Secondary Stroke Prevention in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.
Approximately 750,000 US adults per year experience a stroke. On average, the annual risk for future ischemic stroke (secondary stroke) after an initial ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack is approximately 3% to 4%. Cardioembolic strokes account for 20% to 25% of all strokes, with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) considered one of the main sources of embolism; this explains up to half of all cardioembolic strokes. We present the risk factors for stroke in NVAF, risk stratification, a diagnosis of NVAF, and treatment and prevention of stroke in NVAF. We reviewed the literature by performing a PubMed search of articles focusing on secondary stroke prevention in NVAF. This review examines the findings of major clinical trials and society guidelines for secondary stroke prevention in NVAF and presents a cost-effectiveness analysis.
From the Division of Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Rahul H
RH
Damani
From the Division of Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Jose I
JI
Suarez
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D014859:Warfarin