Atrial fibrillation is defined as subclinical (SAF) when occurs without symptoms and is discovered only during the interrogation of permanent or temporary cardiac implant-able devices. The significant interest in this condition derives from the fact that could easily be otherwise undiagnosed, portending to a potential serious neurological and cardiovascular consequences. The diagnosis of SAF is important for both the primary form and for patients after a stroke, and an appropriate management of antithrombotic treatment becomes a central instrument of prevention. Atrial fibrillation carries a five times increase in the thromboembolic risk. The subclinical asymptomatic forms of atrial tachyarrhythmias and fibrillation, diagnosed by interrogation of implantable cardiac devices, foretell a non-irrelevant risk of stroke, significantly higher than the one for patients without rhythm disturbances. Regardless the cause, the long-lasting asymptomatic arrhythmias, in patients with a significant risk profile, predict more important consequences and can justify anticoagulant treatment, also in primary prevention settings.
Subclinical atrial fibrillation: when to give NAO?
Patti, Giuseppe;
2020-01-01
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is defined as subclinical (SAF) when occurs without symptoms and is discovered only during the interrogation of permanent or temporary cardiac implant-able devices. The significant interest in this condition derives from the fact that could easily be otherwise undiagnosed, portending to a potential serious neurological and cardiovascular consequences. The diagnosis of SAF is important for both the primary form and for patients after a stroke, and an appropriate management of antithrombotic treatment becomes a central instrument of prevention. Atrial fibrillation carries a five times increase in the thromboembolic risk. The subclinical asymptomatic forms of atrial tachyarrhythmias and fibrillation, diagnosed by interrogation of implantable cardiac devices, foretell a non-irrelevant risk of stroke, significantly higher than the one for patients without rhythm disturbances. Regardless the cause, the long-lasting asymptomatic arrhythmias, in patients with a significant risk profile, predict more important consequences and can justify anticoagulant treatment, also in primary prevention settings.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.