Understanding anticoagulation therapy for stroke prevention and atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac rhythm disorder. Patients suffering from this condition are at an increased risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events. Available treatment options for the prevention of strokes in patients suffering from AF include warfarin, aspirin and the novel oral anticoagulants. Warfarin and aspirin reduce the risk of strokes in patients with AF and have been studied extensively. The novel oral anticoagulants are slowly beginning to make their way onto the South African market and are specifically highlighted in this article.