Barriers to using stroke-preventing anticoagulants in Canada hinder appropriate management of patients with atrial fibrillation

(Elsevier) International guidelines recommend direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) over warfarin to prevent stroke for most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, a substantial portion of patients in Canada, who would benefit from anticoagulation, do not receive it adequately or at all. Experts review the evidence for the use of DOACs in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, discuss reasons for the large gap between guidelines and clinical practice, including policy and funding barriers, and propose strategies for the future.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news