ESC Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines – explained for patients

This document is for patients with atrial fibrillation, their families and caregivers. It provides a summary of the key parts of the guidelines. It has been developed so that patients can take an active part in the care they receive for their AF and understand why they are receiving a range of different treatments. We hope it will give you knowledge and confidence when discussing different treatment options and when to seek review or advice. Contributing to your own health care and managing risk factors is key to avoiding complications that may arise from AF.

What is atrial fibrillation?

Learn more about atrial fibrillation with Jeremy, a member of the ESC Patient Forum.

I have atrial fibrillation - am I at greater risk of coronavirus infection?

Atrial fibrillation does not increase the risk to get infected per se. Nevertheless, many atrial fibrillation patients are older and have comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes and, if infected, they appear to be more likely to have a more severe disease. Patients are advised to take general protective measures like washing hands frequently to avoid being infected. Learn more about COVID-19 and the heart here.

Very important!

• Although it is recommended to avoid hospital visits, in case you do not feel well, you still need to seek help from your physician and if justified still go to the hospital.

• In case you have to go to the hospital, always bring an up to date list of your current medication as some important interactions exist among antiarrhythmic drugs and medication for coronavirus infection.

afibmatters.org

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