Stroke Risk Factors Beyond the CHADS-VASc Score: Can We Improve our Identification of ‘High Stroke Risk’ Patients with Atrial Fibrillation?

The prevention of stroke and other thromboembolic events plays a crucial role in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Not all AF patients are equal in terms of thromboembolic risk, therefore not all will benefit from oral anticoagulation treatment. The general principle is that the expected benefit of anticoagulation in reduction of thromboembolic risk must exceed the expected harm caused by possible bleeding. Some guidelines have focused on a categorical approach to stroke prevention, with a focus on identifying high risk patients for oral anticoagulation (OAC).
Source: The American Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research