Accuracy of ECG interpretation in primary care was limited for detecting atrial fibrillation

doi:10.1136/ebm.13.2.58

Evid Based Med

2008;13:58 doi:10.1136/ebm.13.2.58

Diagnosis

Accuracy of ECG interpretation in primary care was limited for detecting atrial fibrillation

D A Fitzmaurice

Dr D A Fitzmaurice, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; d.a.fitzmaurice@bham.ac.uk

STUDY QUESTION

What is the accuracy of different types of electrocardiography (ECG) and different interpreters for diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) in primary care?

STUDY DESIGN

Design:

blinded comparison of 3 types of ECG interpreted by 3 different groups with 12-lead ECGs read by cardiology consultants (substudy of a randomised controlled trial [Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly, SAFE]).

Setting:

49 primary care practices in central England, UK.

Patients:

2595 patients from the SAFE intervention group (⩾65 y) who were identified for an ECG because of an irregular pulse on opportunistic screening (n = 238) or were selected randomly to have a 12-lead ECG (n = 2357).