Preventing strokes
Your doctor will work out your stroke risk using a score called CHA2DS2-VASc, and your bleeding risk. Most people with AF are offered an anticoagulant (blood thinner), such as:
- apixaban, edoxaban, rivaroxaban or dabigatran (known as DOACs)
- warfarin, which needs regular blood tests
Aspirin is not recommended to prevent strokes in AF.
Controlling heart rate
Medicines such as beta blockers (for example bisoprolol) or diltiazem slow a fast heartbeat. Digoxin is sometimes used.
Controlling rhythm
Some people are offered treatment to get the heart back into a normal rhythm:
- cardioversion, a controlled electric shock given under sedation
- medicines such as flecainide or amiodarone
- catheter ablation, where thin wires are passed to the heart through a vein in the groin to treat the areas causing AF
Treating other conditions
Controlling blood pressure, losing weight, treating sleep apnoea and cutting down alcohol can make AF happen less often.
Common questions
What should I know about taking a blood thinner?
Take it exactly as prescribed and do not miss doses. Tell any doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you take it. Get urgent help for bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody poo, or a head injury.
Sources we used
- NICE guideline NG196, Atrial fibrillation
- NHS, Atrial fibrillation
- British Heart Foundation, Atrial fibrillation
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