2. Stewart S, et al. Heart 2004; 90: 286–92; 3. Savelieva I, et al. Europace 2008; 10: 647–65
Other points about AF
• Can be symptomatic or asymptomatic • If asymptomatic then how do you pick it
• Evidence of effectivness
– N Essex screened 30000 in 6 weeks
Protocol
Patients aged over 65 years, who have no record of AF, will have
their pulse checked for at least 30 seconds to look for irregularity.
Core message
Atrial fibrillation causes stroke
Detecting AF
Detecting AF
• Pulse • ECG • 24hr ECG • Fancy kit
• ECG (preferably 12-lead)
– Still the cornerstone of AF diagnosis
What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?
“Atrial fibrillation is an atrial tachyarrhythmia characterised by predominantly uncoordinated atrial activation”
“A fast / irregular heart”