New approaches to detection of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a global epidemic associated with significant cardiovascular comorbidity and mortality, with resultant burden on healthcare systems worldwide. However, silent or undetected AF is common, especially in the older popula-tion. Early detection and diagnosis of AF is therefore paramount to provide compre-hensive management, to manage symp-toms, slow progression of the disease, prevent severe complications like stroke and heart failure, reduce AF-related hospi-talisations and possibly improve survival.