Atrial fibrillation and stroke risk

Researchers have developed a new way of identifying patients at risk of an irregular heartbeat, known as 'atrial fibrillation'. While not life threatening, the condition increases people's risk of having a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke by up to five times. A new study reveals four specific factors that can predict which patients will have atrial fibrillation. These include older age, higher diastolic blood pressure and problems with both the coordination and function of the upper left chamber of the heart. The team went on to create an easy tool for doctors to use in practice to identify those at high risk. And they hope that this will help diagnose and treat more patients, reducing their risk of future strokes.