Therapies for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

Course overview

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common abnormal heart rhythm and affects 2.7 to 6.1 million people in the U.S. and studies suggest that the incidence and prevalence is increasing (CDC,2020). AFib is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke. In fact, 1 in 7 strokes are caused by AFib. Several guidelines recommend patients with AFib NOT identified as "low risk" for stroke be offered anticoagulation therapy. However, these medications are associated with an increased risk for bleeding. Thus, several factors must be considered when determining the most appropriate therapy and modifiable risk factors should be treated before initiating treatment.