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module menu icon Key facts

  • Around 2.5 per cent of the population has atrial fibrillation (AF) although not all these patients are currently diagnosed
  • There is a five-fold increase risk of stroke in patients with AF. Appropriate use of anticoagulation is key to reducing the mortality and morbidity of AF-related strokes
  • An assessment of stroke/bleeding risk should be undertaken and where appropriate anticoagulation should be offered to reduce stroke risk
  • Increasingly, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are offered as the first choice anticoagulant for patients with non-valvular AF. The dosage should reflect the licensed dose and take into account the patient’s renal function
  • Warfarin should continue to be prescribed if the patient has a mechanical heart valve, moderate to severe mitral stenosis, or prefers to use the drug
  • Where warfarin is prescribed for AF, the target INR is usually 2.5 +/-0.5. The time in therapeutic range should be evaluated, aiming for a value of at least 65 per cent
  • Supporting patient education and adherence to anticoagulation is a key role for community pharmacy teams