Post hoc analysis | Prevalence and significance of bradyarrhythmias in patients screened for atrial fibrillation

Summary: This study looked at the prevalence and significance of bradyarrhythmias in people screened for atrial fibrillation using an implantable loop recorder compared to those who did not receive screening. The study found that screening was associated with the incidental diagnosis of bradyarrhythmias in 1 in 5 people and an increase in pacemaker implantations, but it did not reduce the risk of syncope or sudden death. While bradyarrhythmias are common in older people and can be risk markers, actively detecting and treating them in asymptomatic individuals may not improve clinical outcomes.*

Article: Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Bradyarrhythmias in Patients Screened for Atrial Fibrillation vs Usual Care: Post Hoc Analysis of the LOOP Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA Cardiology

Author Interview: Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Bradyarrhythmias in Patients Screened for Atrial Fibrillation vs Usual Care – JAMA

Commentary on Twitter

In the randomized LOOP study, AF screening resulted in the coincidental diagnosis of sinus node dysfunction or atrioventricular block in 1 of 5 participants, along with increased pacemaker implantations, but no change in risk of syncope or sudden death. https://t.co/V5JK2iGlQV

— JAMA Cardiology (@JAMACardio) February 15, 2023

*Note: This summary was created through the collaboration of a medical editor and ChatGPT.