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 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)
Author Sub-editor: Dr Joshua Rowland Dr Joshua Rowland is a cardiology registrar working in the North West Deanery. He graduated from the University of Manchester
Author Sub-editor: Dr Atmadeep Banerjee Dr Atmadeep Banerjee is an ST4 Cardiology Registrar in the Kent, Surrey and Sussex deanery. He graduated from Calcutta National
