Publication
Title
Smartphone-based atrial fibrillation screening in the general population : feasibility and impact on medical treatment
Author
Abstract
Aims The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility, detection rate, and therapeutic implications of large-scale smartphone-based screening for atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and results Subjects from the general population in Belgium were recruited through a media campaign to perform AF screening during 8 consecutive days with a smartphone application. The application analyses photoplethysmography traces with artificial intelligence and offline validation of suspected signals to detect AF. The impact of AF screening on medical therapy was measured through questionnaires. Atrial fibrillation was detected in the screened population (n = 60.629) in 791 subjects (1.3%). From this group, 55% responded to the questionnaire. Clinical AF [AF confirmed on a surface electrocardiogram (ECG)] was newly diagnosed in 60 individuals and triggered the initiation of anti-thrombotic therapy in 45%, adjustment of rate or rhythm controlling strategies in 62%, and risk factor management in 17%. In subjects diagnosed with known AF before screening, a positive screening result led to these therapy adjustments in 9%, 39%, and 11%, respectively. In all subjects with clinical AF and an indication for oral anti-coagulation (OAC), OAC uptake increased from 56% to 74% with AF screening. Subjects with clinical AF were older with more co-morbidities compared with subclinical AF (no surface ECG confirmation of AF) (P < 0.001). In subjects with subclinical AF (n = 202), therapy adjustments were performed in only 7%.Conclusion Smartphone-based AF screening is feasible at large scale. Screening increased OAC uptake and impacted therapy of both new and previously diagnosed clinical AF but failed to impact risk factor management in subjects with subclinical AF.
Language
English
Source (journal)
European heart journal - digital health
Publication
2023
DOI
10.1093/EHJDH/ZTAD054
Volume/pages
4 :6 (2023) , p. 464-472
ISI
001128473800009
Pubmed ID
38045439
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 09.01.2024
Last edited 25.05.2024
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