Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation : Screening and therapy

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting millions of people worldwide and poses asignificant burden to the health care system. AF screening of the general population or of aspecific higher-risk population could not only lead to earlier detection of AF but also to aprompt initiation of an adequate therapy to prevent complications such as stroke or death and consecutively to apotential reduction of health care costs, especially in asymptomatic AF patients. To conduct screening programs, accessible new technology devices such as "wearables", smartwatches, and implantable event recorders provide an innovative solution. However, as data regarding screening are inconclusive, routine AF screening of the population is currently not recommended by the European Society of Cardiology. Recently published studies have indicated that anticoagulation and early rhythm control of asymptomatic AF could avoid occurrence of clinical endpoints. This article reports on the scientific results of the current literature as well as gaps of evidence and discusses possible treatment options of asymptomatic AF.