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Identification of atrial fibrillation in secondary care diabetes and vascular clinics: a pilot study

Kritika Kalia1,2, Robert Tulloh2, Neil Grubb3

  • 1Department of Medicine and Vetinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.

Future Cardiology
|March 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The AliveCor handheld ECG device effectively screened for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients. This technology aids in identifying individuals needing oral anticoagulation therapy for stroke prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia, increasing stroke risk.
  • Early detection of asymptomatic AF in high-risk populations is crucial for timely intervention.
  • Current screening methods may have limitations in accessibility and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of the AliveCor handheld ECG device for screening asymptomatic atrial fibrillation.
  • To assess the effectiveness of the AliveCor device in a secondary care setting.
  • To determine the suitability for oral anticoagulation in detected cases using established risk scores.

Main Methods:

  • Patients from diabetes and vascular clinics were enrolled.
  • A 30-second ECG recording was obtained using the AliveCor device.
  • Clinical risk stratification systems (CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED) were applied.

Main Results:

  • Atrial fibrillation was identified in 1.3% (2 out of 149) of patients.
  • The CHA2DS2-VASc score indicated a 4% annual stroke risk in detected AF patients.
  • Low HAS-BLED scores suggested oral anticoagulation was strongly indicated due to low bleeding risk.

Conclusions:

  • The AliveCor device provides a simple method for acquiring substantial ECG data.
  • Screening high-risk patients with this technology demonstrates clinical utility.
  • Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to solidify findings.

Keywords:
AliveCorCHAD2S2-VAScECGHAS-BLEDanticoagulationatrial fibrillationscreeningstroke

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