Atrial fibrillation - new frontiers in anticoagulation

Abstract

Stroke is the most feared complication of atrial fibrillation but for over fifty years there has been no simple, effective preventative alternative to warfarin. The development of new risk algorithms such as CHADSVASC has resulted in more patients being recommended anticoagulation therapy. Fixed dose oral anticoagulation is a landmark in drug development for atrial fibrillation. The differences between the drugs are discussed and the trial data examined. As we enter this new frontier of therapy, there is no doubt that these drugs will transform the delivery of anticoagulation for patients with atrial fibrillation.