Detecting nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and anticoagulant therapy in cardioembolic ischemic stroke. Issue 6 (17th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Min, Jiangyong; Farooq, Muhammad Umar
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medicine. Volume 128:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 620
• Page End: 628
• Publication Date: 2016-08-17
• Subjects: Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) -- ischemic stroke -- detecting NVAF -- warfarin -- novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC); Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2016.1195236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5481

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Nonvalvular Atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increase in risk of stroke and systemic thromboembolism. Strokes related to AF are associated with higher mortality, greater disability, longer hospital stays, and lower chance of being discharged home. The present review will focus on the current status of detecting NVAF and stroke prevention when there is AF. The CHA2DS2-VASc risk stratification scheme is discussed for the identification of patients who are at risk for thromboembolic stroke related to NVAF. Patient with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or greater are candidates for warfarin or a novel oral anticoagulant, irrespective of whether the strategy is for rate or rhythm control. Finally, guidelines and landmark clinical trials in NVAF patients with primary or secondary stroke prevention are discussed.