Screening for Atrial Fibrillation Using a Smartphone-Based Electrocardiogram in Korean Elderly

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Geriatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) contributes to 10-20% of all cerebral infarctions.
• Mobile devices offer a promising avenue for AF screening.
• Previous studies evaluated mobile AF screening devices internationally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct community-based AF screening using an automated single-lead ECG (SL-ECG).
• To assess the prevalence and detectability of AF in older adults using mobile technology in Korea.

Main Methods:

• A community-based screening utilizing an automated SL-ECG (Kardia Mobile).
• Preliminary study: 2,422 participants (≥60 years). Expanded study: 5,366 participants (≥60 years).
• AF diagnosis confirmed via 12-lead ECG for SL-ECG positive cases.

Main Results:

• Preliminary study: AF prevalence 3.0%, SL-ECG PPV 58.9%.
• Expanded study: AF prevalence 2.6%, SL-ECG PPV 48.8%.
• A significant proportion of AF cases were newly diagnosed (65.8% in preliminary study).

Conclusions:

• Atrial fibrillation is significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated in the studied Korean population.
• Mobile SL-ECG screening effectively identifies AF in community settings.
• Early detection of AF using mobile devices is essential in Korea to prevent cerebrovascular events.