Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common recurrent heart arrhythmia in Australians aged 55 and over, contributing to nearly 10% of all deaths in 2022.
While oral anticoagulants can reduce stroke risk by 64% and death by 26%, their use remains suboptimal, with only 55.2% of high-risk patients receiving them in 2018. This gap is due to concerns about bleeding, inconsistent guidelines, and knowledge gaps in screening and management. Improved early detection, patient education, and a clearer understanding of the benefits and modifiable bleeding risks are crucial for better treatment outcomes.
This special edition of check written by the QUM Alliance explores the safe use of oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation, featuring diverse clinical cases covering various aspects of AF management.
