Assessment of the clinical efficacy of the heart spectrum blood pressure monitor for diagnosis of atrial fibrillation: An unblinded clinical trial

A clinical validation of AViTA home blood pressure monitor for atrial fibrillation detection in adults

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a stroke and heart complication riskbut is often overlooked due to subtle symptoms. The accessibility of sphygmomanometers that can detect AF, may play crucial roles in identifying asymptomatic patients. AViTA BPM63B is an automatic blood pressure (BP) monitor for atrial fibrillation detection. This study validated the performance of BPM63B for AF detection using two novel algorithms of time-domain analysis and frequency-domain analysis which evaluate multiple statistics.

METHODS

The study included 100 subject, with 47 participants being male (47%) and ages ranging from 24 to 89 years (mean ± SD: 59 ± 17 years). Each participant received three consecutive readings from the subject device and a 12-lead ECG assessment. The pulse wave data from subject device was analyzed using the two algorithms. The atrial fibrillation status thus determined was compared to the ECG results interpreted by a physician.

RESULTS

Among the 100 participants, 52 patients had chronic atrial fibrillation, along with 48 outpatients exhibiting sinus rhythm or non-atrial fibrillation arrhythmias. Using the time-domain analysis method for atrial fibrillation detection, we achieved a sensitivity of 94.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), 90.08-97.75%] and a specificity of 98.6% (95% CI, 95.07-99.83%). Similarly, utilizing the frequency-domain analysis method resulted in a sensitivity of 91.6% (95% CI, 86.08-95.46%) and specificity of 94.4% (95% CI, 89.35-97.57%).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that AViTA BPM63B, which integrates two novel algorithms for atrial fibrillation diagnosis, demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity. Utilizing the AViTA BPM63B for BP monitoring could aid in the early detection of atrial fibrillation among outpatients in cardiology clinics.

Cardiac autonomic regulation following a 246-km mountain ultra-marathon: An observational study

Physical exercise requires integrated autonomic and cardiovascular adjustments to maintain homeostasis. We aimed to observe acute posture-related changes in blood pressure, and apply a portable noninvasive monitor to measure the heart index for detecting arrhythmia among elite participants of a 246-km mountain ultra-marathon. Nine experienced ultra-marathoners (8 males and 1 female) participating in the Run Across Taiwan Ultra-marathon in 2018 were enrolled. The runners' Heart Spectrum Blood Pressure Monitor measurements were obtained in the standing and supine positions before and immediately after the race. Their high-sensitivity troponin T and N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide levels were analyzed 1 week before and immediately after the event. Heart rate was differed significantly in the immediate postrace assessment compared to the prerace assessment, in both the standing (P = .011; d = 1.19) and supine positions (P = .008; d = 1.35). Postural hypotension occurred in 4 (44.4%) individuals immediately postrace. In 3 out of 9 (33.3%) recruited finishers, the occurrence of premature ventricular complex signals in the standing position was detected; premature ventricular complex signal effect was observed in the supine position postrace in only 1 participant (11.1%). Premature ventricular complex signal was positively correlated with running speed (P = .037). Of the 6 individuals who completed the biochemical tests postrace, 2 (33.3%) had high-sensitivity troponin T and 6 (100%) had N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide values above the reference interval. A statistically significant increase was observed in both the high-sensitivity troponin T (P = .028; d = 1.97), and N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (P = .028; d = 2.91) levels postrace compared to prerace. In conclusion, significant alterations in blood pressure and heart rate were observed in the standing position, and postexercise (postural) hypotension occurred among ultra-marathoners. The incidence of premature ventricular complexes was higher after the race than before.

Atrial Fibrillation Screening During Routine Automated Office, Home, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement: A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often asymptomatic and undiagnosed. As AF and hypertension often coexist, opportunistic AF detection during routine automated blood pressure (BP) measurement appears to be an attractive screening method.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies assessing the diagnostic test accuracy of office, home, or 24-hour ambulatory BP measuring devices with AF detection algorithms versus reference electrocardiography. Analyses were performed per participant (AF status based on several BP readings; most office/home devices) or per reading (AF status based on individual readings; all ambulatory devices). A meta-analysis stratified by device type (office/home/ambulatory) was conducted to calculate pooled measures of diagnostic accuracy. Sensitivity/meta-regression analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

Among 3096 records initially retrieved, 23 diagnostic test accuracy studies were included. Data derived from 11 093 individuals (weighted age 69 years, males 56%, hypertensives 79%, diabetics 24%, and AF prevalence 17%) indicated a pooled sensitivity 0.97 (95% CI, 0.92-0.99), specificity 0.93 (95% CI, 0.90-0.95), and accuracy 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.95), with generally consistent results using office, home, or ambulatory BP devices (slightly lower specificity with the latter). The positive and negative predictive values were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60-0.80) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-1.00), respectively. Sensitivity analyses indicated lower specificity in studies implementing reading versus participant analyses. Most studies presented a low risk of bias and minor applicability concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable and consistent evidence suggesting high diagnostic accuracy of AF detection algorithms implemented in automated BP monitors during routine BP measurements in and out of the office. AF diagnosis requires verification (electrocardiography) before treatment is administered.

Sensitivity and specificity of automated blood pressure devices to detect atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent and preventable cause of stroke and mortality.

Aim

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of office and out-of-office automated blood pressure (BP) devices to detect AF.

Methods

Diagnostic studies, extracted from databases such as Ovid Medline and Embase, on AF detection by BP device(s), electrocardiography, and reported sensitivity and specificity, were included. Screening of abstracts and full texts, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by two investigators using Covidence software. The sensitivity and specificity of the BP devices were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

Sixteen studies including 10,158 participants were included. Only a few studies were conducted in primary care (n = 3) or with a low risk of bias (n = 5). Office BP devices, which utilised different algorithms to detect AF, had a sensitivity and specificity of 96.2 and 94%, respectively. Specificity was reduced when only one positive result was considered among consecutive BP measurements. Only a few studies (n = 3) investigated out-of-office BP. Only one study (n = 100) suggested the use of ≥79 and ≥26% of positive readings on 24-h ambulatory BP measurements to detect AF and paroxysmal AF, respectively.

Conclusions

Office BP devices can be used clinically to screen for AF in high-risk populations. Clinical trials are needed to determine the effect of AF screening using office BP devices in reducing stroke risk and mortality. Further studies are also required to guide out-of-office use of BP devices for detecting paroxysmal AF or AF.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022319541, PROSPERO CRD42022319541.