Guidance to prevent stroke in AF patients

New guidance has been announced by NICE which aims to prevent death and disability from stroke in people with the heart condition atrial fibrillation (AF), which causes irregular or abnormally fast heart rates. AF happens when abnormal electrical signals fire from the top chambers of the heart (the atria). The chambers contract randomly and override the heart’s natural pacemaker. The condition affects around 800,000 people in the UK; but it is thought that around 250,000 others may be undiagnosed. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue.

“AF is a major cause of stroke because it often leads to the formation of blood clots. We know that AF increases the risk of strokes by up to five times. It is estimated that the condition causes around 12,500 strokes each year,” said Professor Mark Baker, director of clinical practice, NICE.

“We also know that around 7,000 strokes and 2,000 premature deaths could be avoided every year through effective detection and protection with anticoagulant drugs that prevent blood clots forming. Unfortunately only half of those who should be getting these drugs are actually receiving them. This needs to change if we are to reduce the numbers of people with AF who die needlessly or suffer life-changing disability as a result of avoidable strokes.”