Introduction: In Germany, about 1 million people are affected by atrial fibrillation (AF). Morbidity and mortality are high especially due to the risk of thromboembolic events. A valid risk stratification by the CHADS2 criteria is critical regarding the indication for anticoagulation and thus to improve prognosis. To what extent these criteria and guidelines are known and have been implemented among cardiologists and general practitioners in Germany has not been evaluated so far.
Methods: A total of 558 cardiologists (46.8 %) and general practitioners (52.5 %) were surveyed during the annual meeting of the German Society of Cardiology or in writing in a representative sample of German general practitioners.
Results: Compared to 51.8 % of general practitioners, 87.6 % of cardiologists (p < 0.001) claimed to know the CHADS2 criteria. In the total cohort, CHADS2 criteria were correctly identified as risk factors by 55.6-86.9 %. Cardiologists had significantly better knowledge of these criteria (63.6-91.2 % vs. 55.6-86.9 %, p < 0.001). A previous history of cerebral stroke was known to be a risk factor in almost all physicians in contrast to heart failure (47.3 % of cardiologists vs. 36.0 % of general practitioners, p < 0.001). Physicians who had attended a training course on anticoagulation and atrial fibrillation (n = 380) in the 2 years prior to the survey performed significantly better (p = 0.007) than those without training (n = 173).
Conclusion: While the majority of cardiologists knew the CHADS2 criteria and the related guidelines, these criteria were less known in the primary care sector. Nevertheless, even cardiologists do not always apply the guidelines for anticoagulation in AF correctly. Participants of training courses had a significantly better knowledge of these guidelines.