Atrial Fibrillation: A Common but Risky Rhythm
Anticoagulation prevents most strokes linked to AF.
Dr. Marc Aubry
Cardiologist
Palpitations, breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness. Many cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally.
Diagnosis
ECG confirms the rhythm. Wearable devices and smartwatches increasingly detect undiagnosed AF.
Stroke prevention
CHA2DS2-VASc score guides anticoagulation. DOACs (apixaban, rivaroxaban) have largely replaced warfarin for most patients.
Rhythm versus rate
Early rhythm control (cardioversion, antiarrhythmics, catheter ablation) increasingly favoured in symptomatic or recent-onset AF.
Untreated sleep apnea, obesity and alcohol excess fuel AF: addressing them reduces recurrence.
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