PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - S Somerville
AU  - J Somerville
AU  - P Croft
AU  - M Lewis
TI  - Atrial fibrillation: a comparison of methods to identify cases in general practice.
DP  - 2000 Sep 01
TA  - British Journal of General Practice
PG  - 727--729
VI  - 50
IP  - 458
4099  - http://bjgp.org/content/50/458/727.short
4100  - http://bjgp.org/content/50/458/727.full
SO  - Br J Gen Pract2000 Sep 01; 50
AB  - The importance of atrial fibrillation as a treatable risk factor for stroke is well established. Less is known about how to find previously unidentified cases within the community so that antithrombotic treatment can be offered to a wider group of at-risk patients. The aim of our study was to examine ways to improve the efficiency of practice-based screening for atrial fibrillation, including issues of time and financial cost. We used different combinations of pulse palpation and interpretation of 12-lead and bipolar electrocardiographs as carried out by practice nurses. The best strategy for the detection of atrial fibrillation in a practice population would appear to be to screen all eligible subjects by nurse pulse palpation, followed by 12-lead electrocardiograph readings in those who have a pulse suggestive of atrial fibrillation. The electrocardiograph interpretation can be undertaken effectively by a trained nurse.