2006/033 New guidelines to identify and treat ‘hidden disease'

New guidelines launched today aim to increase the identification and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) - a ‘hidden disease' that affects over one in ten people over 75 - and which is the commonest sustained cardiac rhythm disorder. The condition is important to diagnose early as it is a major risk factor for stroke - people with AF have a one in twenty chance of having a stroke. The new guidance will help GPs and other healthcare professionals recognise and treat AF.