Most atrial fibrillation recurrences are unrecognized: lifelong anticoagulation?(Clinical Rounds)

SNOWMASS, COLO. -- Recent studies cast doubt upon the conventional wisdom regarding how long to anticoagulate patients following cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, Dr. Bernard J. Gersh said at a conference sponsored by the American College of Cardiology.

Several studies suggest that many--perhaps most--recurrences of atrial fibrillation (AF) are silent or clinically unrecognized. This has major implications for the duration of anticoagulation required to prevent stroke following cardioversion. Much lengthier treatment may be needed than has been the standard practice based upon old studies that took into account only symptomatic atrial fibrillation recurrences, said …