Atrial Fibrillation Detected by Continuous ECG Monitoring (LOOP)

The LOOP study aims to clarify whether stroke and peripheral emboli can be prevented by monitoring the heart rhythm with a small device (called a loop recorder). The recorder which is placed under the skin on the front of the chest wall allows monitoring of the heart rhythm 24-hours a day 7 days a week.

The study has 6,000 participants with risk factors for stroke (age >70 years, and at least one of the diseases: diabetes, hypertension, heart failure or previous stroke) but without a history of atrial fibrillation, of which 1,500 will have a loop recorder implanted and 4,500 will be included in a control group. Participants are randomised to receive a loop recorder or not (control).

If a participant has atrial fibrillation of more than 6 min duration the study participant will start oral anticoagulation therapy according to local guidelines.