The "European Society of Cardiology" recommends screening for atrial fibrillation

The recently updated guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) on atrial fibrillation have specified their recommendations for screening for arrhythmia and advise repeated or continuous recordings for people aged 65 and over.

• 75 years and
• aged 65 or over, if there is another risk factor according to the CHA2DS2-VA score*

What is the CHA2DS2-VASc score?
It is used to assess the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and to determine whether treatment with oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) is necessary.

There are both negative and positive studies that support screening for atrial fibrillation from a certain age onwards.

Among other things, existing risk factors that can contribute to atrial fibrillation are crucial for meaningful screening. These include, for example:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes mellitus
• Excess weight
• Family history
• Sleep-related breathing disorders
• Chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid diseases)
• Autoimmune diseases (including thyroid disorders)