Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease and the most common sustained heart arrhythmia encountered in general practice. A recent study estimated more than 60,000 Kiwi’s between the ages of 35 and 74 years were diagnosed with AF.
As the result of an ageing population and co-morbidities the prevalence of AF is projected to substantially rise. As a result, primary health care practitioners will have an increasingly important role in managing this condition in the years to come.
In this webinar, Cardiologist Dr Ralph Stewart will discuss managing atrial fibrillation in primary care.
Key topics include:
- The risk of stroke and when anticoagulation is recommended.
- Which anticoagulant at what dose?
- The importance of other heart disease, co-morbidity and frailty.
- Other important therapies.
- Rhythm and rate control.
- Could electronic decision support help?
Resources
- 2020 Guidelines for Management of Atrial Fibrillation ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines (2020)
Presenter
Prof Ralph Stewart
Ralph Stewart is a cardiologist at Auckland City Hospital, the Green Lane Cardiovascular Research Unit and the Auckland Heart Group, and an Honorary Professor of Medicine at the University of Auckland. Clinical and research interests include heart valve disease, ischaemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation and clinical trials. He is currently leading a Health Research Council funded project which aims to assist primary care management decisions for patients with atrial fibrillation using electronic decision support.
