To monitor or not after detected AF, this is a question: report from the consumer-led screening programme of long-term extension mAFA cohort

Abstract

Abstract Background The consumer-led screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) is evolving with the widespread availability of wearables. Nonetheless, what the long-term impact on the individual's behavior of rhythm monitoring after detected AF is unclear. Objective To investigate the long-term impact on health behavior for the individuals using wearables for cardiac rhythm. Methods In the mobile technology supported screening and integrated care in atrial fibrillation (mobile atrial fibrillation application, mAFA programme), the general population freely decided to enter the screening programm with wristbands or watches across China. At least 14-day monitoring was proposed, the individuals with detected AF can consider to receive the mAFA App for AF care. The adherence of rhythm monitoring after detected AF with wearables was calculated, while the multinomial logistics regression model was utilised to analyze the independent factors associated with the adherence. Results There were 4337172 individuals entered into AF screening programme using wearables between Oct, 2018 and Feb 14, 2024. Among them, 22224 individuals (0.5%, 22224/4337172, mean age, SD, 55, 16 years old, male 82.4%) were monitored with AF episodes. There were 21223 individuals remaining the wearables use for rhythm monitoring after first AF identification. The time (days, median, interquartile ) using wearables for monitoring the pulse rhythm were 465 (130, 889) days. The time to first identified AF (days, median, interquartile) were 16 (1, 176) days. The continuing monitoring time since first identified AF (days, median, interquartile) were 290 (54, 668) days. The adherence of cardiac rhythm monitoring after detected AF with wearables (Figure): 96.0% individuals continued the rhythm monitoring using wearables during 30 days, 58.8% in 2 years, and 35.7% in 3 years and over. In the adjusted multinomial logistics regression model, the palpitation, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, heart failure, age and mAFA use were independently associated with the adherence for the individuals remaining the wearables use for rhythm monitoring after detected AF (all p<0.05). Conclusions The general population at risk were likely to receive long-term rhythm monitoring after detected AF, and the mAFA use, with the self-care support, was an independent factor for the continuing monitoring.