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Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Neurol 51:674-681, Hart,R.G.,et al, 1998
See this aricle in Pubmed

Article Abstract
The overall risk of stroke in AF patients averages about 5%/y,but with wide variation depending on the presence of coexistent thromboembolic risk factors.AF patients with low(about 1%per year),moderate(about 3%per year), and high(about 6%per year)stroke risks have been identified,but the generalizability of risk stratification schemes to clinical practice has not been fully assessed.AF patients with prior stroke or transient ischemic attack,even if remote,are at highest risk(about 12%per year). Adjusted-dose wafarin(target International Normalized Ration(INR)2-3) slightly efficacious for preventing stroke in AF patients(about 70%risk reduction)and is safe for selected patients,if carefully monitored.Aspirin has a modest effect on reducing stroke(about 20%risk reduction).The number of AF patients that would need to be treated with warfarin instead of aspirin for 1 year to prevent one ischemic stroke are about 200,700,and 20 for those with low,moderate and high risk,respectively.Many patients with nonvalvular AF have substantial rates of ischemic stroke.Stratification of stroke risk identifies AF patients who benefit most and least from lifelong anticoagulation.Warfarin is recommended for high-risk AF patients who can safely receive it.Aspirin may be indicated for those with low stroke risk and for those who cannot receive warfarin.For AF patients considered to have a moderate risk of stroke,individual bleeding risk during anticoagulation and patient preference should particularly influence the choice of antithrombotic prophylaxis.
 
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anticoagulant,treatment
anticoagulant,treatment in CVD
aspirin
atrial fibrillation
atrial fibrillation,nonvalvular
cerebral embolism
cerebral embolism,cardiac origin
cerebrovascular accident
cerebrovascular accident,prevention of
coumarin
INR values
platelet inhibiting drugs
practice guidelines
prevention of neurologic disorders
review article
risk factors
treatment of neurologic disorder

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