Clinical Resources

July 1, 2011—Developed as a joint project with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), a diverse panel of experts in pacemaker and defibrillator management focused on medical procedures that might interfere with cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) function.

This document was reaffirmed on June 16, 2021, and will be formally assessed by June 2026.

April 26, 2011—On October 18, 2010, HRS convened the Relationships with Industry Task Force to consider whether it should continue to collaborate with industry, why collaboration may be important, and to set parameters around industry collaboration. The Task Force concluded that collaboration with industry on research and innovation is required to achieve HRS’ mission. Nevertheless, because the potential for actual or perceived bias or conflict of interest does exist, it is necessary to establish strict ethical standards to protect the credibility of HRS and its members.

 This document has been retired because it is no longer current.

February 14, 2011—This guideline update states that dabigatran, a new antithrombotic agent that was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is an alternative to warfarin to help prevent dangerous blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. The update is a joint publication of the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS). 

 This document has been retired and replaced by 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

See also 2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Focused Update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

December 20, 2010—This guideline update focuses on several areas in which new data on management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have become available, including a) recommendations for strict versus lenient heart rate control, b) combined use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, and c) use of dronedarone.

 This document has been retired and replaced by 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

See also 2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Focused Update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

November 30, 2010—The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) jointly presented a workshop featuring experts in cardiac electrophysiology on September 29–30, 2009, in Washington, DC. The workshop explored emerging approaches for improved prediction and prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). This special report outlines the expert consensus, identifies knowledge gaps, and makes six specific research recommendations.

September 21, 2010—This statement is the result of a collaborative effort with interventional cardiologists and electrophysiology members from the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS). The document outlines and recommends standards for medical practitioners to use when performing and broadcasting live cardiovascular case demonstrations at medical meetings.

August 31, 2010—A new study on overall workforce trends in the field of cardiac electrophysiology (EP) reveals an increasing demand for EP professionals resulting from shifting demographic trends, evolving health reform policies, and improved procedural outcomes. The study, commissioned in 2009 by the Heart Rhythm Society, provides data from nearly 700 respondents, including EPs, allied professionals, and basic scientists currently working within the field of cardiac electrophysiology. It found substantial growth in the overall volume and complexity of cardiac procedures performed in the past decade.

May 17, 2010—This document was developed in collaboration with and endorsed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), the American Heart Association (AHA), the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA). It focuses on patients nearing the end of life and addresses patients who have made a decision for CIED deactivation at other times, as well as the rights and responsibilities of clinicians (and others, such as industry-employed allied professionals) who may not wish to perform deactivation.

This document was reaffirmed on March 15, 2023 and will be formally assessed again in 2028.

February 8, 2010—The purpose of this scientific statement is to raise awareness among those who care for patients in hospital units about the risk, ECG monitoring, and management of drug-induced LQTS.

January 1, 2010—This guide was adapted from the ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. The guide is intended to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation.

 This document has been retired because it is no longer current.