People at increased risk should be specifically screened for atrial fibrillation during doctor visits to avoid more serious health consequences. This could also save high costs in the healthcare system.
The results of the so-called AFFECT-EU project show that people with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation should be tested for atrial fibrillation at every doctor’s visit. The project is working to develop a risk-based screening strategy for atrial fibrillation in the European Community with the aim of preventing subsequent strokes and premature deaths.
Atrial fibrillation cases continue to rise
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide. From the age of 55, the risk increases sharply and, according to experts, more than 17.9 million people are expected to be affected by 2060.
Some people have a significantly increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, for example people with heart failure or people who have already suffered a stroke, the researchers explain.
Increased risk of stroke
People with atrial fibrillation, on the other hand, have up to five times the risk of suffering a stroke than healthy people. According to the team, what is particularly dangerous is that atrial fibrillation often causes no symptoms and therefore often goes undiagnosed until a stroke ultimately occurs.
According to the AFFECT-EU project, so-called opportunistic screening is therefore appropriate for people at risk of atrial fibrillation when they come into contact with the healthcare system. In addition, people at increased risk should be targeted and encouraged to undergo screening.
A simple screening for atrial fibrillation can effectively reduce strokes, report the experts in the AFFECT-EU project based on a current meta-analysis with 35,836 participants. Further research by the consortium in eleven European countries revealed that there are no national screening programs for atrial fibrillation.
Risk factors for atrial fibrillation
When asked who has an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or a stroke and should therefore be screened, the following risk factors emerged, according to the researchers: advanced age, obesity, high blood pressure and an increased blood level of the N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide ( NT-proBNP), which is used to diagnose heart failure.
Prevent strokes with anticoagulants
“Screening for atrial fibrillation can detect undiagnosed atrial fibrillation so that the disease can be treated in accordance with guidelines, including the initiation of anticoagulant medication to prevent strokes,” explains Professor Renate Schnabel, coordinator of the EU project from the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). , in a recent press release from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
Compared to healthy people, atrial fibrillation increases the risk of developing a severe disability or dying from a stroke or heart failure, adds project leader Daniel Engler. This makes it clear that prevention is necessary to reduce the morbidity associated with atrial fibrillation and to maintain the quality of life of those affected. (as)
