SAFETY
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Screening for Atrial Fibrillation using Economical and Accurate TechnologY (SAFETY) – a pilot study
IRAS ID
204438
Contact name
Mark Lown
Contact email
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN17495003
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
We are testing the accuracy of several devices to screen for Atrial Fibrillation (AF). AF is an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots forming within the heart which can dislodge and cause a stroke. Importantly, blood thinning drugs can be given to people with AF to prevent strokes and it is estimated that about 12% of all strokes in the UK could be prevented by screening for AF. About 5% of people between 65 and 74 will have AF which is often intermittent and can occur without symptoms.\n\nWe aim to assess the accuracy of 4 different devices (a blood pressure meter, a hand-held device, a heart rate monitor belt (in combination with a smartphone App that we have developed and Firstbeat BodyGuard2) to detect AF along with a standard ECG test using electrodes to record the electrical activity of the heart. Each test is likely to take just a few minutes and the entire visit around 30 minutes. We are inviting adults who are known to have AF and also those not known to have AF who are aged over 65 (who do not have pacemakers). People who are over 65 and are found to have AF are at a greater risk of having a stroke. \n\nThis study has been funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and will be run in GP surgeries within Hampshire. We expect the study to involve around 421 subjects and to be completed within a year.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1173
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion