Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyMeta-analysis
Yield of Atrial Fibrillation Screening according to Methodology and Patient Characteristics: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of 34,165 Individuals Screened for Atrial Fibrillation within the AFFECT-EU/AF-SCREEN Collaboration
- Individual participant data meta-analysis
- 12 European and North American study cohorts
- generalized linear mixed models with random intercept at study level
Authors' conclusion
In this meta-analysis, AF screening yield varied substantially by patient characteristics and screening approach. Advanced age, male sex, and HF were independently associated with greater AF detection, particularly in those having single-timepoint screening.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals screened for atrial fibrillation (AF) (mean age 73.4 ± 7.5 years, 53.5% female)
- Participants
- 34,165 individuals · 12 cohorts
- Comparison
- AF screening yield by screening methodology and patient characteristics
- Outcome
- AF screening yield
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Further pooled results
Patient characteristics associated with AF detection
- Advanced age, male sex, hypertension and HF associated with detection
- Significant interactions between screening approach and age, sex, HF, CHADS2 and NT-proBNP; stronger influence with single-timepoint screening
Original publication
Yield of Atrial Fibrillation Screening according to Methodology and Patient Characteristics: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of 34,165 Individuals Screened for Atrial Fibrillation within the AFFECT-EU/AF-SCREEN Collaboration. Europace. Published 18 September 2026. doi:10.1093/europace/euag256
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it