Stroke and Bleeding Risks in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Publication date: April 2014 Source:Interventional Cardiology Clinics, Volume 3, Issue 2 Author(s): Abhishek Maan , Jeremy N. Ruskin , E. Kevin HeistTeaser Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with a substantial risk of stroke and mortality. Strokes in patients with AF are associated with a greater disability and poorer outcomes than strokes in patients in sinus rhythm. Patients with AF are at increased risk of bleeding, especially if they use anticoagulant therapy. Recent research in the field of anticoagulation has led to development of new anticoagulants for stroke prevention in addition to antiplatelet agents and warfarin. This review discusses the role of AF as a risk factor for stroke and evaluates the role of various schemes for predicting the risk of stroke and bleeding in patients with AF.
Source: Interventional Cardiology Clinics - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research