Frequency, Trend, Predictors, and Impact of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Atrial Fibrillation Hospitalizations

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a five-fold increased risk of stroke 1. Anticoagulation alone or in combination with other treatment strategies are implemented to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with AF. Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common complication of oral anticoagulation (OAC) with a prevalence of 1%-3% in patients on long term OAC2. GIB in AF patients leads to discontinuation of anticoagulation, which can increase the risk of ischemic stroke, subject patients to endoscopic procedures, blood transfusions, and related side effects.

Source: The American Journal of Cardiology - January 30, 2021 Category: Cardiology Authors: Mihir Dav, Ashish Kumar, Monil Majmundar, Devina Adalja, Mariam Shariff, Palak Shah, Rupak Desai, Krunalkumar Patel, Gowthami Sai Kogilathota Jagirdhar, Saraschandra Vallabhajosyula, Nageshwara Gullapalli, Rajkumar Doshi Source Type: research