Stroke prevention in atrial fibrilliation: How can we improve management in primary care?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important – yet preventable – cause of stroke. About 12,500 strokes each year are thought to be directly attributable to AF.1 Cost-benefit analysis from the Department of Health suggests that for stroke patients with AF there are about 4,300 deaths in hospital, 3,200 discharges to residential care and 8,500 deaths in the first year.

Prim Care Cardiovasc J 2011;4(suppl 1): S1–S6