Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyMeta-analysis
Incidental ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) findings during atrial fibrillation screening in community-based populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Overall, the prevalence of non-AF incidental findings during continuous ambulatory ECG screening in AF-free primary care and community-based cohorts varied widely, largely reflecting differences in definitions and reporting practices. This highlights the need for uniform reporting and further research into the prevalence and clinical relevance of these findings.
Study context
- Population
- Community-based populations without prior atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing ≥24-hour continuous rhythm monitoring for AF screening25 publications (17 cohorts)
- Participants
- 136,344 participants
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Occurrence of non-AF abnormalities, including supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias and conduction defects
4%-96%
Further pooled results
Potentially serious incidental findings and other non-AF abnormalities
- Substantial heterogeneity in the reported prevalences of most potentially serious incidental findings, and other non-AF abnormalities
Sustained ventricular tachycardias
- Pooled prevalence
- 0.2%
- I2
- 0.00%
Original publication
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it