[Diagnosis and therapeutic options in atrial fibrillation]

For the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, it is mandatory to make an ECG during the arrhythmia. In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation this can be challenging. Consumer wearables such as smart watches with automated AF detection can be helpful for diagnosing even asymptomatic AF, as long as they offer the possibility to record a one lead ECG rhythm strip. Once AF is diagnosed, therapeutic decisions, such as rate-control versus rhythm-control and start of oral anticoagulation therapy need to be made on an individual basis in each patient. The present manuscript deals with frequently asked questions encountered in daily practice of treating patients with AF.