Benefits of non –vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation go beyond stroke prevention

The last decade has produced a large body of robust randomized controlled trial (RCT) data investigating the use of non –vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).1–4 Compared with warfarin, dabigatran and apixaban have been found to reduce the combined outcome of stroke and systemic embolism. In addition, apixaban and edoxaban significantly reduce major bleeding. Fu rthermore, a pooled meta-analysis has demonstrated superior efficacy and overall safety of the NOACs.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Commentary Source Type: research