Randomized Invitation to Systematic NT-proBNP and ECG Screening in 75-Year-Olds to Detect Atrial Fibrillation: STROKESTOP II

Guidelines have suggested screening for atrial fibrillation to enable early treatment and avoid downstream negative clinical events. We aimed to determine whether atrial fibrillation screening potentially enhanced by NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) would reduce stroke or systemic embolism incidence compared with a control group and to determine whether it was safe for those with low NT-proBNP concentrations to forfeit prolonged screening. In this randomized controlled trial, all 75- and 76-year-old individuals in Stockholm Region, Sweden, were randomized 1:1 to be invited to screening or serve as a control group. NT-proBNP concentrations were measured, and a single-lead ECG was registered only once if NT-proBNP