Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Future Innovations in Novel Detection for Atrial Fibrillation (FIND-AF): Pilot Study

This pilot study, called FIND-AF, is exploring a new approach to identify atrial fibrillation (AF) in people who haven't been diagnosed with it yet but are at higher risk. Researchers are using a computer-based tool to assess individual risk and then offering remote heart monitoring (ECG) to those at elevated risk. The main aim is to see if this systematic screening helps detect AF more frequently than current methods. They also want to understand if finding AF earlier leads to more people getting important blood-thinning medication, which can prevent strokes. If this first step is successful, it could lead to bigger studies to confirm these benefits and potentially improve how AF is found and treated across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leeds

Enrolment target

1,955

Start

01 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Atrial Fibrillation Heart Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases

What is this study about?

Imagine your heart sometimes beats irregularly – this is called atrial fibrillation, or AF. It can make you feel tired or dizzy, but sometimes people don't even know they have it. The problem is, AF can increase your risk of having a stroke. Doctors want to find AF early so they can start treatment to protect you.

This study, called FIND-AF, is a pilot project looking into a new way to spot AF. Currently, doctors might check for AF if you have symptoms or other risk factors. This study is testing if using a special computer tool to work out your risk of AF, along with a device you wear to monitor your heart at home, can help find AF in people who haven't been diagnosed yet. The study wants to see if this new approach detects AF more often in people who are at a higher risk.

The main idea is to see whether finding AF earlier means more people get the right medication to prevent a stroke. If this new method proves successful in this initial trial, it could change how doctors screen for AF. This pilot study acts as a crucial first step to gather information for planning a larger study in the future. That bigger study would then look at whether this systematic screening really does increase AF detection and lead to fewer strokes overall.

Key takeaways

This study is looking for new ways to spot irregular heartbeats (AF) earlier.
It uses computer tools and home heart monitors for people at higher risk of AF.
The main goal is to see if early detection leads to better stroke prevention.
Eligible participants are aged 30 or over, with specific risk scores, and no current AF diagnosis.
If AF is found, your doctor will discuss standard treatments, like blood thinners.
Participation could mean finding AF sooner, allowing for earlier treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be at least 30 years old. If you're a man, there's a specific health score (CHA2DS2VASC) that needs to be 2 or more. If you're a woman, that score needs to be 3 or more. This score helps doctors understand your risk of stroke.

However, you cannot take part if you've already been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or if you're currently taking blood-thinning medicine. You also can't join if you're receiving palliative care (care focused on comfort for a serious illness), or if you're unable to understand and agree to the study in writing. Finally, you need to be able to follow the study's instructions to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 30 years old or older?
Do you already know you have atrial fibrillation? (If yes, you can't join)
Are you currently taking blood-thinning medication? (If yes, you can't join)
Are you able to provide written consent to be part of the study?
Are you willing and able to follow instructions for a home heart monitor if needed?
If you are a man, has your doctor told you your CHA2DS2VASC score is 2 or higher?
If you are a woman, has your doctor told you your CHA2DS2VASC score is 3 or higher?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it aims to find out if you are at higher risk of atrial fibrillation using your existing health information. If so, you will be offered a device to wear that monitors your heart rhythm from home. This remote monitoring allows doctors to check for irregular heartbeats over a period of time. There are no direct visits required for this part of the study, as it primarily uses existing health records and remote monitoring. The duration will depend on the monitoring period, but the overall study aims to gather data over 6 months to see if AF is diagnosed. You will need to be able to use the monitoring device as instructed.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is the possibility of detecting atrial fibrillation earlier than it might otherwise have been found. This could lead to starting treatment sooner, which may help reduce your risk of stroke. As this involves a monitoring device already used in healthcare, specific new risks are expected to be low. You will be monitored by medical professionals, who can offer guidance if AF is detected. There's no guarantee that AF will be found, or that participating will directly improve your health. Importantly, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without your medical care being affected.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Leeds
Verified postcode
Leeds, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?

AF is when your heart beats with an irregular or fast rhythm. It’s a common type of irregular heartbeat.

Why is it important to detect AF?

Finding AF early allows doctors to give you 'blood-thinning' medication, which helps prevent strokes caused by AF.

What does 'remote ECG monitoring' mean?

It means you wear a small device that records your heart's electrical activity (ECG) while you're at home, sending the information to doctors.

What is a 'CHA2DS2VASC score'?

It's a score doctors use to work out your risk of having a stroke if you have atrial fibrillation. A higher score means a higher risk.

Will I have to take new medication in this study?

The study itself doesn't involve new medication. However, if AF is detected, your doctor might recommend blood-thinning medication as part of your standard care.