Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia seen in general practice and is associated with a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke. Strokes related to atrial fibrillation are also more severe, with twice the death rate of non-AF related strokes and greater functional deficits for those who do survive. Irish data suggest that almost 40% of individuals with atrial fibrillation are unaware that they have an irregular heart rhythm. The National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019 recommended that a screening programme for atrial fibrillation should be established for people aged 65 and over, following formal evaluation to ensure an effective means of implementation. The HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke recently conducted a pilot project in the west of Ireland, to assess the feasibility of a national screening programme.
Following discussions with the HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke, the Authority undertook a health technology assessment (HTA) of screening for atrial fibrillation in primary care.