How is atrial fibrillation detected in everyday healthcare? Results of a Dutch cohort study.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with serious potential consequences when left untreated. For timely treatment, early detection is imperative. We explored how new AF is detected in patients aged ≥ 65 years in Dutch healthcare.

Detection of atrial fibrillation in primary care with radial pulse palpation, electronic blood pressure measurement and handheld single-lead electrocardiography: a diagnostic accuracy study.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of three tests-radial pulse palpation, an electronic blood pressure monitor and a handheld single-lead ECG device-for opportunistic screening for unknown atrial fibrillation (AF).

Design: We performed a diagnostic accuracy study in the intention-to-screen arm of a cluster randomised controlled trial aimed at opportunistic screening for AF in general practice. We performed radial pulse palpation, followed by electronic blood pressure measurement (WatchBP Home A) and handheld ECG (MyDiagnostick) in random order.

Experiences with screening for atrial fibrillation: a qualitative study in general practice.

Background: Guidelines recommend screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, screening is not considered standard care among GPs.

Aim: To explore the experiences of primary care workers with different methods of screening for AF and with implementation in daily practice.

Screening for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in primary care using Holter monitoring and intermittent, ambulatory single-lead electrocardiography.

Background: Timely detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) is important because of its increased risk of thrombo-embolic events. Single time point screening interventions fall short in detection of paroxysmal AF, which requires prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring, usually using a Holter. However, traditional 24-48 h Holter monitoring is less appropriate for screening purposes because of its low diagnostic yield.

Opportunistic screening versus usual care for detection of atrial fibrillation in primary care: cluster randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate whether opportunistic screening in primary care increases the detection of atrial fibrillation compared with usual care.

Design: Cluster randomised controlled trial.

Setting: 47 intention-to-screen and 49 usual care primary care practices in the Netherlands, not blinded for allocation; the study was carried out from September 2015 to August 2018.