Detection just got easier.
A new study has found that a wearable heart monitor increases the detection rate of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) by over 50%. A-fib is a serious heart condition that can lead to blood clots and subsequently cause strokes. The researchers had hoped that earlier detection would result in more patients receiving anti-clotting medications, which might reduce stroke rates. However, the study did not observe a reduction in stroke incidence among those who used the heart monitors.
Dr. Renato Lopes, the lead author of the study and a professor of medicine at the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, N.C., emphasized the need for further evidence. “We still need definitive proof that systematic screening for atrial fibrillation can lead to treatment with oral anticoagulants and ultimately lower stroke risk,” he stated. The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting in London and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Atrial fibrillation involves chaotic and irregular beating of the heart’s upper chambers, the atria, which can lead to an increased risk of stroke. While some people with A-fib may not experience symptoms, it is essential to diagnose and treat the condition, typically with medications or a procedure known as ablation, to reduce stroke risk.
The study, funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, involved over 12,000 Americans aged 70 and older who had no prior diagnosis of A-fib. Participants were either given standard care or used a continuous heart monitoring device for two weeks. Follow-up over 15 months showed a 52% increase in A-fib detection among those using the monitor. However, the study was halted early due to the pandemic, which prevented the researchers from reaching their target enrollment of 52,000 participants. Dr. Lopes noted that despite the inconclusive results, the study’s methodology could be valuable for future research.
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