Blood pressure (BP) monitors equipped with atrial fibrillation (AF) detection algorithm are attractive screening tools for AF in elderly hypertensives. This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a novel cuffless pocket-size self-BP monitor (Freescan, Maisense) equipped with an AF detection algorithm, which displays results for the detection of "AF" or "Arrhythmia" during routine BP measurement. Subjects aged >65 years or 60-65 years with hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease were subjected to BP measurements using the Freescan device with simultaneous continuous Holter electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring. Readings with device notification "Instability" (29%) or "Error" (20%) were discarded. Data from 136 subjects with five valid Freescan BP measurements were analyzed (age 73.8 ± 7.1 years, males 63%, treated hypertensives 88%, AF in ECG 21%). Analysis of 680 Freescan readings vs ECG revealed specificity 99%, sensitivity 67%, and diagnostic accuracy 93% for AF diagnosis. When the "Arrhythmia" notification was considered as AF diagnosis, the sensitivity was improved (93%, 96%, and 93%, respectively). Analysis of AF diagnosis in subjects (diagnosis defined as at least three of five readings indicating "AF" or "Arrhythmia") revealed specificity, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy for AF detection at 94%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. These data suggest that the Freescan cuffless device could be used as a useful screening tool for AF detection during routine self-measurement of BP in the elderly.
Keywords: atrial fibrillation; automated; blood pressure measurement; cuffless; screening.
© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.