Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The population prevalence of AF ranges from 2.3 to 3.4% and is estimated to double by 2050 as we approach epidemic levels.1 AF is a major, complex and challenging risk factor for stroke. It is estimated that about 20% of all strokes are a consequence of AF. AF-related strokes affect more of the brain, are usually more severe and are associated with greater levels of disability with poorer outcomes.2Anticoagulation is a well-established pharmacotherapy to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with AF; however, the rates of thromboprophylaxis remain poor,3 with only 60–70% of eligible patients receiving anticoagulation drugs
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 178-180 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- anticoagulation
- Atrial fibrillation
- caregivers
- communication
- decision-making
- patient partnership
- shared decision-making