GPs ACROSS Wharfedale are pioneering work with patients who have irregular heartbeats.

More than 60 practices throughout the district – including the area covered by the NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)– are involved in the initiative.

As a result of the project, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, hundreds more patients with so-called atrial fibrillation (AF) are being targeted and prescribed anticoagulants.

Across the district's three CCGs there are over 6,000 people with AF, many of whom are deemed to be at moderate to high risk of suffering a stroke.

But prior to the project, only 2,300 were being prescribed anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin as a precautionary measure.

It is estimated the change will lead to 200 fewer strokes in the Bradford district each year.

Now new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is highlighting the need to ensure people with AF are offered the right treatments to reduce their chances of dying from stroke.

Dr Matt Fay, a GP specialist in cardiology in the district and a member of the NICE guideline development group, said blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin were better for AF patients than aspirin.

He added: "With more than ten per cent of over-65s having AF, GPs have to deal with both its identification and management on a regular basis.

"The NICE guideline builds on the relationship between the AF patient and their GP, outlining how each patient should have a clear management plan which takes into account their personal preferences and the clinician's view of the evidence.

"All strokes are devastating but AF strokes are bigger and potentially lethal.

"The good news is that we know when prescribed anticoagulant drugs, these strokes can be avoided.

"Too many patients are being given aspirin when they could be given anticoagulants, so the new guidance is very welcome and will help thousands more patients receive the right treatment."

AF often leads to the formation of blood clots and increases the risk of strokes by up to five times.

It is estimated that the condition causes around 12,500 strokes nationally each year.

The new NICE quality standard also recommends that patients with AF, who are prescribed anticoagulants, should discuss their options with their doctor at least once a year to ensure they get the most from the treatment.