Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the United Kingdom with a point prevalence of 2.5%. The diagnosis of AF is associated with a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke. These strokes are often more severe and confer a greater loss in quality of life when compared to non-AF strokes. Anticoagulation is offered to individuals deemed to be at a high risk of stroke, using internationally recognised risk scores such as CHA2-DS2-Vasc (now CHA2-DS2-VA), and reduces the risk of stroke by up to two-thirds.
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
