RCT: Screening for atrial fibrillation in older adults using a single-lead ECG did not increase detection rates at one year.

Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults at Primary Care Visits: the VITAL-AF Randomized Controlled Trial – Circulation (link to abstract – $ for full-text)

Related:

USPSTF Recommendation Statement: Still not enough evidence to recommend atrial fibrillation screening.

#ESCCongress – RCT: In individuals at risk for stroke, screening for atrial fibrillation using loop recorder resulted in a three-times increase in atrial fibrillation detection and anticoagulation initiation but did not reduce the risk of stroke or systemic arterial embolism.

#ESCCongress – RCT: Small benefit from systematic screening for atrial fibrillation in older adults – After a median follow-up of 6.9 y there were fewer events (stroke, embolism, bleeding, and death) in the intervention group (31·9%) vs. control group (33·0%).

Clinical Review: Screening and management of atrial fibrillation in primary care