adult screening programme
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation causes a fast and erratic heart beat. It is a complication of various diseases. Medication can slow the heart rate back to normal, and ease symptoms. In some cases, treatment can restore the heart back to a normal rhythm.
Read more about atrial fibrillation on the NHS website.
UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in August 2019.
The UK NSC does not recommend a national screening programme for Atrial Fibrilation (AF) because:
- there are different types of AF and it is not clear if these all have the same risk for stroke
- it is not known how effective treatment for AF is in people found through screening
- it is not known if screening is more beneficial for people with AF than the current approach
A large research project is currently underway in the UK to find out if screening is more beneficial for people with AF than the current process. This will help the UK NSC to understand more about the benefits and harms of screening.
Although screening is not recommended, clinical practice guidelines are covered by NICE.
Supporting documents from the 2019 review
Evidence summary Atrial fibrillation (2019)
This document provides the evidence on which the current UK NSC recommendation is based.
UK NSC coversheet & consultation responses Atrial fibrillation (2019)
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.
Review cycle
Date previous review completed: 2019
Next review estimated to be completed: 2022 to 2023.
To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.
Organisations interested in Atrial Fibrillation
These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.
List of organisations
- AF Association
- AntiCoagulation Europe
- Arrhythmia Alliance
- British Cardiovascular Society
- British Heart Foundation
- British Heart Rhythm Society
- Central & East London Comprehensive Local Research Network
- Education for Health
- Faculty of Public Health
- HEART UK
- NHS Improvement
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Royal College of Nursing
- Royal College of Physicians
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
- Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
- Royal College of Surgeons
- Stroke Association
If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us. More information for organisation can be found in appendix C of the UK NSC evidence review process.