Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be asymptomatic and, sometimes, the condition is only identified when a person has had an AF-related stroke. For this reason, according to GP Dr Chris Arden, ‘we need to be far more proactive and more opportunistic’ about identifying AF in primary care. This could involve performing pulse checks at flu clinics or chronic disease clinics, focusing on elderly patients given they are most at risk of developing AF.

Dr Chris Arden talks to Dawn Liz Powell, in this Clinical Update podcast episode, about the diagnosis and management of AF in primary care. He discusses the pros and cons of single-lead ECGs, how to mitigate the risk of bleeding in people on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and when to refer.

Educational objectives

After listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:

• Review the opportunities for AF case finding
• Reflect on the role of lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption in triggering AF in susceptible individuals
• Discuss the emerging role of single-lead ECG technologies identifying AF
• How to mitigate the risk of bleeding in people on DOACs
• Recognise the importance of continuing anticoagulation in frail, older people

You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.

Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.

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