Refining the prediction of stroke in atrial fibrillation: An elusive endeavor

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia, is responsible for>20% of all strokes.1 AF-associated strokes are more severe, causing significantly greater long-term disability, accounting for greater resource utilization, and resulting in significantly higher mortality compared to non-AF strokes.2 –4 Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are the standard of care for the prevention of AF-associated stroke and systemic thromboembolism. To date, OACs are the only therapeutic intervention that has been consistently and definitively shown to improve survival in the AF population.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Commentary Source Type: research