Risk stratification in the management of atrial fibrillation in the community

This study assessed whether risk stratification in patients with atrial fib rillation (AF) in the community had a bearing on the likelihood of receivin g aspirin or warfarin therapy. Seven hundred and fifty patients were identi fied from 14 practices by means of diagnostic READ codes or repeat prescrip tions for digoxin from practice computers. The study demonstrates that gene ral practitioners appreciate the importance of antithrombotic therapy in pa tients who have suffered stroke, but take poor account of increasing age an d other independent risk factors. A more proactive approach to risk identif ication and treatment seems justified.