Stroke risk in patients with implanted cardiac devices

摘要

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with embolic stroke. AF can be asymptomatic and the first detection of AF may be from the stored electrograms of cardiac implantable electronic devices. These devices can digitally record and store intracardiac electrograms that satisfy criteria for AF. Current guidelines do not address management of device-detected AF and, in particular, whether these episodes should prompt the initiation of anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy. This article reviews the data regarding management of device-detected AF.