Atrial Fibrillation Patients Discharged on Anticoagulant

Why is this important?

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), an irregular heart beat, is one of several medical risk factors for stroke. This common heart condition may lead to the formation of small blood clots in the heart.  These blood clots may circulate to the brain (referred to as cardioembolism), causing stroke.  Warfarin (blood thinner/anticoagulant) is a medication that has been shown in clinical trials to prevent these blood clots from forming.  Thromboembolic stroke was reduced by 68% for patients treated with this medication.

How WellSpan Compares

The graph below shows the percentage of atrial fibrillation patients who were given anticoagulants upon discharge from the hospital.

Unit of Measurement: Percentage

A higher score is better than a lower score.

What we are doing to improve our performance.

Any patient diagnosed with atrial fibrillation while hospitalized receives anticoagulant therapy (IV Heparin and Coumadin) unless such use increases the risk to the patient’s health.