What are the treatment guidelines for atrial fibrillation?

Medical guidelines are written by a panel of experts to document the science that helps healthcare providers 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?  
    Depending on your risk, you will likely either need aspirin or warfarin or another type of anticoagulation medication.
 

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)

3. Are there options to control my heart rate and this irregular heart rhythm?   
    Based on your past medical history and risk for having a future stroke, there are several options for you and your healthcare provider to   discuss in in order to manage your AF.                       

           
    Print our simplified treatment guidelines chart.
 


This content was last reviewed on 05/30/2012.