The importance and future of population screening for atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and progressive heart rhythm disorder that causes structural, functional and electrical remodelling of the heart. Although we do not fully understand AF yet, this arrhythmia is one clinical feature of a syndrome that is represented by irregularly irregular atrial rhythm accompanied by progressive atrial structural and functional remodelling. Although ischemic stroke, most feared complication of AF, can be prevented by anticoagulation, asymptomatic or paroxysmal nature of AF makes timely diagnosis of AF difficult. Thus, appropriate screening method for AF is necessary. In this review, we will discuss the importance and future perspectives of population screening for AF.