Final Recommendation Statement: Screening for Atrial Fibrillation

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released today a final recommendation statement on screening for atrial fibrillation. The Task Force found that more research is needed to make a recommendation for or against screening. To view the recommendation, the evidence on which it is based, and a summary for clinicians, please go here. The final recommendation statement can also be found in the January 25, 2022 online issue of JAMA.

READ THE FINAL RECOMMENDATION

WHY THIS MATTERS

“Unfortunately, there still is not enough evidence to know if screening for AFib helps to prevent strokes in older adults,” says Task Force member Gbenga Ogedegbe, M.D., M.P.H. “Since AFib is a risk factor for stroke and can go undetected, clinicians should use their best judgment to decide whether or not to screen people without signs or symptoms of AFib.”

WHERE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS:

1. Draft Research Plan
2. Final Research Plan
3. Draft Recommendation / Draft Evidence Review 
4. Final Recommendation / Evidence Summary