Untreated atrial fibrillation in the United States of America: Understanding the barriers and treatment options

Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly treated arrhythmia in the United States of America. Stroke is the most devastating consequence of atrial fibrillation. For decades, warfarin has been the most recommended treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation at risk for stroke and systemic emboli. However, many patients at risk are not treated with anticoagulants. Several reasons exist, including physician underestimation of patient stroke risk, physician overestimation of bleeding risk, and patients’ reluctance to take chronic warfarin due to the difficulties of this medication in relation to its pharmacokinetics and interactions with food and other medications. Risk scores have helped to better define patient risks and benefits from chronic anticoagulation. Novel anticoagulants (NOACs) have improved the ability for patients to be compliant with anticoagulation.