ABSTRACT
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. The prevalence rate of AF in primary care is 1.2%. AF is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Its inclusion in the Quality and Outcomes Framework means early detection, aiming to reduce the morbidity and mortality. AF is often seen in patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension and heart failure. The risk factors can identify patients who are at high, intermediate or low risk of developing AF. The Department of Health and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence are keen to see General Practitioners (GP) ramp up the prescribing of warfarin, which the department estimates could prevent up to 10,000 strokes a year. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is to pilot indicators designed to drive up GP use of warfarin after the Department of Health estimated the move could prevent up to 10,000 strokes per year.
