[Looking for atrial fibrillation--several reasons for screening].

Atrial fibrillation fulfils most of the World Health Organization's criteria for a condition suitable for population screening, mainly due to its high undetected prevalence and increased risk for ischaemic stroke. The risk of ischaemic stroke is increased 5-fold in individuals with atrial fibrillation, regardless of type of atrial fibrillation, a risk that can be reduced with up to 70 % by oral anticoagulant treatment. Clarification is needed with regards to which population will benefit most from screening, the duration of screening necessary and health economics. Several studies show that AF is detected to a greater extent after ischaemic stroke if the duration of screening is increased. Swedish stroke guidelines need to be revised in order to reflect this.