What are the treatment guidelines for atrial fibrillation?

Medical guidelines are written by a panel of experts to document the science that helps medical experts choose the right treatments. The guidelines spell out what is proven most helpful to the greatest number of people. Although the guidelines for atrial fibrillation are about 150 pages long, there are some basic decisions outlined in the treatment guidelines that every AF patient should understand.   

1. How will I prevent stroke?  
 

2. Do I need aspirin or warfarin therapy? 
            Are there additional lifestyle modifications important for stroke prevention? 
            What is my C.H.A.D.S. risk? 
                                 Congestive heart failure 
                                 Hypertension 
                                 Age (75 or greater) 
                                 Diabetes 
                                 Stroke (prior episode)
            Depending on your risk, you will likely either need aspirin or warfarin. 

     Is it essential that my heart be brought back into proper rhythm?
            If no, talk about rate control and future monitoring.
     If the AF rate is not controlled, you can develop heart failure. 
            If yes, discuss your options: medications, ablation procedure or surgery.  

Print our simplified treatment guidelines chart.