A practical NICE-based framework

Atrial fibrillation (AF) may cause palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness or fatigue. However, some people have no symptoms.

Early detection matters because AF increases the risk of thromboembolic stroke. Primary care has a central role in finding AF, confirming the rhythm and ensuring that eligible patients receive anticoagulation.

Watch the A4Medicine video:
AF Detection and Stroke Prevention: A Practical Primary Care Framework based on NICE guidance.

The video is best supported by a focused NICE-based companion article rather than duplicating the existing general AF pages. The current NICE guideline remains NG196, published on 27 April 2021 and last updated on 30 June 2021. (Nice)

Publishing details

Page title: Atrial Fibrillation Detection and Stroke Prevention in Primary Care
SEO title: AF Detection and Stroke Prevention | Primary Care
Suggested slug: atrial-fibrillation-detection-stroke-prevention-primary-care
Meta description: A practical NICE-based guide to detecting AF, confirming the diagnosis, assessing stroke and bleeding risk, and starting anticoagulation safely.
Category: Cardiovascular medicine
Tags: Atrial fibrillation, AF, stroke prevention, anticoagulation, DOAC, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, ORBIT, primary care
Review date: July 2026

Atrial Fibrillation Detection and Stroke Prevention in Primary Care

A practical NICE-based framework

Atrial fibrillation (AF) may cause palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness or fatigue. However, some people...