Discharge Toolkit For Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Over 2 million Americans currently suffer from atrial fibrillation; this number is expected to rise to over 12 million by 2050.  The main goals for managing atrial fibrillation are to reduce symptoms and lower the risk of ischemic stroke. Atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor for stroke, carrying a risk of approximately five-fold compared to patients without atrial fibrillation. The pro-thrombotic effect of atrial fibrillation comes from several mechanisms; specifically, cardiac flow abnormalities that result in stasis in the left atrium, and changes in both the vessel walls and blood constituents.

The Toolkit comes in two versions: one geared towards providers and one for patients. The provider version discusses the importance of assessing stroke risk and walks users through the CHADS2 stratification formula. The patient version explains the risks associated with atrial fibrillation, provides information about treatment, and suggests prevention and management strategies.

Additional information on atrial fibrillation, stroke risk and treatment

Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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