Opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients using a mobile application (prospective study of 160 cases)

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia,affecting between 1-4% of the general population and responsible for 10-20% of strokes. New technologies are now available for screening for AF,but their implementation in real clinical settings has not yet been fully investigated. Purpose -evaluate the electrocardiogram recordings on smartphones intended for screening for AF using the KardiaMobile device, with a dedicated mobile application. - Highlight the prevalence of AF in a moroccan hypertensive population -Evaluate the effectiveness of computerized screening for AF in therapeutic management Methods Prospective screening for AF in patients aged 55 or over,known to be hypertensive for at least 5 years, was performed at the cardiology consultation services between June 2019-July 2020.A single lead ECG was acquired by placing the fingers of each hand on the electrodesThe diagnosis of the Kardia app was assessed by the consultation cardiologist,and a baseline ECG was performed for each suspected arrhythmia.CHA2DS2-VASc score was collected from each patient. Results A total of 160 ECGs were performed.The diagnosis of the Kardia app was provided in 93% of cases.A heart rhythm described as normal was detected in 120 consultants,AFwas suspected in 8.1% of the patients described by the device as ‘possible AF’,and confirmed by a baseline ECG in 7.5% of the patients screened. Anti-coagulation was started in 6.2% of patients. Conclusion Mobile Device for screening for atrial fibrillation in a population at risk is a promising, inexpensive tool with significant prognostic benefit for the prevention of cardiovascular complications The Kardia app is able to quickly filter and detect atial fibrillation with high sensitivity and specificity.