Survey on Belgian Patients Suffering From Irregular Heartbeat and Starting Treatment With a Drug to Prevent Blood Clots in Blood Vessels and the Heart. This Study is Also Called BELANCOS.

BELgian ANtiCOagulation Survey for NVAF Patients

In this study researchers want to learn more about the patient's and treating doctor's concerns about possible bleedings during treatment with drugs preventing blood clots in blood vessels and the heart - so called blood thinner. The study also wants to find out more about the patient's knowledge on the importance, risks and benefits of treatment with this drug group.

Patients with irregular heartbeat not caused by valvular heart disease who will start treatment with a blood thinner will be asked by their treating cardiologist to complete a questionnaire related to their knowledge and fear of possible bleedings or stroke (blockage or rupture of a blood vessel to the brain) due to the intake of a blood thinner. The treating doctor will complete a similar questionnaire. The study plans to involve 15 cardiologists and 300 patients in Belgium.

Inclusion criteria:

• Male or female adult patients diagnosed with NVAF.
• NOAC treatment-naive patients who will start a NOAC treatment.

Exclusion criteria:

• Previous stroke or thrombosis
• Previous severe bleeding