New Atrial Fibrillation Study Results Reported from University of Liverpool (Randomised controlled trial of population screening for atrial fibrillation in people aged 70 years and over to reduce stroke: protocol for the SAFER trial).

A new report from the University of Liverpool discusses the lack of evidence regarding the benefits of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) and the potential harms associated with it. The report outlines the SAFER trial, which aims to determine whether population screening for AF reduces the risk of stroke. The trial involves recruiting over 82,000 individuals aged 70 and over who are not on oral anticoagulation from general practices in England. The primary outcome of the trial is stroke, with major secondary outcomes including death, major bleeding, and cardiovascular events. The results of the trial will be combined with data from a pilot trial for analysis. The research has received funding from various sources, and ethical approval has been obtained. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through public-friendly summaries, reports, and engagement with the UK National Screening Committee. [Extracted from the article]