Update Management of Patients with Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation

Authors

  • Komsing Methavigul Department of Cardiology, Central Chest Institute of Thailand

Keywords:

atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, anticoagulant

Abstract

Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is defined as atrial high-rate episode (AHRE) in cardiovascular implantableelectronic devices (CIEDs) confirmed as AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia. In addition, there are other commercializedor medical equipment which can detect subclinical AF such as Apple watch, Zio® XT patch, Holter/event monitor,and implantable loop recorder (ILR) (e.g., Reveal LINQ®). These smartwatches have been studied in several previoustrials. They can detect AF by using pulse photoplethysmography. If they detect an irregular pulse, they will illustratethe possible AF which should be confirmed by the 12-lead electrocardiography. Previous trials have shown thatAF may be a risk marker or a direct cause of ischemic stroke. Up to now, there has been a lack of data regardinganticoagulants in patients with subclinical AF. According to American Heart Association (AHA), European Society ofCardiology (ESC), and Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), consideration of a stroke risk by using CHA2DS2-VASc score, and AHRE/AF burden is recommended and should be practiced in order to decide whether patients withsubclinical AF should be prescribed anticoagulants.

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Published

28-12-2022

How to Cite

1.
Methavigul K. Update Management of Patients with Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation. J DMS [Internet]. 2022 Dec. 28 [cited 2024 Nov. 22];47(4):154-61. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JDMS/article/view/257235

Issue

Vol. 47 No. 4 (2022): October-December 2022

Section

Refresher Course

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Copyright (c) 2022 Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health

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