Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia,[1] affecting approximately 5% of individuals over 55 years.[2] AF significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and overall mortality. Individuals who develop AF frequently have coexisting medical conditions and cardiovascular risk factors.
The cornerstones of AF management include addressing comorbidities and precipitating factors, stroke prevention with anticoagulants, and arrhythmia management.[1]
Many patients with AF are asymptomatic.[1] The current recommendation is for opportunistic screening of AF, ie by pulse palpation during a consultation for all patients aged ≥65 years or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders ≥50 years of age.[3,4]
Patients commonly present to GPs or to emergency departments with AF. Initial management for many of these patients can be safely done by the GP (eg, those with a controlled ventricular rate and no other significant heart disease).[1]
A targeted history and physical examination should be performed at the initial assessment and, at regular intervals, the risk of thromboembolism needs to be reviewed, and the need for anticoagulants reassessed for those who have not commenced anticoagulant treatment.[5]
Patients with AF can be asymptomatic or present with:
Asymptomatic AF is common and may only be detected during routine examination or investigation for another condition.
Common variants of AF [1]
Confirmation with an ECG (12-lead, multiple, or single leads) is recommended to establish the diagnosis of clinical AF and commence risk stratification and treatment.[6]
Key findings:
irregular RR intervals (hallmark of AF)
absence of distinct P waves
fibrillatory (f) waves in leads V1 and II
AF
P wave
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_fibrillation#/media/File:Afib_ecg.jpg |
Note: wearable devices are gaining popularity with many smart watches and other fitness trackers now containing technology that tracks irregular heart rates and warns wearers about possible AF. Some of these devices use light (photoplethysmography), which are not accurate in forming a diagnosis and others use a single-lead ECG, which although more accurate, still requires a 12 lead ECG interpreted by a physician for confirmation.[6]
A thorough assessment is required to identify and treat any reversible triggers and comorbidities linked to recurrence and progression of AF. Lifestyle factors include excess body weight, excess alcohol intake, and physical inactivity. Comorbidities are listed below.[6]
Heart failure |
Sepsis |
Elevated blood pressure |
Hyperthyroidism |
Valvular heart disease |
Surgical stress |
Myocardial ischaemia |
Obstructive sleep apnoea |
Diabetes mellitus |
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE):
chamber size, thickness, function, and the presence of valvular pathology
this impacts the decision for anti-arrhythmic therapy, including catheter ablation, and choice of oral anticoagulant
accessibility to TTE might be limited or delayed in the primary care setting, but this should not delay treatment initiation
Thyroid function:
clinical and subclinical hyperthyroidism, as well as subclinical hypothyroidism, are associated with an increased risk of AF
Renal function and serum electrolytes:
identify electrolyte imbalances (eg, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia) that may precipitate AF
assists in gauging CrCl/ eGFR for renally adjusted dosing of anticoagulants
Full blood count (FBC):
identify infection or inflammatory triggers (eg, pneumonia, pericarditis)
Liver function:
guides decision to anticoagulate and selection of oral anticoagulant
Glucose/ HbA1c:
diabetes and higher HbA1c levels are associated with greater AF recurrence
Note: AF itself does not increase the likelihood of myocardial ischemia, acute coronary syndrome or pulmonary embolism, and therefore routine testing for these disorders in the absence of signs or symptoms is of no benefit.[5]
Consider opportunistic screening in patients ≥65 years of age OR Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients ≥50
Confirm AF diagnosis with ECG
Assess and correct underlying comorbidities and possible AF precipitants
Routinely request outlined investigations and imaging to guide treatment
1. Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Therapeutic Guidelines[Internet]. 2023. (last viewed March 2025).
2. Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts, Atrial fibrillation [Internet]. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2024. (last viewed March 2025)
3. National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and The Royal Australian College of, General Practitioners. National guide to preventive health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Fourth Chapter [Internet]. 2024. (last viewed March 2025)
4. RACGP. Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice 10th edition [Internet]. 2024. (last viewed March 2025)
5. Joglar JA, Chung MK, Armbruster AL, Benjamin EJ, Chyou JY, Cronin EM, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2024;83(1):109–279.
6. Van Gelder IC, Rienstra M, Bunting KV, Casado-Arroyo R, Caso V, Crijns HJGM, et al. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS): Developed by the task force for the management of atrial fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC. Endorsed by the European Stroke Organisation (ESO). Eur Heart J. 2024;45(36):3314–414.
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Too many patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and an elevated risk of stroke are missing out on appropriate long-term anticoagulation, and this puts them at unacceptable risk of catastrophic stroke and death. This makes early detection, use of validated stroke and bleeding risk assessment tools, and prompt initiation of anticoagulation essential.
MBS item 23 is one of the most commonly used item numbers in general practice - but also features frequently in Medicare compliance issues. Clear up your confusion with this FastTrack fact sheet, including a breakdown of its key features and common compliance pitfalls. Earn 30mins RP and 30mins EA CPD with completion of the quiz.