Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 25, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.7K

Practical Guide to Direct New Oral Anticoagulant Use for Secondary Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

Rochelle Sweis1, José Biller2

  • 1Department of Neurology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. ROCHELLE.SWEIS@luhs.org.

Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine
|February 25, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Anticoagulation is key for preventing strokes in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. While vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were standard, new oral anticoagulants offer a safe alternative for non-valvular AF (NVAF) when considering patient-specific factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases stroke risk.
  • Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of secondary stroke prevention in AF.
  • Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have been the long-standing standard of care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of anticoagulation in secondary stroke prevention for AF.
  • To compare traditional VKAs with newer oral anticoagulant options.
  • To highlight considerations for selecting appropriate anticoagulation therapy in non-valvular AF (NVAF).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of anticoagulation therapies for AF.
  • Comparative analysis of VKA and novel oral anticoagulant efficacy and safety.
  • Discussion of clinical factors influencing treatment selection.

Main Results:

  • Anticoagulation is proven effective for secondary stroke prevention in AF.
  • Novel oral anticoagulants present a safe and effective alternative to VKAs for NVAF.
  • Patient-specific factors are crucial for optimal anticoagulation choice.

Conclusions:

  • Anticoagulation remains essential for AF-related stroke prevention.
  • Novel oral anticoagulants are a viable and safe option for NVAF management.
  • Personalized patient assessment is vital for selecting the best anticoagulation strategy.
Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationNOACsStrokeVitamin K antagonists

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.3K
Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function10:28

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function

Published on: March 15, 2022

6.1K

Related Concept Videos

Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants01:18

Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Oral anticoagulants are vital tools in preventing and treating blood clotting disorders. This diverse class of medications can be categorized as vitamin K antagonists, exemplified by warfarin, and direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), such as dabigatran, as well as factor Xa inhibitors, including rivaroxaban.
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
2.7K
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
460
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
2.3K
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
638
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors01:20

Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors

Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
1.5K
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
368