title: ABC of atrial fibrillation. Antithrombotic treatment for atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Antithrombotic prophylaxis with long term warfarin or aspirin reduces thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation. Identification, risk assessment, and regular review of all patients with atrial fibrillation should be routine in general and hospital practice. Risk stratification is easily performed on clinical grounds--echocardiography may refine it.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Medicine, City Hospital, Birmingham.
authors.forename: G Y
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Lip
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Lowe
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D014859:Warfarin; D001241:Aspirin