Clinical Factors Associated with Atrial Fibrillation Detection on Single-Time Point Screening Using a Hand-Held Single-Lead ECG Device

Our aim was to assess the prevalence of unknown atrial fibrillation (AF) among adults during single-time point rhythm screening performed during meetings or social recreational activities organized by patient groups or volunteers. A total of 2814 subjects (median age 68 years) underwent AF screening by a handheld single-lead ECG device (MyDiagnostick). Overall, 56 subjects (2.0%) were diagnosed with AF, as a result of 12-lead ECG following a positive/suspected recording. Screening identified AF in 2.9% of the subjects >= 65 years. None of the 265 subjects aged below 50 years was found positive at AF screening. Risk stratification for unknown AF based on a CHA(2)DS(2)VASc > 0 in males and >1 in females (or CHA(2)DS(2)VA > 0) had a high sensitivity (98.2%) and a high negative predictive value (99.8%) for AF detection. A slightly lower sensitivity (96.4%) was achieved by using age >= 65 years as a risk stratifier. Conversely, raising the threshold at >= 75 years showed a low sensitivity. Within the subset of subjects aged >= 65 a CHA(2)DS(2)VASc > 1 in males and >2 in females, or a CHA(2)DS(2)VA > 1 had a high sensitivity (94.4%) and negative predictive value (99.3%), while age >= 75 was associated with a marked drop in sensitivity for AF detection.

Automated summary

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of unknown atrial fibrillation (AF) among adults during single-time point rhythm screening. Results showed a higher prevalence of unknown AF in the age group of >= 65 years, while no positive cases were found in the group aged below 50 years. Risk stratification based on certain criteria had high sensitivity and negative predictive value for AF detection.