Priority Areas - Anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation: Intro
AF is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, with 750,000 patients in Wales living with the condition. AF causes around 20% of strokes, however this can be reduced by two thirds if people are anticoagulated.
This priority area contains a number of measures looking at the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelets in patients with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, with the aim of ensuring that patients are appropriately treated and receive a review of their anticoagulant medication. These indicators support the implementation of a number of the quality statements produced by NICE in relation to atrial fibrillation. In addition, the indicators align with the Stop a Stroke project aim to support health boards in Wales in the initiation of a sustainable approach to reviewing the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of having a stroke.