The increasing burden of atrial fibrillation in acute medical admissions, an opportunity to optimise stroke prevention

 

Background Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for ischaemic stroke. We investigated whether active screening for atrial fibrillation in secondary care, followed by careful evaluation of risk factors and communication to general practitioners from stroke specialists, could increase appropriate anticoagulation prescription.

Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation

Oral anticoagulation therapy has reduced the risk of ischaemic stroke and improved the outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation considerably. The emergence of the non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants as alternatives to vitamin K antagonists has significantly changed the practice of stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. As the main complication with antithrombotic therapy is bleeding, physicians should always balance the risk of ischaemic stroke against intracranial haemorrhage and intervene where appropriate to reduce both risks.

A practical approach to the new oral anticoagulants used for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation

This review evaluates the research undertaken in the last six years on the use of new oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and provides evidence-based answers to common clinical questions. Two types of new oral anticoagulants – direct thrombin (IIa) inhibitors, and Xa inhibitors – are currently available. These drugs have similar pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. They are more predictable than, though in many respects comparable to, warfarin. They do not require frequent laboratory tests, nor do they have a narrow therapeutic window.