Effectiveness of Anticoagulants in Reducing Stroke Risk Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of cardiac arrhythmia causing shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and palpitations. It may go unrecognized and asymptomatic among many patients. AF is not a potentially fatal arrhythmia; its hemodynamic, structural, and hemocoagulative effects have a significant impact on the standard of life, which can lead to various complications such as stroke. A stroke caused by AF leads to additional burdens on both patients and the global economy. Patients with AF can prevent strokes with oral anticoagulants; however, ensuring diligent adherence to medication is crucial for maximizing treatment efficacy. Since they have a lighter treatment load than warfarin, non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are also recommended with better hope for medication adherence. Various anticoagulants such as warfarin and ximelagatran, among many more, are prescribed to patients who have the potential to reduce the incidence of stroke as well as alleviate their likelihood of developing other thromboembolic events that can decrease their quality of life. Economic and psychological burdens associated with diminished functionality can be prevented by anticoagulant therapy among AF patients, therefore reducing their economic and social burden. This is due to the negative association between stroke among AF patients and anticoagulation consumption.