Relevance of Monitoring Atrial Fibrillation in Clinical Practice

Abstract

The monitoring of atrial fibrillation (AF) is performed using a variety of tools, ranging from the conventional Holter electrocardiogram to modern implantable loop recording with remote data exchange. The main clinical areas in AF where monitoring is crucial for decision-making are catheter and surgical ablation, as well as anticoagulation to prevent strokes. Identifying the patient cohort at risk - e.g., those with subclinical silent AF - is a challenge. In addition, the interaction of AF with implanted devices - e.g. AF-triggered inadequate shock therapy - should be the object of continuous monitoring. The prevention of inadequate shock delivery in particular is of major clinical importance.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; implantable cardiac monitor; implantable cardioverter defibrillator; pacemaker; remote monitoring; rhythm monitoring.