Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common and important cardiac arrhythmia in the world, characterized by an irregular heartbeat from quivering of the upper chambers of the heart (atria). AF is emerging as the next epidemic in cardiovascular medicine. It is estimated that 5 million patients are being diagnosed with AF each year worldwide and its prevalence is expected to double in the next 20 years. AF independently increases the risk of stroke, death, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular events. One-fifth of all strokes are attributable to AF with significant morbidity and mortality. Substantial advances have been made in stroke prophylaxis for AF patients in the last few years including the development of new oral anticoagulants (NOAC). However, it is unclear whether these new therapies have been widely adopted in clinical practice and if this has translated into an improvement in patient outcomes. In Canada and around the world, there is great interest in improving the performance of the healthcare system. Our study will explore if there are gaps in current practice and if patients are receiving optimal care. Analysis of this real-world data will create targets for future Quality Improvements efforts in our healthcare system, which will ultimately ensure that patients are receiving the best possible care. The study results will have important implications for patients with heart disease, hospitals and policy-makers.