Newer Oral Anticoagulants Should Be Used as First-Line Agents to Prevent Thromboembolism in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Risk Factors for Stroke or Thromboembolism

摘要

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) appears to be increasing, even after adjustment for aging of the population. One in 4 people is projected to develop AF in his or her lifetime. Patients with AF have a 5-fold increased risk of stroke, and it is estimated that 15% to 20% of all strokes are attributable to AF. Moreover, death and disability from stroke complicating AF are particularly high. Thus, stroke related to AF is a substantial and growing public health burden.