New research from Sweden suggests that screening for stroke risk factor atrial fibrillation in elderly individuals, could not only increase chances of preventing stroke, but it could also save money for healthcare systems.
Emma Svennberg, specialist in cardiology at Karolinska University Hospital, says: “The greatest benefit from screening is that you receive information that could be used to reduce an individual’s risk of stroke and thus may help them live longer with a good quality of life.”
The researchers on this study have concluded that their evidence gathered after screening for atrial fibrillation in individuals aged between 75 and 76, shows that the cost effectiveness gives “strong reasons for introducing such a programme.”
Lars-Åke Levin, professor in the Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, says: “Our health economic analysis shows that screening is an intervention that even saves money. What I mean is – screening not only saves lives by preventing stroke; it also saves money for the healthcare system.”
Many individuals who have atrial fibrillation are often unaware that they have the condition.
What is atrial fibrillation?
In Atrial fibrillation, parts of the heart known as the atria move extremely rapidly, and the pumping capacity of the atria is reduced.
This can cause blood clots to form in the heart, which can move up to the brain and cause an ischaemic stroke.
For those with atrial fibrillation, the risk of stroke is five times higher than those without.
Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners can help to prevent blood clots forming for those with atrial fibrillation.
Researchers says screening will enable healthcare systems to be able to identify those with atrial fibrillation, even if they show no symptoms.
The study and its conclusions
This study, STROKESTOP, was led by the Karolinska Institutet, and is seen to be the largest clinical study in the world on screening for atrial fibrillation.
30,000 people aged between 75 and 76 were looked at as part of the study and were assigned between two random groups.
One group was offered to participate in the screening, whilst the other group acted as a control group.
Cases of atrial fibrillation detected during the screening process were treated with anticoagulants.
Svennberg says: “Screening is a very simple intervention. In principle it involves is placing the thumbs onto a hand-held ECG machine, which measures heart activity, twice a day for two weeks.”
In the economic evaluation of the study, researchers also took into account that some that are offered screening may decline.
Lars-Åke Levin says: “Those who accept the screening are in general healthier than those who decline.
“Even so, our results show that the screening will save money and improve public health.
“I hope that decision-makers and the healthcare system will take notice of our results. We show that one of our most serious diseases can be prevented in this way.”
