Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: current anticoagulation management and future directions

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important cause of stroke, and stroke risk stratification is critical to the management of patients with AF. Anticoagulation with warfarin is the current standard of care for stroke prevention in these patients, despite the need for close monitoring. Aspirin alone is not as effective. Warfarin is recommended for patients with AF and valvular disease or with AF and one or more stroke risk factors. Other novel anticoagulants and antiplatelet combinations are under investigation. Curative procedures for AF are possible, but their long-term safety and effect on stroke risk are unknown.