2) Screening and early detection of atrial fibrillation
Asymptomatic AF has been independently associated with an increased risk
of stroke and mortality compared with symptomatic AF.8A recent study shows that early rhythm-control therapy for AF is
associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular outcomes than the usual
rate-control therapy.9 Therefore, a recent guideline
has recommended opportunistic screening for AF by pulse taking or ECG
rhythm strip in patients >_65.10 The
postal delivery of the ECG devices and the long-term ECG screening would
be applicable as a tool for AF screening in medical checkups in
high-risk populations.