Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias in adults with a high number of unreported cases and increasing prevalence. AF patients have an increased risk of death and illness, for example from strokes. Strokes, on the other hand, are life-threatening events and the most common reason for permanent disability in adulthood. They are associated with considerable medical expenses. The primary and secondary prevention of a stroke in AF is therefore of great importance. It starts with treating the cause of the AF. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is also an effective medical method to prevent strokes in AF patients. This article is based on findings from the white paper “Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation” published by the IGES Institute in September 2015 and has been supplemented by information that has been published since then. The care recommendations presented in the white paper are based, among other things, on discussions with experts from the fields of cardiology, neurology, primary care, patient representation and health insurance.

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