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Atrial fibrillation: new findings about an old nemesis
1Boston University.
Hospital Practice (Office Ed.)
|November 15, 1991
Insights
Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk. Warfarin therapy significantly lowers this risk in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation patients, without causing major bleeding.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia.
- It is an independent risk factor for stroke.
- Established stroke risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of warfarin in reducing stroke risk.
- To assess the safety of warfarin therapy in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of results from four recent clinical trials.
- Inclusion of patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation.
Main Results:
- Warfarin anticoagulant therapy substantially reduced stroke risk.
- The therapy did not lead to major bleeding complications.
Conclusions:
- Warfarin is an effective and safe treatment for stroke risk reduction in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation.
- Anticoagulant therapy should be considered for patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation has been found to be a significant risk factor for stroke independent of the contribution this common arrhythmia makes via its previously established stroke risk factors. Results of four recent trials in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation show that warfarin anticoagulant therapy can substantially reduce the risk of stroke without major bleeding complications.