Atrial fibrillation is the commonest heart rhythm abnormality, substantially raising risk of stroke and death and affecting around 8.8 million people in the EU, with up to 2% of the UK population taking oral anticoagulation medication.
Birmingham research has supported a move from lab blood tests and secondary care to primary care and more recently patient self-management through development of new testing and management approaches, which have helped improve clinical outcomes.
Clinical trials led in Birmingham have also proven the safety of anticoagulation therapy in elderly patients, and led to the establishment of the National Centre for Anticoagulation Training within the University, which provides accredited training for health care professionals involved in the management of patients.
