Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
84.1K
Trends in Stroke Prevention between 2014 and 2018 in Hospitalized Atrial Fibrillation Patients
B Bielecka1, I Gorczyca1,2, O Jelonek1,2
11st Clinic of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Swietokrzyskie Cardiology Center, Kielce 25-736, Poland.
Cardiology Research and Practice
|February 25, 2021
Summary
Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are increasingly used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Age, prior events, non-permanent AF, and kidney function predict NOAC use.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation (AF) has seen significant shifts.
- Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are increasingly preferred over traditional therapies for preventing thromboembolic complications in AF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current stroke prophylaxis strategies in AF patients.
- To identify predictors associated with the use of NOACs in patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, observational, single-center study.
- Inclusion of 4027 consecutively hospitalized AF patients between January 2014 and December 2018.
- Analysis of oral anticoagulant (OAC) use, including NOACs and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), and antiplatelet therapy.
Main Results:
- OACs were used in 91.4% of AF patients; NOACs accounted for 62.8% of OAC prescriptions, a notable increase from 2014-2018.
- Independent predictors for NOAC use included older age, history of thromboembolic events, non-permanent AF, and preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
- A significant trend towards increased OAC use, primarily NOACs, was observed during the study period.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a growing trend in the utilization of NOACs for stroke prevention in AF.
- Patient-specific factors such as age, prior thromboembolic history, AF type, and renal function significantly influence the choice of NOACs over VKAs.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
109
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...
109
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
475
Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
475
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
95
IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
95
01:23Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management
144
Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
144
01:27Regulation of Stroke Volume
4.4K
The regulation of stroke volume, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps out during each heartbeat, is critical for maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Stroke volume is influenced by three main factors: preload, contractility, and afterload.
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
4.4K
01:25Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
222
Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
222