Thumb ECG IncidenT Atrial fibrillatioN in Diabetes Mellitus

Cardiac thromboembolism attributed to atrial fibrillation (AF) constitutes at least one-third of ischemic strokes. Indeed, stroke may be the first manifestation of previously undetected AF. The prevalence is projected to increase 20% the coming decades, especially in age group 65 years and above of age. To add to incidence, the diabetic population have an increased risk yet not properly investigated. In patients with confirmed AF, assessment using the CHA2DS2-VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age 65 years and above, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age 75 years and above, sexual category), is applied for risk stratification. If the CHA2DS2-VASc score is at least 1, or definitely 2 points typically a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) should be prescribed. The chest- and thumb-electrocardiogram (ECG) system Coala Heart Monitor has proven efficacious in detecting AF following recent cryptogenic stroke. This system also showed to be feasible from a patient perspective. Thus, in patients aged 65 years and above with diabetes mellitus at least 2 points are reached. Therefore, patient with these risk factors should be considered for further evaluation for NOAC to prevent stroke, which provides the rational for this study.