Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Atrial Fibrillation With Low Stroke Risk

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been shown to prevent thromboembolic complications, but concerns about the increased risk of major bleeding warrant judicious consideration of the risks and benefits.1 Current guidelines recommend OAC prescription for patients with AF at high risk of stroke, as measured by CHA2DS2-VASc scores of ≥2 and ≥3 in men and women respectively.2–4 Men and women with scores of 1 and 2 respectively (i.e., a single nongender-related stroke risk factor) are deemed to be at low-moderate risk of stroke and OAC prescription may be considered to reduce thromboembolic risk, whereas those with scores of 0 and 1 respectively are considered to have a low risk of stroke, wherein the benefit of OAC may be outweighed by the increased in bleeding risk.

Source: The American Journal of Cardiology - August 11, 2023 Category: Cardiology Authors: Khi Yung Fong, Yiong Huak Chan, Colin Yeo, Gregory Y.H. Lip, Vern Hsen Tan Source Type: research