14th October 2025

Catastrophic avoidable stroke: why do we need to learn about Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?

An abnormal heart rhythm is classified as an arrhythmia—a disruption in the normal electrical conduction of the heart. Among arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, and it arises from chaotic and uncoordinated electrical signals within the atria.

AF is classified based on the duration and persistence of arrhythmic episodes. The main types include paroxysmal AF, which terminates spontaneously within 7 days; persistent AF, which lasts longer than 7 days and typically requires intervention; and permanent AF, where rhythm control is not attempted or fails, and the arrhythmia is accepted as ongoing.

AF brings with it a 4-5-fold increased risk of embolic ischaemic stroke, which tends to be more severe and disabling. 9 out of 10 strokes are preventable; the burden of strokes on health resources is considerable and can be mitigated by prevention aligning with the Government Fit for the Future 10 Year Health Plan.

However, many cases of AF remain undetected as a consequence of its often non-specific symptomatology. Furthermore, socioeconomic, ethnic, and geographical inequalities exist in the identification of cases and in the application and uptake of stroke prevention. These must be addressed. The Government’s Fit for the Future, 10 Year Plan for England, recognises large inequalities in access to resources, pledging to narrow the gap with an NHS designed to address inequalities in both access and outcome. As healthcare professionals work to tackle healthcare inequalities across the UK, knowing about the ways to detect AF and innovative new ways of case finding are important parts of stroke prevention.

Are you confident in identifying AF and supporting stroke prevention?

Are you confident in assessing AF and supporting stroke prevention?

Education for Health has developed a 30-credit Level 7 module, designed for nurses, advanced clinical practitioners, and primary care professionals involved in the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and management of AF and stroke across the cardiovascular care continuum.

The curriculum supports the development of advanced clinical reasoning, leadership capabilities, and critical appraisal skills grounded in the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice. Learners will explore the underlying pathophysiology of AF, the early signs and management of stroke and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs), and key strategies for both prevention and rehabilitation.

Find out more about our Atrial Fibrillation Level 7 module. 

You can also register NOW for our FREE upcoming webinar to find out more about atrial fibrillation.