Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrythmia at around 1% incidence worldwide, and 9% in those over 75 years of age. Atrial fibrillation results from dysfunction in electrical signalling, causing dysfunctional atrial contraction, and increasing the risk of stroke by up to 5-fold. Because the heart beats and contracts irregularly, blood flow may slow and potentially cause a blood clot and increase the risk of Pulmonary Embolism.

As one of our speakers and event moderator, we were fortunate to have Thrombosis Australia Advisory Panel member Dr Peter Purnell participate in the conversation.

Dr Purnell is a Cardiovascular imaging specialist and Clinical Trials Researcher who is involved as Principal Investigator in many current trials and is Head of Research GenesisCare Cardiology in Western Australia and founding Director of the Joondalup Cardiovascular Trials WA Inc.

Dr Purnell was joined by Professor Vincent Thijs, a Stroke neurologist and clinician researcher with more than 15 years of experience in the field. Prof. Thijs is Head of Stroke Medicine at Austin Health in Victoria and co-head of the Stroke Theme at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

Both professionals have immense experience and expertise in the field and provided fascinating perspectives to the conversation.

This conversation explored:

• The state of knowledge surrounding the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation and its relation to stroke and thrombotic conditions
• Thromboprophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation
• Considerations for the management of Atrial fibrillation and the prevention of thromboembolic complications.

A summary of some points of interest from the webinar can be found HERE

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