Detecting Atrial Fibrillation after Cryptogenic Stroke – NICE Guideline Update
Cryptogenic strokes (including transient ischaemic attack [TIA]) have no identified probable cause after diagnostic assessment, and account for around 15% to 40% of ischaemic strokes. When people are treated for stroke, they are also tested for atrial fibrillation. However, if they have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, it may not occur during the initial assessment, or during subsequent diagnostic tests. Implantable cardiac monitors can identify atrial fibrillation and are helpful for identifying paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in people who have had a cryptogenic stroke.
Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2021
