Atrial fibrillation: strategies in primary care

This article describes the diagnosis, classification and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in primary care. It looks at its increasing incidence, its risk factors, and the identification and classification of this common arrhythmia. The routine investigations for AF and its treatment, including drug therapy and cardioversion, are also discussed. Finally, with AF being a major risk factor for stroke, strategies to prevent thromboembolism are considered.