Optimal opportunistic screening of atrial fibrillation using pulse palpation in cardiology outpatient clinics: Who and how.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remain a prevalent undiagnosed condition frequently encountered in primary care.

Objective

We aimed to find the parameters that optimize the diagnostic accuracy of pulse palpation to detect AF. We also aimed to create a simple algorithm for selecting which individuals would benefit from pulse palpation and, if positive, receive an ECG to detect AF.

Methods

Nurses from four Cardiology outpatient clinics palpated 7,844 pulses according to a randomized list of arterial territories and durations of measure and immediately followed by a 12-lead ECG, which we used as the reference standard. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the palpation parameters. We also assessed whether diagnostic accuracy depended on the nurse's experi

SUBMITTER: Baneras J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9022883 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature