Abstract: . . .  suggested: 1. The practice should have a register of patients with AF 2. % patients with atrial fibrillation who are currently treated with anti-platelet or anticoagulant therapy (unless a contra-indication or side effects are recorded) 3. % patients over 70 who have been checked for AF Rationale Consistent with new chapter of the coronary heart disease NSF on arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death NICE guideline due to be published in 2006 Atrial fibrillation is common, and an important cause of morbidity and mortality Relevant to stroke mortality targets Comment Age specific prevalence of atrial fibrillation is rising, presumably due to improved survival of people with coronary heart disease (the commonest . . .
. . .  stroke and efficacy of antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation : analysis of pooled data from five randomised controlled trials. Arch Intern Med 1994; 154 :1449-57. 5 Antithrombotic trialists collaboration. Collaborative meta-analysis of randomised trials of antiplatelet therapy for prevention of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in high risk patients. BMJ 2002; 324:71-86. 6 Van Walraven C et al. Oral anticoagulants vs aspirin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation : an individual patient meta-analysis. JAMA 2002; 288 : 2441-8. 7 Mant J et al. Protocol for Birmingham Atrial Fibrillation Treatment of the Aged study (BAFTA): a randomised controlled trial of warfarin versus aspirin for . . .
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