Publications by authors named "Michael Patlakh"
Article Synopsis
- A study was conducted on individuals aged 70 and older to assess the frequency and burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) using a 14-day electrocardiograph monitor.
- Out of 5,684 participants, 4.4% were found to have AF, with the majority having paroxysmal AF of low burden; the median time spent in AF was only about 75 minutes.
- The research highlighted that while most AF cases had low burden, a significant portion had extended episodes, raising potential concerns for increased stroke risk and suggesting the need for targeted AF screening approaches.
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) often remains undiagnosed, and it independently raises the risk of ischemic stroke, which is largely reversible by oral anticoagulation. Although randomized trials using longer term screening approaches increase identification of AF, no studies have established that AF screening lowers stroke rates.
Objectives: To address this knowledge gap, the GUARD-AF (Reducing Stroke by Screening for Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Individuals) trial screened participants in primary care practices using a 14-day continuous electrocardiographic monitor to determine whether screening for AF coupled with physician/patient decision-making to use oral anticoagulation reduces stroke and provides a net clinical benefit compared with usual care.