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. 2020 Apr 27;1(1):10-13.
doi: 10.1016/j.hroo.2020.02.003. eCollection 2020 Apr.

Screening for atrial fibrillation in high-risk nursing home residents

Hassan A Khan  1 , Nader Hanna  1 , Michael J Chaskes  1 , Gregory D Gudleski  1 , Piotr Karmilowicz  1 , Anne B Curtis  1
Affiliations

Screening for atrial fibrillation in high-risk nursing home residents

Hassan A Khan et al. Heart Rhythm O2. .

Abstract

Background: Various methods have been implemented for screening of patients for atrial fibrillation (AF), but the yield has generally been low. Targeting high-risk patients may improve detection of asymptomatic AF, which could be of value if appropriate treatment could be initiated before a potential thromboembolic event.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to test screening of high-risk nursing home residents having ≥2 risk factors for AF and no previous history of AF using a smartphone-based electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring device to determine whether it is an accurate, easy-to-use method of screening for asymptomatic AF.

Methods: Study participants had ≥2 risk factors, consisting of age ≥75 years, female sex, obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. Using the monitoring device, 30-second heart rhythm recordings were obtained on 4 different occasions. All tracings were reviewed by a cardiologist and, if uncertain, by an electrophysiologist. The nursing facility was notified of any diagnosis of AF, prompting further evaluation by the primary physician.

Results: Of the 245 residents screened, 18 (7.4%) had a diagnostic tracing for AF, 15 (83.3%) of whom had AF on the initial screen. There were no significant differences in demographics or individual risk factors between residents with and those without AF.

Conclusion: Intermittent ECG screening of high-risk nursing home residents using a simple, handheld device provided a diagnostic yield in our population comparable to that observed in past studies. Such screening of high-risk individuals can aid in the early diagnosis of AF and initiation of appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Electrocardiogram; Electrophysiology; Smartphone; Stroke prevention.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart showing initial device interpretation and confirmed rhythm. AF = atrial fibrillation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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