JMC Office of CME
Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Welcome! This site has been created as a central location for professional education about the critical importance of preventing stroke in patients diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AF). AF, which affects more than 2.3 million patients in the United States, is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by uncoordinated atrial activation with consequent deterioration of atrial mechanical function; it is the most common arrhythmia requiring medical care.

CME Monograph: Reducing Stroke Risk in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
The Clinician Educator
Support Acknowledgement
Disclosure

Target Audience:

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of cardiologists, internists, extended members of the cardiac care team, and other providers involved in the care of patients diagnosed with AF.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:

Review current guidelines for the management of AF
Apply risk-assessment strategies when managing patients with AF
Optimize clinical management plans for the prevention of stroke in patients with AF that utilize risk-benefit assessments of current and emerging anticoagulant therapies

CME Monograph: Reducing Stroke Risk in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF), which affects more than 2.3 million patients in the United States, is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by uncoordinated atrial activation with consequent deterioration of atrial mechanical function; it is the most common arrhythmia requiring medical care. Cardioembolism due to AF accounts for about one in six strokes and is a potentially preventable cause of stroke-related disability, dementia, and death. Current guidelines recommend that AF patients at moderate to high risk of stroke be started on chronic anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist. However, despite overwhelming evidence of its benefit, anticoagulant prophylaxis in patients with AF is significantly underused, to the detriment of patient health. This activity reviews the evidence supporting current guidelines for anticoagulant use, including a comparison of stroke prevention efficacy versus risk of hemorrhage. The effective use of patient stratification schemes for optimizing therapeutic approaches is also discussed, as are the currently approved options for oral anticoagulation and therapeutic options that are in development.

Access a PDF of the Monograph

Release date: December 2011
Expiration date: December 31, 2012
Estimated time to complete activity: 1 hour

This activity is no longer certified for CME credit.

Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Clinician Educator

This clinician educator is designed to aid health care providers in the effective use of patient stratification schemes for optimizing therapeutic approaches comparing the currently approved options for oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Side A discusses optimizing the management of patients with AF, including pharmacotherapeutic options for anticoagulation. Side B is designed to help clinicians discuss AF with patients so they understand the clinical risks of AF, and it provides information regarding pharmacologic options for anticoagulation.

Access a PDF of the Clinician Educator

Release date: January 2012
Expiration date: January 31, 2013

This activity is no longer certified for CME credit.

Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Accreditation:
These activities have been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Co-sponsored by Curatio CME Institute

Support Acknowledgement:
Supported by an educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, Inc.

Steering Committee and Disclosure Statements

Steering Committee

Geno J. Merli, MD, FACP - Chair

Stuart J. Connolly, MD, FRCPC

Jeanne G. Cole, EdD, FACME

Daniel Duch, PhD

Authors/Editors:

Thomas Finnegan, PhD

Jonathan S. Simmons, ELS

Disclosure

Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University endorses the Standards of the ACCME and the Guidelines for Commercial Support.

The following individuals have declared financial interest and/or affiliations:

Stuart J. Connolly, MD, FRCPC

Geno J. Merli, MD

The following individuals have declared no financial interests and/or affiliations:

Jeanne G. Cole, EdD; Daniel Duch, PhD; Thomas Finnegan, PhD; Jonathon S. Simmons, ELS

Content Disclaimer

While every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the content provided in this material, Jefferson Medical College shall have no liability for errors, omissions, or inadequacies in the content contained herein or for interpretations thereof. This Web site content could include inaccuracies or outdated content and is subject to change at any time without notice.

JMC Office of CME Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

JMC Office of CME
Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Patients