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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

[Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation with systematic screening using tele-ECG--relevance for anticoagulation in

M Patten1

  • 1Universitäres Herzzentrum Hamburg, III. Med. Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie
|September 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Many atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes are silent and undetected by symptoms. Anticoagulation is crucial for paroxysmal AF patients, regardless of antiarrhythmic drug use, based on individual risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Context:

  • Event recorder monitoring is vital for diagnosing rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • A study monitored over 1000 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF using daily and symptom-triggered ECG self-monitoring.
  • Patient symptoms are unreliable for detecting AF episodes.

Purpose:

  • To assess the incidence of AF episodes in patients undergoing self-monitoring.
  • To evaluate the role of symptoms and antiarrhythmic therapy in AF detection.
  • To inform anticoagulation strategies for paroxysmal AF.

Summary:

  • Over 50% of AF episodes were asymptomatic, indicating symptoms are not reliable indicators.
  • Antiarrhythmic therapy did not prevent all AF episodes and could increase silent episodes by lowering heart rate.
  • Effective anticoagulation should be considered for paroxysmal AF patients irrespective of antiarrhythmic medication.

Impact:

  • Highlights the high prevalence of asymptomatic AF, necessitating proactive detection methods.
  • Underscores the importance of considering anticoagulation for paroxysmal AF patients based on thromboembolic risk, age, and comorbidities.
  • Informs clinical decisions regarding anticoagulation choices (e.g., coumarin derivatives, aspirin) for AF management.

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