Antithrombotic management of atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention in older people.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac condition in the elderly population. The primary concern in individuals with AF is the risk of stroke. The management of AF for stroke prevention requires an understanding of the relative risks and benefits of antithrombotic therapy. Numerous randomized clinical trials have improved tremendously our understanding of the relative merits of anticoagulation and aspirin, and indicate that anticoagulation is the appropriate treatment for the majority of individuals with AF. In patients who have contraindications to anticoagulation, aspirin is recommended.
Tong
D C
DC
Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford Stroke Center, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California, USA. dct@leland.stanford.edu
Albers
G W
GW
D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D000075202:Contraindications; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin