Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Implantable Defibrillators

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients who have implantable defibrillators and presents some unique challenges and opportunities. AF burden can be assessed more accurately, allowing for evaluation of therapy efficacy (drugs or ablation). It remains to be shown whether home monitoring of defibrillators to detect and treat AF more quickly can reduce cardiovascular and stroke end points. One major goal will be to reduce inappropriate shocks from atrial fibrillation. Otherwise, the goals of therapy remain the same—reduction of symptoms (including heart failure exacerbation and inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies) by controlling rate or rhythm and anticoagulation for stroke prophylaxis.