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Updated: Sep 2, 2025
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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
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Screening for atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke: a meta-analysis
William F McIntyre1, Søren Z Diederichsen2, Ben Freedman3
1McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L8, Canada.
European Heart Journal Open
|August 3, 2022
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening may reduce stroke risk. Further research is needed to confirm effectiveness across diverse populations and screening methods for stroke prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant risk factor for stroke.
- Effective screening strategies for AF are crucial for stroke prevention.
- Existing evidence from randomized trials on AF screening requires comprehensive summarization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize evidence from published randomized trials on atrial fibrillation (AF) screening for stroke prevention.
- To assess the effectiveness of AF screening in reducing stroke incidence.
- To identify factors influencing the benefits and risks of AF screening.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of MEDLINE for randomized trials of AF screening in patients without known AF.
- Exclusion of studies focused on post-stroke populations.
- Meta-analysis using a random-effects model and trial sequential analysis.
Main Results:
- Four randomized clinical trials with 35,836 participants were included.
- AF screening showed a reduction in stroke (relative risk 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84-0.99) compared to no screening.
- Trial sequential meta-analysis did not cross the stopping boundary, indicating insufficient certainty.
Conclusions:
- AF screening may be effective for stroke prevention in certain contexts.
- A planned individual participant data meta-analysis (AF-SCREEN/AFFECT-EU) will explore heterogeneity.
- This comprehensive analysis aims to determine optimal AF screening strategies for stroke prevention.
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