Chronic anticoagulation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Where things stand

One in every five strokes is due to atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulation is the evidence-based practice for stroke risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation. After decades of using warfarin, the recent years have seen an exponential increase in the available oral anticoagulants. An understanding of where things stand regarding indications, relative safety and efficacy as well as the limitations of each available choice is crucial.