Opportunistic screening versus usual care for detection of atrial fibrillation in primary care: cluster randomised controlled trial

RCT (n=47 intention-to-screen and 49 usual care primary care practices in Netherland; n=9218) found that opportunistic screening for AF in primary care patients, aged≥ 65 did not increase detection rate compared to usual care group (1.62% vs. 1.53% new AF diagnoses, respectively)

SPS commentary:

In trial, opportunistic screening consisted of three index tests: pulse palpation, electronic blood pressure measurement with an atrial fibrillation algorithm, and electrocardiography (ECG) with a handheld single lead electrocardiographic device.

British Medical Journal