiveness of screening for atrial fibrillation in a single primary care center at a 3-year follow-up.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of intermittent electrocardiogram (ECG) screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) among 70-74-year old individuals in primary care. We also aimed to assess adherence to anticoagulants, severe bleeding, stroke and mortality among screening-detected AF cases at three-year follow-up.

Methods: A post hoc analysis based on a cross-sectional screening study for AF among 70-74-year old patients, who were registered at a single primary care center, was followed for three years for mortality.

Validity of daily self-pulse palpation for atrial fibrillation screening in patients 65 years and older: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend (Class IA) single-time-point screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) using pulse palpation. The role of pulse palpation for AF detection has not been validated against electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings. We aimed to study the validity of AF screening using self-pulse palpation compared with an ECG recording conducted at the same time using a handheld ECG 3 times a day for 2 weeks.

Assessment of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level in screening for atrial fibrillation in primary health care.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF), an important cause of thromboembolic events, is often silent and intermittent, thus presenting a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to assess whether the plasma level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is related to the presence of AF and thereby might be used to facilitate screening programs for AF in primary care.

Methods: This was a cross sectional screening study.

Feasibility and outcomes of atrial fibrillation screening using intermittent electrocardiography in a primary healthcare setting: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke unless treated with an anticoagulant. Detecting AF can be difficult because AF is often paroxysmal and asymptomatic. The aims of this study were to develop a screening model to detect AF in a primary healthcare setting and to initiate oral anticoagulant therapy in high-risk patients to prevent stroke.