scholarly journals Acceleration of opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening for elderly patients in routine primary care

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244240
Author(s):  
Akifumi Suzuki ◽  
Tomonori Okamura ◽  
Masahiro Sasaki ◽  
Hitoshi Matsuoka ◽  
Yoshinobu Ikeda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
History Of ◽  
First Time

Cardio-embolic ischemic stroke caused by atrial fibrillation is more severe compared with other types of stroke, such as lacunar infarction and atherothrombotic infarction in patients without atrial fibrillation. Therefore, it is important to prevent cardio-embolic ischemic stroke by detecting atrial fibrillation early in at-risk patients and administering appropriate anticoagulation therapy. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening at 12 primary clinics in Japan. The study included a 12-month pre-campaign period and a 12-month campaign period. During the campaign period, an awareness campaign was conducted to encourage physicians to be mindful of screening patients aged ≥65 years for atrial fibrillation by checking their pulses and performing subsequent electrocardiography when an irregular pulse was detected. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. A sub-analysis focusing on first-time outpatients was performed. There were 9921 and 10,282 patients with no history of atrial fibrillation in the pre-campaign and campaign periods, respectively. In the whole population, the proportion of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation was 0.9% throughout the pre-campaign and campaign periods. In the sub-analysis limited to first-time outpatients, the detection proportion increased from 1.6% to 1.9% during the campaign period. In terms of age stratification, a large increase in detection was observed, especially among patients aged 65–74 years (detection increased from 0.9% to 1.5%) and ≥85 years (detection increased from 2.9% to 3.3%) during the campaign period. Our findings suggest the feasibility of opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening in routine primary care practice in Japan. Of note, our findings suggest that opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening targeting first-time outpatients may be of clinical value.

scholarly journals Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults at Primary Care Visits: the VITAL-AF Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Lubitz ◽  
Steven J. Atlas ◽  
Jeffrey M. Ashburner ◽  
Ana Lipsanopoulos ◽  
Leila Borowsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
One Year ◽  
And Control

Background: Undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) may cause preventable strokes. Guidelines differ regarding AF screening recommendations. We tested whether point-of-care screening with a handheld single lead electrocardiogram (ECG) at primary care practice visits increases diagnoses of AF. Methods: We randomized 16 primary care clinics 1:1 to AF screening using a handheld single-lead ECG (AliveCor KardiaMobile) during vital sign assessments, or usual care. Patients included were aged ≥ 65 years. Screening results were provided to primary care clinicians at the encounter. All confirmatory diagnostic testing and treatment decisions were made by the primary care clinician. New AF diagnoses over one-year follow-up were ascertained electronically and manually adjudicated. Proportions and incidence rates were calculated. Effect heterogeneity was assessed. Results: Of 30,715 patients without prevalent AF (n=15,393 screening [91% screened], n=15,322 control), 1.72% of individuals in the screening group had new AF diagnosed at one year versus 1.59% in the control group (risk difference [RD] 0.13%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.16,0.42, P=0.38). New AF diagnoses in the screening and control groups differed by age with the greatest effect observed for those aged ≥ 85 years (5.56% versus 3.76%, respectively, RD 1.80%, 95% CI 0.18,3.30). The difference in newly diagnosed AF between the screening period and the prior year was marginally greater in the screening versus control group (0.32% versus -0.12%, RD 0.43%, 95% CI -0.01,0.84). The proportion of individuals with newly diagnosed AF who were initiated on oral anticoagulants was similar in the screening (n=194, 73.5%) and control (n=172, 70.8%) arms (RD 2.7%, 95% CI -5.5,10.4). Conclusions: Screening for AF using a single-lead ECG at primary care visits was not associated with a significant increase in new AF diagnoses among individuals aged 65 years or older compared to usual care. However, screening may be associated with an increased likelihood of diagnosing AF among individuals aged 85 years or older and warrants further evaluation.

Abstract WP255: Can Normal Electrocardiogram Rule Out Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Santucci ◽  
Takashi Shimoyama ◽  
Ken Uchino
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cryptogenic Stroke ◽  
Cardiac Monitoring ◽  
Large Artery ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Subtype ◽  
History Of

Introduction: Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings of premature atrial contraction and prolonged PR interval are associated with risk of onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in cryptogenic stroke. We sought to see if normal ECG and AF incidence is incompletely understood. Methods: From a prospective single-hospital stroke registry from 2018, we identified ischemic stroke patients who had ECG done on admission for review. We excluded patients with AF on admission ECG, history of AF, and implanted device with cardiac monitoring capability. Normal ECG was interpreted based on the standardized reporting guidelines for ECG studies evaluating risk stratification of emergency department patients. Stroke subtype was diagnosed according to the TOAST classification: large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), small vessel occlusion (SVO), cardioembolism, others/undetermined and embolic stoke of undetermined source (ESUS) criteria. We compared the incidence of newly diagnosed AF during hospitalization and from outpatient cardiac event monitoring between normal and abnormal ECG. Results: Of the 558 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients, we excluded 135 with AF on admission ECG or history of AF and 9 with implanted devices. Of the remaining 414 patients that were included in the study, ESUS (31.2%) was the most frequent stroke subtype, followed by LAA (30.0%), SVO (14.0%), others/undetermined (15.7%), and cardioembolism (9.2%). Normal ECG was observed in 125 patients (30.2%). Cardioembolic subtype was less frequent in the normal versus abnormal ECG group (1.6% vs. 12.5%, p<0.001). New AF was detected in 17/414 patients (4.1%) during hospitalization. Of these 17 patients, none had normal ECG (0/125) and all had abnormal ECG (17/289, 5.9%) (p=0.002). After discharge, of 111 patients undergoing 4-week outpatient cardiac monitoring, new AF was detected in 16 (14.4%). Of these 16 patients, only 1 had a normal ECG (1/35, 2.9%) while 15 had abnormal ECG (15/76, 19.7%) (p=0.02). Conclusions: Normal ECG at admission for acute ischemic stroke is associated with low likelihood of detection of new atrial fibrillation in either the inpatient or outpatient setting.

scholarly journals A Novel Contact-Free Atrial Fibrillation Monitor- A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Sadeh ◽  
Ilan Merdler ◽  
Sapir Sadon ◽  
Lior Lupu ◽  
Ariel Borohovitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Optical Device ◽  
Machine Learning Approach ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
History Of ◽  
Regular Rhythm ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Contact Free ◽  
First Time ◽  
Current Guidelines

Abstract Aims Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines support performing ECG screenings to spot atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients. The purpose of this study was to validate a new algorithm aimed to identify AF in patients measured with a recent FDA-cleared contact-free optical device. Methods and results Study participants were measured simultaneously using two devices: a contact-free optical system that measures chest motion-vibrations (investigational device, “Gili”) and a standard reference bed-side ECG monitor (Mindray®). Each reference ECG was evaluated by two board certified cardiologists that defined each trace as: regular rhythm, atrial fibrillation, other irregular rhythm or indecipherable/missing. A total of 3582, 30-sec intervals, pertaining to 444 patients (41.9% with a history of AF) were made available for analysis. Distribution of patients with active AF, other irregular rhythm and regular rhythm was 16.9%, 29.5% and 53.6% respectively. Following application of cross-validated machine learning approach, the observed sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.91-0.93) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.95-0.96) respectively. Conclusions This study demonstrates for the first time the efficacy of a contact-free optical device for detecting atrial fibrillation.

scholarly journals A Doctor’s Dilemma: Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation – Should We Anticoagulate?

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Nitin Tandan ◽  
Abdisamad M. Ibrahim ◽  
Abhishek Kulkarni ◽  
Albert Botchway ◽  
Manjari Rani Regmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Prospective Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Common Phenomenon ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Improved Outcomes

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a relatively common phenomenon, occurring in approximately 20-40% of cases. Previous studies and guidelines from the AHA/ACC recommended initiating anticoagulation in patients with POAF lasting over 48 hours. However, a few recent studies suggest improved outcomes after anticoagulation even at 5 minutes of POAF. Our meta-analysis aims to clarify primary outcomes of ischemic stroke and mortality in patients with POAF and to offer guidance on whether these patients would benefit from chronic anticoagulation. Objective: To assess whether patients with POAF benefit from chronic anticoagulation. Methods: Through PubMed, OVID, and MEDLINE, we performed a literature review of several studies to assess whether patients with short-lived atrial fibrillation benefit from anticoagulation. Although several studies provided valuable information, we selected 6 studies that reported the duration of POAF, risks of ischemic stroke, and mortality. Results: We found that patients that received anticoagulation due to newly diagnosed POAF were 3.5-times less likely to experience an ischemic stroke than patients who did not receive anticoagulation with newly diagnosed POAF (IRR 3.54 (95% CI 2.12-5.91), p=0.001.). There were no statistically significant differences found in mortality outcomes between POAF patients that received anticoagulation as compared to those patients that did not receive anticoagulation (Pooled IRR = 1.1449 (95% CI = 0.738952 to 1.773857, P = 0.5447). Conclusion: Patients with POAF over 24 hours duration were less likely to experience ischemic stroke if they were placed on anticoagulation.We hope that this meta-analysis would promote further prospective studies into the question of length of POAF and how chronic anticoagulation therapy plays a role in decreasing risks of ischemic stroke and/or mortality.

The Role of HbA1c on Mortality in Patients with Medical History of Ischemic Stroke and Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Diabetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2406-PUB
Author(s):  
KONSTANTINA KANELLOPOULOU ◽  
IOANNIS L. MATSOUKIS ◽  
ASIMINA GANOTOPOULOU ◽  
THEODORA ATHANASOPOULOU ◽  
CHRYSOULA TRIANTAFILLOPOULOU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Medical History ◽  
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
History Of

scholarly journals Variation in VKORC1 Is Associated with Vascular Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 1329-1337
Author(s):  
Jure Mur ◽  
Daniel L. McCartney ◽  
Daniel I. Chasman ◽  
Peter M. Visscher ◽  
Graciela Muniz-Terrera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Vascular Dementia ◽  
Genetic Variant ◽  
Warfarin Dose ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Parental History ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
History Of ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The genetic variant rs9923231 (VKORC1) is associated with differences in the coagulation of blood and consequentially with sensitivity to the drug warfarin. Variation in VKORC1 has been linked in a gene-based test to dementia/Alzheimer’s disease in the parents of participants, with suggestive evidence for an association for rs9923231 (p = 1.8×10–7), which was included in the genome-wide significant KAT8 locus. Objective: Our study aimed to investigate whether the relationship between rs9923231 and dementia persists only for certain dementia sub-types, and if those taking warfarin are at greater risk. Methods: We used logistic regression and data from 238,195 participants from UK Biobank to examine the relationship between VKORC1, risk of dementia, and the interplay with warfarin use. Results: Parental history of dementia, APOE variant, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia all had strong associations with vascular dementia (p < 4.6×10–6). The T-allele in rs9923231 was linked to a lower warfarin dose (βperT - allele = –0.29, p < 2×10–16) and risk of vascular dementia (OR = 1.17, p = 0.010), but not other dementia sub-types. However, the risk of vascular dementia was not affected by warfarin use in carriers of the T-allele. Conclusion: Our study reports for the first time an association between rs9923231 and vascular dementia, but further research is warranted to explore potential mechanisms and specify the relationship between rs9923231 and features of vascular dementia.

scholarly journals Impact of antithrombotic therapy in the prognosis of atrial fibrillation patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.M Andreu Cayuelas ◽  
S Raposeiras-Roubin ◽  
E Fortuny Frau ◽  
A Garcia Del Egido ◽  
J Seller-Moya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Antithrombotic Therapy ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Bleeding Event ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis

Abstract Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an elevated thromboembolic and bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, so the decision of antithrombotic therapy is a challenge. Purpose To analyze mortality, embolic and bleeding events in patients with advanced CKD and AF. Methods Multicentric retrospective registry on patients with AF and advanced CKD (CKD-EPI &lt;30 mL/min/1.73 m2). For death, multivariable Cox regression analysis was developed. For embolic and bleeding events, competing-risks regression based on Fine and Gray's proportional subhazards model was performed, being death the competing event Results We analysed 405 patients with advanced CKD and newly diagnosed AF. 57 patients were not treated with antithrombotic therapy (14.1%), 80 only with antiplatelet/s (19.8%), 211 only with anticoagulation (52.1%), and 57 with anticoagulant plus antiplatelet/s (14.1%). During a follow-up of 4.6±2.5 years, 205 died (50.6%), 34 had embolic events (8.4%) and 85 had bleeding outcomes (21.0%). Bleeding event rate was significantly lower in patients without antithrombotic therapy (Figure). After multivariate analysis, anticoagulant treatment was associated with higher bleeding rates, without differences in mortality or embolic events (Table). Conclusion Anticoagulation therapy was associated with a significant increase in bleeding events in patients with advanced CKD and newly diagnosed AF. None of the antithrombotic therapy regimens resulted in lower embolic events rate neither benefit in mortality. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): This study was supported by an unconditional grant from BMS-Pfizer

scholarly journals Patients’ views about screening for atrial fibrillation (AF): a qualitative study in primary care

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e033061
Author(s):  
Mark Lown ◽  
Christopher R Wilcox ◽  
Stephanie Hughes ◽  
Miriam Santer ◽  
George Lewith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Decision Aids ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

ObjectivesThere has been increased interest in screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) with commissioned pilot schemes, ongoing large clinical trials and the emergence of inexpensive consumer single-lead ECG devices that can be used to detect AF. This qualitative study aimed to explore patients’ views and understanding of AF and AF screening to determine acceptability and inform future recommendations.SettingA single primary care practice in Hampshire, UK.Participants15 participants (11 female) were interviewed from primary care who had taken part in an AF screening trial. A semistructured interview guide was used flexibly to enable the interviewer to explore any relevant topics raised by the participants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants generally had an incomplete understanding of AF and conflated it with other heart problems or with raised blood pressure. With regards to potential drawbacks from screening, some participants considered anxiety and the cost of implementation, but none acknowledged potential harms associated with screening such as side effects of anticoagulation treatment or the risk of further investigations. The screening was generally well accepted, and participants were generally in favour of engaging with prolonged screening.ConclusionsOur study highlights that there may be poor understanding (of both the nature of AF and potential negatives of screening) among patients who have been screened for AF. Further work is required to determine if resources including decision aids can address this important knowledge gap and improve clinical informed consent for AF screening.Trial registration numberISRCTN 17495003.

scholarly journals Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: Where are We Now?

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. CMC.S8976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousif Ahmad ◽  
Gregory Y.H. Lip
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Stroke Prevention ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
First Time ◽  
Major Progress ◽  
Made In

Atrial fibrillation is the commonest arrhythmia worldwide and is a growing problem. AF is responsible for 25% of all strokes, and these patients suffer greater mortality and disability. Warfarin has traditionally been the only successful therapy for stroke prevention, but its limitations have resulted in underutilisation. Major progress has been made in AF research, leading to improved management strategies. Better risk stratification permits identification of truly low-risk patients who do not require anticoagulation and we are able to simplify ourevaluation of a patient's bleeding risk. The advent of novel anticoagulants means warfarin is no longer the only choice for stroke prophylaxis. These drugs circumvent many of warfarin's inconveniences, but only long-term study and use will conclusively demonstrate how they compare to warfarin. The landscape of stroke prevention in AF has changed with effective alternatives to warfarin available for the first time in 60 years—but each new option brings new considerations.

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