Advances in subclinical atrial fibrillation and stroke

Abstract:

Subclinical atrial fibrillation is asymptomatic short episodes of atrial fibrillation（AF），which have been termed as atrial high rate events（AHREs） in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices（CIED）. Recent clinical studies demonstrated that there was a high incidence of AHREs，which was associated with a increased risk of stroke in patients with CIED and insertable cardiac monitors. Oral anticoagulant therapy decreased the risk of stroke in AF patients，while the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in patients with subclinical AF was unknown. Besides，remote home monitoring provides an opportunity for early identification of subclinical AF. The present review will discuss the epidemiology of subclinical AF，the relationship between subclinical AF and stroke，anticoagulant therapy and remote home monitoring of subclinical AF.