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Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Community Pharmacies-CRIFAFARMA Study
María González Valdivieso1, Domingo Orozco-Beltrán1, Adriana López-Pineda1
1Department of Clinical Medicine, 541992Miguel Hernández University, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening in community pharmacies detected AF in over 9% of individuals aged 50+. Key risk factors included advanced age, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, highlighting the need for proactive cardiovascular risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Pharmacy Practice
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia.
- Individuals with AF face a five-fold increased risk of stroke.
- Early detection and risk stratification are crucial for stroke prevention in AF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation in individuals over 50 presenting to community pharmacies.
- To identify cardiovascular risk factors associated with AF in this population.
- To assess the stroke risk in individuals screening positive for AF.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter observational descriptive study involving a screening program.
- Utilized a Microlife Watch BP Home device for AF screening.
- Employed the CHA2DS2-VASc questionnaire for stroke risk assessment.
Main Results:
- The study included 452 adults over 50 years old.
- A prevalence of 9.1% for atrial fibrillation was detected.
- Independent risk factors for AF included diabetes and dyslipidemia; 85% of those with AF were at high stroke risk.
Conclusions:
- Community pharmacy screenings identified atrial fibrillation in over 9% of individuals aged 50 and above.
- Advanced age, physical inactivity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease history are associated with AF.
- Diabetes and dyslipidemia demonstrated significant independent predictive value for AF.
Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia to appear in clinical practice. People with AF have 5 times the risk of stroke compared to the general population.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AF in people over the age of 50 without known AF, who presented to a community pharmacy to check their cardiovascular risk factors, to identify risk factors associated with AF, and to assess the risk of stroke in people who screened positive for AF.
Methods:
A multicenter observational descriptive study of a screening program took place from May to December 2016. A blood pressure monitor (Microlife Watch BP Home) was used to screen for AF, and the CHA2DS2-VASc questionnaire was used to assess stroke risk.
Results:
The study included 452 adults over the age of 50. The CRIFAFARMA study detected a prevalence of AF of 9.1%. Risk factors for AF were: age of 75 years or older (P = .024), lack of physical activity (P = .043), diabetes (P < .001), dyslipidemia (P = .003), and history of cardiovascular disease (P = .003). Diabetes (OR 2.79, P = .005) and dyslipidemia (OR 2.16, P = .031) had a combined explanatory capacity in the multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for age. 85% were at high risk of stroke according to the CHA2DS2-VASc scale.
Conclusions:
AF was detected in more than 9% of the included population. Factors associated with AF were advanced age, lack of physical activity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and history of cardiovascular disease, with diabetes and dyslipidemia standing out as the factors with independent explanatory capacity.
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