Screening for atrial fibrillation in the general population: the optimal age limit. Results from the Belgian heart rhythm week 2010-2012

Diagnosing AF in patients aged 65 years (y) or over, before the first embolic complication, is recognized as a class I recommendation by the recent ESC guidelines. However, data are lacking in the general population to select the critical lower age limit to organize large screening programs. Since 2010, Belgian citizens preferably over 40 y old were invited by the media during an annual “Heart Rhythm Week” to participate in a free screening in 89 hospitals. Participants were invited to fill in a validated stroke risk stratification questionnaire registering CHA2DS2-VASc- score, and a one lead... Mehr ...