Highlights
- •CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores significantly higher in this rural sample than in US averages.
- •mECG screening yielded a 3–4% rate of positive AFib, higher than similar studies.
- •Results suggest potential value in using mECG technology to screen in rural areas.
Abstract
Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a growing health concern, affecting more than 40 million
patients worldwide and increasing stroke risk by five times. Community screening initiatives
in rural healthcare establishments are becoming more feasible with the development
of innovative, mobile-ECG (mECG) technology. The purpose of this research was to characterize
increased rates of stroke risk factors and to determine AFib incidence in rural, pharmacy
settings.
Methods
The researchers examined the prevalence of risk factors associated with AFib and calculated
CHA₂DS₂-VASc stroke risk scores in a previously undiagnosed AFib community sample
of 250 participants. Eligible participants at two rural pharmacies were administered
a 1-lead mECG reading. Participants were then asked to complete questionnaires on
demographic and medical history information. All participants were given educational
materials on AFib and medical referrals when indicated.
Results
Prevalence rates of six, known independent stroke risk factors (CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores:
(2.68 ± 1.35)) were significantly higher in the study sample than reported national
US averages. Screening via mECG indicated preliminary AFib rates of approximately
4%; however, upon independent adjudication of the readings from three electrophysiologists
AFib prevalence ranged between 1% and 8%.
Discussion
Collectively, an alarming rate of untreated stroke risk in a rural pharmacy sample
was identified by the researchers utilizing mECG technology. These results suggest
potential value to the use of mECG technology to screen for AFib in at-risk communities.
Keywords
Abbreviations:
AFib (atrial fibrillation), APP (application), ECG (electrocardiogram), mECG (mobile-ECG)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 01, 2020
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
