Anticoagulation: Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

It is well recognized that during atrial fibrillation (AF), clots may form in the left atrium, which may embolize and cause ischemic stroke or systemic embolism. The presence of AF confers a fivefold increased risk for stroke. AF is the most common and important cause of stroke. This article considers the risks for and anticoagulation prophylaxis against embolic stroke in patients who have AF.