The ACC has issued new guidance on practical approaches for arrhythmia monitoring after stroke, offering clinicians tailored strategies to improve post-stroke care by identifying and managing atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other arrhythmias linked to recurrent stroke risk.

The 2024 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on Practical Approaches for Arrhythmia Monitoring After Stroke, published in JACC, emphasizes personalized approaches to arrhythmia monitoring, utilizing advanced technologies such as medical-grade and consumer-grade cardiac monitors, and integrating multidisciplinary expertise to optimize patient outcomes.

"There is growing consensus on the role of cardiac rhythm monitoring in patients after a stroke that is informed by outcomes of several recent landmark trials," said Michael T. Spooner, MD, MBA, FACC, writing committee chair. "Although improved monitoring leads to improved detection of arrhythmia after a stroke, there remains less clarity on the effect this detection has on secondary stroke prevention."

The ECDP includes comprehensive guidance for arrhythmia detection based on stroke subtype, leveraging extended and implantable cardiac monitors where appropriate; detailed evaluation of medical- and consumer-grade monitoring devices to support clinicians in selecting the right tools for individual patients; emphasis on collaboration between clinicians and patients to personalize monitoring strategies and treatment plans.