A1 Vertaisarvioitu alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä lehdessä
Self-detection of atrial fibrillation in an aged population: three-year follow-up of the LietoAF intervention study
Tekijät: Jussi Jaakkola, Raine Virtanen, Tuija Vasankari, Marika Salminen, K.E. Juhani Airaksinen
Kustantaja: BioMed Central Ltd.
Julkaisuvuosi: 2017
Journal: BMC Geriatrics
Tietokannassa oleva lehden nimi: BMC Geriatrics
Artikkelin numero: 218
Vuosikerta: 17
Numero: 1
Sivujen määrä: 8
ISSN: 1471-2318
eISSN: 1471-2318
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-017-0607-0
Rinnakkaistallenteen osoite: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/26406381
BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is often asymptomatic and undiagnosed until an ischaemic stroke occurs. An irregular pulse is a key manifestation of AF. We assessed whether pulse self-palpation is feasible in screening of AF.
MethodsAltogether 205 residents of Lieto municipality aged ≥75 years were randomized in 2012 to receive brief education on pulse palpation focusing on evaluating rhythm regularity. Self-detected pulse irregularity and new AF diagnoses were recorded, and the subjects’ quality of life and use of health care services were assessed during a three-year follow-up.
ResultsThe subjects’ median age was 78.2 [3.8] years, and 89 (43.4%) were men. Overall, 139 (68%) subjects had initial good motivation/capability for regular palpation. At four months, 112 (80.6%) subjects with good and 26 (39.4%) with inadequate motivation/capability palpated their pulse daily. At 12 months, 120 (58.5%) and at 36 months, 69 (33.7%) subjects palpated their pulse at least weekly. During the intervention, 67 (32.7%) subjects reported pulse irregularity. New AF was found in 10 (4.9%) subjects, 7 (70%) of whom had reported pulse irregularity. Pulse irregularity independently predicted new AF, but only one (0.5%) subject with new AF sought undelayed medical attention due to pulse irregularity. Quality of life and number of outpatient clinic visits remained unchanged during follow-up.
ConclusionPulse palpation can be learned also by the elderly, but it is challenging to form a continuing habit. The low persistence of pulse self-palpation limits its value in the screening of AF, and strategies to promote persistence and research on alternative screening methods are needed.
Ladattava julkaisu This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |  |
