Detection of atrial fibrillation using a modified microlife blood pressure monitor

Joseph Wiesel1, Lorenzo Fitzig, Yehuda Herschman

  • 1Department of Medicine, New York Hospital Queens, Flushing, New York, USA.

Insights

This study shows an automatic blood pressure monitor can accurately detect atrial fibrillation (AF) with high sensitivity and specificity. Early detection of asymptomatic AF through home monitoring may prevent strokes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hypertension is a significant risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and AF-related stroke.
  • Asymptomatic AF can lead to stroke if undetected and untreated in at-risk individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of an automatic oscillometric sphygmomanometer for AF detection.
  • To assess the device's ability to reduce false positives from premature beats.

Main Methods:

  • 405 unselected outpatients underwent three sequential device readings and one electrocardiogram (EKG).
  • An algorithm was integrated into the sphygmomanometer for AF detection.

Main Results:

  • Single device readings showed 95% sensitivity and 86% specificity for AF detection.
  • Sequential readings improved detection to 97% sensitivity and 89% specificity.
  • The device demonstrated high specificity (97%) for patients in sinus rhythm.

Conclusions:

  • The automatic sphygmomanometer demonstrates high accuracy in detecting AF.
  • Home blood pressure monitoring with this device could facilitate early detection of asymptomatic AF, potentially preventing strokes.
Abstract

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