Output details

Accuracy of algorithms for detection of atrial fibrillation from short duration beat interval recordings

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting up to 10% of people 80 years old and above. Its detection is important because stroke risk is increased fivefold but many people are unaware that they have AF. This paper shows that AF can be detected with accuracy greater than 90% using computer analysis of ECG recordings of short duration using only heart beat intervals. We have subsequently been awarded funding through the Newcastle NIHR BRC to incorporate the algorithm into an ambulatory BP device to screen patients with high blood pressure, a group at high risk of AF.