Provides a general overview of the management of atrial fibrillation in general and hospital practice, emphasizing thromboembolic risk assessment and appropriate antithrombotic therapy.
Supports risk-based antithrombotic decisions in AF; leaves open integration of emerging trial data.
To identify patients with new onset atrial fibrillation * To assess thromboembolic risk and to start early treatment with antithrombotic drugs-warfarin will be needed for most patients, while aspirin may be suitable for patients aged <65 years with no cardiac risk factors or structural heart disease * To help to monitor treatment with anticoagulants * To refer appropriate patients to a cardiologist for further assessment (including echocardiography) and consideration of cardioversion * To be aware of potential drug interactions and toxicity with antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulants
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Lip et al. (1996) studied this question.