Anticoagulation: stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation.
It is well recognized that during atrial fibrillation (AF), clots may form in the left atrium. This, in turn, may lead to embolization of the clot, with resulting ischemic stroke or systemic embolism. Also, the presence of AF confers a fivefold increased risk for stroke. AF is the most common and important cause of stroke resulting from any cause. This article considers the risks for and anticoagulation prophylaxis against embolic stroke in patients with AF.
Waldo
Albert L
AL
Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals of Cleveland Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. albert.waldo@case.edu
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants