Opportunistic screening of atrial fibrillation in a dental setting in the UK: a feasibility study

Pearsons, Alice; Hanson, Coral; Bisset, Susan; Atkinson, Nicola; Lansdowne, Nichola; Elliott, Natalie; Dennis, Tom; Pai, Sandeep; Neubeck, Lis

Abstract

Introduction:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrythmia and is significantly associated with an increased stroke risk. Screening programmes can help to identify asymptomatic AF in those aged ≥65 and initiate oral anticoagulation where indicated. Single-time point opportunistic screening yield for new AF is approximately 0.5-2%. Currently, AF screening is not conducted in dental settings. However, periodontitis is associated with cardiovascular disease and growing evidence suggests an association between severe periodontitis and stroke mediated by AF. This study aimed to test if it is feasible to detect previously undiagnosed AF in a general dental population and to identify if AF incidence is higher in those with periodontal disease.
Methods:
Patients aged ≥65 years attending Newcastle Dental Hospital for routine dental care had their heart rhythm monitored using KardiaMobile (AliveCor USA) for 30-seconds during a single-time point screening test. Patients with an abnormal rhythm were referred to their GP for further assessment and medical management as appropriate and followed up by telephone.

Results:
413 patients were screened in a 7-month period (February to August 2023). 56.9% (n=235) were female. 58.4% (n=241) were aged 65-74 years. 0.8% (n=3) were identified with new AF, and one was subsequently hospitalised and is now anticoagulated. Previously known AF was documented in 8.2% (n=34) of those screened.

Conclusion:
This study suggests that previously known AF is high in a dental population. Although the yield for newly identified AF was below other screening studies, this study shows that a dental health intervention targeting periodontal disease could improve cardiology outcomes for patients.

Citation

Pearsons, A., Hanson, C., Bisset, S., Atkinson, N., Lansdowne, N., Elliott, N., Dennis, T., Pai, S., & Neubeck, L. (2023, November). Opportunistic screening of atrial fibrillation in a dental setting in the UK: a feasibility study. Poster presented at Scottish Lipid Forum & SHARP Annual Scientific Meeting 2023, Edinburgh

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: Scottish Lipid Forum & SHARP Annual Scientific Meeting 2023
• Start Date: Nov 29, 2023
• End Date: Nov 29, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jul 17, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3406448