Identification of atrial fibrillation in secondary care diabetes and vascular clinics: a pilot study

Aim: To determine the feasibility and utility of the AliveCor® handheld ECG device in screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients attending secondary care clinics. Materials & methods: Patients were recruited from diabetes and vascular outpatient clinics, and the AliveCor device used to store a 30-second ECG recording. Clinical risk stratification systems (CHAD2S2-VASc and HAS-BLED) assessed individual suitability for oral anticoagulation. Results: Atrial fibrillation was detected in 2 of 149 patients (1.3%), with CHA2DS2-VASc-derived annual stroke risk of 4%. Given low bleeding susceptibility (HAS-BLED), oral anticoagulation was strongly indicated. Conclusion: AliveCor technology offers a simple approach to retrieve large volumes of ECG data. A follow-up study with a larger cohort would reinforce the clinical utility of screening this high-risk population.