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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Screening for atrial fibrillation: a narrative review.
Ali Wahab1, Ramesh Nadarajah2, Chris P Gale3
1Clinical Research Fellow and Specialist Trainee in Cardiology.
The British Journal of Cardiology
|July 9, 2026
Summary
Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) is reviewed, examining evidence for detection, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Novel methods may improve targeted AF screening strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses a significant global health burden.
- Current screening recommendations and evidence gaps require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence base for population-based atrial fibrillation screening.
- To assess the clinical outcomes, harms, and cost-effectiveness of AF screening.
- To explore novel strategies for refining AF screening populations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized-controlled trials on AF detection.
- Analysis of clinical outcomes, adverse events, and economic evaluations.
- Exploration of emerging methods for targeted screening.
Main Results:
- Evidence on AF detection methods and their impact on clinical outcomes is presented.
- The harms and cost-effectiveness of current population-based screening are analyzed.
- Potential improvements through refined screening populations are considered.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence base for atrial fibrillation screening is critically reviewed.
- Optimizing screening strategies may enhance clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness.
- Further research into targeted screening approaches is warranted.
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