New anticoagulation drugs for atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) confers an increased risk of ischemic stroke or thromboembolism that is reduced by long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. Until recently, the latter has typically been one from the vitamin K antagonist (VKA) class of drugs. Although highly effective, VKAs have limitations, and their use is challenging for both patients and clinicians. A new generation of oral anticoagulant drugs is emerging, including several drugs that appear to be viable alternatives to VKAs in AF patients.