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Atrial fibrillation - Management
How should I assess stroke risk in a person with atrial fibrillation?
- Assess the person's risk of stroke using the following criteria:
- High risk of stroke:
- Previous ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack or thromboembolic event.
- 75 years of age or more with risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease).
- Clinical evidence of valve disease or heart failure, or impaired left ventricular function on echocardiography.
- Moderate risk of stroke:
- 65 years of age or more without risk factors.
- Less than 75 years of age with risk factors.
- Low risk of stroke:
- Less than 65 years of age without risk factors.
- The CHADS2 tool can be used to calculate the risk of stroke (see assessing stroke risk for more details).
- Risk factors have a cumulative effect on stroke risk; this should be considered when discussing treatment options (see Which antithrombotic treatment).
- If uncertain about the person's risk of stroke, consider referral to a cardiologist.
In depth
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