Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2025

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

33.5K

[Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation : Screening and therapy]

Melanie Gunawardene1, Jens Hartmann2, Stephan Willems2

  • 1Klinik für Kardiologie und internistische Intensivmedizin, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Lohmühlenstr. 5, 20099, Hamburg, Deutschland. melanie.gunawardene@gmail.com.

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie
|March 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening using new technology may enable early detection and treatment, potentially reducing stroke risks and healthcare costs. However, current evidence is inconclusive, and routine screening is not yet recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Technology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia with significant healthcare implications.
  • Early detection and treatment of AF can prevent severe complications like stroke.
  • Wearable devices and smartwatches offer novel approaches for AF screening.

Purpose:

  • To review current literature on atrial fibrillation screening.
  • To identify gaps in evidence regarding AF screening efficacy.
  • To discuss treatment options for asymptomatic AF patients.

Summary:

  • Accessible technologies like wearables facilitate AF screening, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
  • While promising for asymptomatic cases, conclusive data on population-wide AF screening is lacking, leading to current non-recommendation by the European Society of Cardiology.
  • Recent studies suggest benefits of early anticoagulation and rhythm control in asymptomatic AF, warranting further investigation.

Impact:

  • Informing clinical practice and public health policy regarding AF screening strategies.
  • Highlighting the potential of technological advancements in managing cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Guiding future research to address evidence gaps in asymptomatic AF management.

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationCardiac arrhythmiasCatheter ablationOral anticoagulationWearables

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

83.8K
Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology10:46

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology

Published on: May 26, 2015

13.4K

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
43
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
61
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
21
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
15
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
14
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
16