Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation--pharmacologic strategies.
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation presents a challenge for many clinicians. A considerable amount of research has gone into creating scoring systems that can accurately predict thromboembolic risk. Patients at low enough risk are best treated with aspirin, whereas higher-risk patients require anticoagulation with warfarin despite its shortcomings. Antithrombotic regimens for moderate-risk patients require careful consideration based on bleeding risk, age, and the ability to undergo frequent serum monitoring. Oral drugs may soon be available to replace warfarin. While this may simplify dosing and monitoring, it will still be necessary to weigh the risks and benefits of therapy.
Tiyyagura
Satish R
SR
Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, Box 1030, New York, NY 10029, USA. satish.tiyyagura@mssm.edu
Goldbarg
Seth H
SH
Mehta
Davendra
D
D000367:Age Factors; D000465:Algorithms; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D014859:Warfarin; D001241:Aspirin