Screening for unknown atrial fibrillation in older people : a feasibility study in community pharmacies

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia. It is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality and its prevalence rises with age. The arrhythmia is often asymptomatic, and systematic AF screening could help identify asymptomatic individuals to implement therapeutic and preventive strategies. The main study aims were to test the technical feasibility and citizens’ acceptance of a freely offered service in older people using community pharmacies. Materials and methods: During 2 months, a 30-s single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) with a telemedicine device was used for screening in 20 pharmacies in a mixed rural–urban health district of Northern Italy. Results: A total of 289/335 older adults 70 years old or more agreed to participate in the study. A cardiologist considered 80% of the ECG tracings readable and unknown AF was identified in 1.3%. Conclusions: The screening scheme appears technically feasible and acceptable both to professionals and citizens/participants. Training the pharmacists could ensure broader participation and substantially improve the pharmacies’ overall performance.