RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Atrial fibrillation: a comparison of methods to identify cases in general practice.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 727
OP 729
VO 50
IS 458
A1 Somerville, S
A1 Somerville, J
A1 Croft, P
A1 Lewis, M
YR 2000
UL http://bjgp.org/content/50/458/727.abstract
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.