2025 Volume 45 Issue 1 Pages 15-24
【Introduction】In Japan, a 12-lead electrocardiogram（ECG）is selectively implemented during medical checkups for individuals aged ≥75 years, based on the physician’s decision. Screening for atrial fibrillation（AF）in individuals aged ≥75 years may contribute to reducing the incidence of stroke. Implementing ECG testing as a mandatory component of medical checkups for individuals aged ≥75 years could be an effective strategy. However, the implementation status of ECG testing during medical checkups for individuals aged ≥75 years in Japan is unclear. The relationship between the status of ECG testing, the incidence of stroke, and the diagnosis of AF is also unclear.【Methods】We investigated the proportion of ECG implementation during medical checkups for individuals aged ≥75 years in each prefecture. The relationship between the proportion of ECG implementation and the number of inpatients with stroke aged ≥75 years was analyzed. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between the proportion of ECG implementation and the number of catheter ablation therapy procedures, mostly targeting AF.【Results】In many prefectures, ECG testing is conducted in only a small proportion of individuals aged ≥75 years during medical checkups. The proportion of ECG implementation during medical checkups for individuals aged ≥75 years was negatively related to the number of inpatients with stroke. On the other hand, the proportion of ECG implementation was positively related to the number of catheter ablation procedures, mostly targeting AF.【Conclusion】Routine ECG screening during medical checkups for individuals aged ≥75 years may lead to an increased number of newly diagnosed AF cases and consequently reduce the number of patients with stroke through early initiation of treatment.
