Atrial fibrillation: role of the healthcare assistant in treatment and management

The number of people with atrial fibrillation is rising in line with an ageing population. In the UK, there are about 1 million people who have been diagnosed with the condition. People with atrial fibrillation have a 40% risk of developing heart failure and a 20% risk of having a stroke. This article discusses the main symptoms of atrial fibrillation, treatment and management, and the role of the healthcare assistant in caring for people with the condition.