USPSTF makes final ruling on screening asymptomatic adults for AFib
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has finalized its decision that there is not enough evidence to make an official recommendation on screening for atrial fibrillation (AFib) among asymptomatic adults 50 years old and older. In 2018, the last time the group examined this topic, it reached the same conclusion.
The USPSTF examined numerous proposed methods for screening for AFib, including electrocardiograms, automated blood pressure cuffs and more. Newer technologies such as smartphone apps were considered as well, the organization noted, but there was still not enough information to make a final recommendation.
“Unfortunately, there still is not enough evidence to know if screening for AFib helps to prevent strokes in older adults,” Gbenga Ogedegbe, MD, MPH, a member of the organization, said in a prepared statement. “Since AFib is a risk factor for stroke and can go undetected, clinicians should use their best judgment to decide whether or not to screen people without signs or symptoms of AFib.”
A draft of the USPSTF’s recommendation was first published back in April 2021.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.