Researchers from Sweden found that screening research on atrial fibrillation can reduce the risk of stroke, strong bleeding and death. The work of scientists was published in The Lancet magazine.
found that the atrial fibrillation is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke. Researchers from the Caroline Institute decided to find out how useful the arrhythmia on this type will be. Scientists analyzed the data of 28 thousand Swedes and Swedes aged 75-76 years. Half of them – 13979 people -Ermed into a screening survey, the remaining compiled a control group.
7165 people agreed to participate – more than half of the invited. They filled their health questionnaire and passed electrocardiography (ECG). Participants also asked to take the ECG to the house and twice a day to register their heart rhythm within two weeks. If he was irregular twice, the participants were sent to the cardiologist who began the therapy. The method of treatment was the reception of oral anticoagulants.
Health of all 28 thousand participants tracked on average over seven years. In participants who have passed screening surveys, the atrial fibrillation was revealed more often. 31.9 percent of people from this group have experienced stroke, strong bleeding or died. In the control group, this indicator was 33 percent. Scientists emphasize that such a small difference can be explained by the fact that not all of the invited agreed to screening.