Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Background: Management of anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation is often the responsibility of the primary care physician. Knowledge of current literature and recent important clinical trials is essential to choose and monitor the best anticoagulation medication for your patient. Methods: This paper reviews mechanisms of atrial fibrillation and patient characteristics which determine stroke risk, including use of the CHADS2 and CHADS2-VASc scores. We discuss recent large double blinded trials of new novel oral anticoagulants, and 2014 ACC/AHA Guidelines for Atrial Fibrillation. Conclusion: With a better understanding of stroke risk and knowledge of evidenced based trials the primary care physician can manage anticoagulation for stroke prevention.