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 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)
Author Sub-editor: Dr Justin Chiong Dr Justin Chiong is an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow and Cardiology Registrar in the North West Deanery. He graduated from
Author Heartbeat Sub-Editor: Marina Zafeiri Dr Marina Zafeiri is an IMT3 in the Wessex deanery, with a strong interest in Cardiology. She graduated from Athens
Author Heartbeat Sub-Editor: Toby MacCarthy Author: Toby MacCarthy
Author Heartbeat Sub-Editor: Toby MacCarthy Author: Toby MacCarthy
