Stroke Risk Mitigation: Prescribing and Monitoring anticoagulation in atrial Fibrillation

Stroke Risk Mitigation: Prescribing and Monitoring anticoagulation in atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) heightens the risk of stroke. Patients with AF should have their stroke risk assessed, and high-risk patients should commence on nonvitamin K-dependent oral anticoagulants (NOACs) as the first-line antithrombotic agent. A patient’s reversible bleeding risk factors should be however reviewed and specifically addressed. Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin do not reduce stroke risk but have bleeding risks comparable to NOACs, therefore have no role in stroke risk reduction. Management should also include regular reviews to ensure medication adherence and persistence.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2024.

Verified by ExactMetrics