Utilization of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: a cross ‐sectional baseline analysis in general practice

Conclusion: We found an encouraging improvement compared to previous studies in the utilisation of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in AF within general practice. Warfarin is now utilised as the mainstay therapy, followed by aspirin, although the novel oral anticoagulants are entering the spectrum of therapies used. Consideration needs to be given to the potential impact of the newer agents and their scope of use. There has been an encouraging temporal improvement in the utilization of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in AF within general practice. Anticoagulants (mostly warfarin) are now utilized as the mainstay therapy, although a small proportion of patients continue to be prescribed antiplatelet agents. Importantly, the impact of patient age on the use of antithrombotics appears to have significantly reduced. Consideration needs to be given to the potential impact of the NOACs and their scope of use given the increased utilization of antithrombotic therapy.
Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research