Reducing Sheffield's risk of stroke

Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart beat) is a major risk factor for stroke and a contributing factor to one in five strokes. The strokes are also often more severe with higher death rates and greater disability. For someone with atrial fibrillation, treatment with an oral anticoagulant medication, such as warfarin, reduces the risk of stroke by two thirds.

This year, the CCG has worked closely with GPs to maximise the take up of anticoagulant medication for people with atrial fibrillation. Practices identified people with the illness and changed their medication to an anticoagulation drug. This means that in Sheffield all patients that are known to have atrial fibrillation are now on anticoagulant medication.

Dr Tim Moorhead,CCG Chair and Sheffield GP, said: "My highlight of the year is that in 2016/17 the numbers of strokes in Sheffield have been reduced due to our GPs and pharmacists working closely together to change prescribing.

"I believe this clearly demonstrates the value of partnership working and it has meant fewer deaths and less disability from stroke in the city."

To learn more about atrial fibrillation, you can visit the Stroke Association website.