Atrial High Rate Episodes (AHRE) are asymptomatic flurries of increased atrial rates detected by a cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) in patients without history of clinical atrial fibrillation (AF). They are common, detected in around a third of hypertensive over 65-year-olds within the first 2.5 years of pacemaker implant (1). Their clinical significance is unclear. Should AHRE be seen as a precursor to AF? Do they contribute to thromboembolic risk? And if so, should we offer anticoagulation to these patients even in the absence of surface ECG confirmation of AF?
Author Heartbeat Sub-Editor: Dr Khin Kay Kay Kyaw I am currently working as cardiology specialist registrar ST6 at southwest peninsula region while also working as
Author Sub-editor: Dr Pok-Tin Tang Dr Pok-Tin Tang is an ST5 cardiology registrar in the Thames Valley deanery, currently undertaking a period of out of
Author Sub-editor: Dr May Hu Dr May Hu is a cardiology trainee in the North West deanery. She graduated with First Class Honours from the University
Author Sub-editor: Dr Jhiamluka Solano Dr Jhiamluka Solano is a cardiology resident doctor (ST6) in the Yorkshire and Humber Deanery, currently undertaking a DPhil (PhD)