What should be monitored in patients with atrial fibrillation?

In patients with atrial fibrillation, monitoring the risk of stroke is critical due to the increased likelihood of thromboembolic events. Atrial fibrillation can lead to the formation of blood clots in the atria, particularly the left atrial appendage. These clots can dislodge and travel to the brain, resulting in an ischemic stroke.

To assess stroke risk, healthcare providers often use scoring systems such as the CHA2DS2-VASc score, which considers various risk factors, including age, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure. By evaluating these risks, clinicians can make informed decisions about anticoagulant therapy to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Monitoring other factors like heart muscle thickness, kidney function, and liver enzyme levels, while important in various contexts, does not directly address the increased stroke risk associated with atrial fibrillation. Hence, the primary focus for patients with atrial fibrillation should be on assessing and managing their risk of stroke.