General Information

When assessing atrial fibrillation stroke risk treat all types of AF whether symptomatic or asymptomatic paroxysmal, persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation.

If on aspirin and/ or other antiplatelet agent and an oral anticoagulant in combination after an acute MI or stent, stop the antiplatelet agent when 12 months from most recent cardiac event, unless other recommendations have been made by a cardiologist (check hospital correspondence).

The older the patient, the higher the stroke risk and the greater the benefit from anticoagulation.

Aspirin monotherapy is not recommended solely for stroke prevention in AF.

Use an audit tool such as RAID-R or other primary care search tool to check on the quality of management.

For patients with mitral stenosis and mechanical heart valves use warfarin NOT a DOAC.

Ensure patients have written information and understand their anticoagulation and carry an anticoagulant alert card or warfarin booklet.