Atrial fibrillation: An update

Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac arrhythmia that may affect up to 2% of the population, with over 10% of those over the age of 80 potentially affected.¹ This reflects the fact that there is an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation with older age. Atrial fibrillation is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of stroke caused by thromboembolism.¹ Indeed, 12,500 strokes per year in the UK may be due to atrial fibrillation and some may be preventable in those patients on anticoagulation.¹ It can be asymptomatic or may present with chest pain, palpitations and/or shortness of breath. Furthermore, atrial fibrillation may cause heart failure.