Chapters authored
Atrial Fibrillation and the Role of Thumb ECGs
Atrial fibrillation (AF) may be underdiagnosed, and there is much that remains unknown about this prevalent and potentially life-threatening arrhythmia. AF epidemiology has been thwarted in part by the fact that about a third of patients with AF have no symptoms, those with symptoms may experience them intermittently or have vague symptoms, and it can be challenging to capture an episode on a 12-lead ECG, which is required for diagnosis. There are many significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of AF etiology and progression. A new user-friendly device that allows for frequent self-monitoring of the heart rhythm has been introduced. With the thumb ECG, patients can record a tracing multiple times a day. A smartphone app will soon allow them to interact with their healthcare providers about these ECG recordings. An ECG parser will allow for an algorithm-directed, rapid, automatic interpretation of these recordings with high specificity and sensitivity. This may help researchers learn more about the so-called silent AF, AF progression (and possible remission), and risk factors for AF. This technology holds great promise for patient care as well as for research into AF.
Part of the book: Cardiac Pacing and Monitoring