2) Screening and early detection of atrial fibrillation
Asymptomatic AF has been independently associated with an increased risk of stroke and mortality compared with symptomatic AF.8A recent study shows that early rhythm-control therapy for AF is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular outcomes than the usual rate-control therapy.9 Therefore, a recent guideline has recommended opportunistic screening for AF by pulse taking or ECG rhythm strip in patients >_65.10 The postal delivery of the ECG devices and the long-term ECG screening would be applicable as a tool for AF screening in medical checkups in high-risk populations.