Update on the management of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia, with a prevalence that increases markedly with increasing age. Presence of AF has implications for management of future stroke risk. If the patient's pulse is irregular, an electrocardiogram should be ordered. Key management decisions are whether to adopt a rhythm control or a rate control strategy and whether to initiate anticoagulation. The primary aim of a rhythm control strategy is improved symptom control. AF ablation may be considered in younger patients (aged < 65 years) with paroxysmal or early persistent AF. AF increases the risk of stroke, and anticoagulation should be considered on the basis of stroke risk - clearly indicated with a CHADS 2 score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes, 1 point each; previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack, 2 points) of ≥ 2 - independent of the type of AF. In most patients with AF, the benefit of stroke reduction with systemic anticoagulation will outweigh its bleeding risks. All anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents increase the risk of bleeding. However, the new oral anticoagulants tend to have an improved safety profile, particularly in regard to intracranial bleeding, and are at least as effective as warfarin for stroke prevention.