Thromboembolic risk and oral anticoagulation in subclinical atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Availability of devices capable of continuous rhythm monitoring such as smartwatches, implantable loop recorders, or pacemakers/defibrillators is continuously increasing. Importantly, device detected “subclinical” atrial fibrillation seems to convey a significantly lower risk of thromboembolism than “clinical” atrial fibrillation verified by a conventional ECG recording. While current guidelines indicate a possible role of oral anticoagulation in selected high-risk patients with subclinical AF, recent trials show an ambiguous risk/benefit relationship of anticoagulation in this setting. The present review therefore summarizes current data on the role of oral anticoagulation in subclinical AF, aims at aiding in the decision process of anticoagulation, and illustrates current gaps in evidence regarding subclinical AF.