A model based cost-effectiveness analysis of opportunistic screening for identifying atrial fibrillation with a single lead handheld electrocardiogram monitor in general practices in Scotland

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in elderly persons and a major risk factor for stroke. In the elderly population AF is often asymptomatic or produces mild symptoms which do not prompt self-referral. At present there is no systematic manner to identify AF in primary care in Scotland. This study aimed to assess the potential cost-effectiveness of opportunistic screening for AF in a high risk population using a hand-held single lead ECG device (AliveCor) compared to usual care.