Seven-Day Patch ECG Monitoring During National Insurance Health Checkup Efficiently Detected Silent Atrial Fibrillation in Individuals Aged 75 Years and Older.

Background: It is unclear to what extent silent atrial fibrillation (AF) is present in subjects previously undiagnosed with AF. The recently popular 7-day patch electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring may help answer this question.

Methods: In the Kitsuki and Usuki cities in Oita Prefecture, Japan, a study was conducted among subjects who underwent 7-day patch ECG monitoring (Heartnote) for silent AF screening during the national insurance health checkup between June and November 2023. Subjects were (1) 65-74 years old and have ≥ 1 of the following risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and underlying heart disease (heart failure and/or previous myocardial infarction) and (2) 75 years and older.

Results: A total of 571 subjects (307 females and 264 males, mean age 75.3 ± 5.4 years) were analyzed. Silent AF was detected in 16 out of 571 subjects (2.8%). Among those aged 75 years or older, silent AF was detected in 15 out of 291 subjects (5.2%). In multivariate analysis, among age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and underlying heart disease, only age was the independent predictor of silent AF detection (odds ratio: 1.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.28, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Seven-day patch ECG monitoring during the national insurance health checkup efficiently detected silent AF in individuals aged 75 years and older.