Atrial fibrillation interactive tools from the guidelines
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Atrial fibrillation interactive tools from the guidelines

These tools and algorithms are for healthcare professionals and have been developed from the Australian Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation 2018.

These are the first Australian guidelines on atrial fibrillation (AF) produced by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). They’ve been developed to assist Australian healthcare practitioners in the management of adult patients with AF.  
 
The tools and algorithms from the clinical guidelines are available now on the Smart Heart Guidelines App or as printable versions below.  

AF tools and algorithms 

The Australian clinical guidelines recommend using a CHA2DS2-VA score to assess stroke risk in patients with non-valvular AF.  
Stroke risk factors may change over time because of ageing or development of new comorbidities.

Hence, annual review of low-risk patients is recommended to ensure that risk is adequately characterised to guide oral anticoagulant therapy.

See Section 6.1 Prediction of Stroke Risk of the clinical guidelines for further information.  

Download Table 3 (PDF)
This figure discusses and provides recommendations for anticoagulation. See Section 6.3 Stroke Prevention with Anticoagulation of the clinical guidelines for further information.  

Download Figure 1 (PDF)
Figure 2 provides guidance on electrical cardioversion. See Section 4.5.2 Role of Echocardiography in Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation, Section 5.1 Acute Rate Control, Section 5.3 Rhythm Control and Section 6.3.4.6 Anticoagulation for Cardioversion of the clinical guidelines for further information.  

The Australian clinical guidelines recommend a rhythm-control or rate-control strategy should be selected, documented and communicated for all AF patients. This strategy should be reviewed regularly.  

Download Figure 2 (PDF)
Figure 3 provides recommendations for acute rate control of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. 
 
Figure 4 provides recommendations for chronic rate control of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. 
Figure 5 provides recommendations for long-term rhythm control strategies. See Section 5. Arrhythmia management of the clinical guidelines for further details.  
 
Figure 6 discusses stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. See Section 6.3 Stroke Prevention with Anticoagulation for further information.  
Figure 7 summaries the management of bleeding for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant treated patients. See Section 6.3.2 Management of Bleeding of the clinical guidelines for further information.  
 
See Section 6.3.3 Combining Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet agents of the clinical guidelines for further information. An integrated care approach using patient education and available e-health tools and resources should be delivered by a multidisciplinary team.  
 
Figure 9 discusses the fundamentals of integrated care in the management of atrial fibrillation. 
 

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