Practical Recommendations for Anticoagulation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND

The lifetime risk of stroke among non-anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) approximates 1 in 3. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) reduces stroke and systemic embolism by at least two thirds and mortality by one fourth.

METHODS

The present narrative review summarizes current evidence and practical recommendations on OAC in AF and highlights recent advances and remaining gaps in knowledge.

RESULTS

The threshold for net clinical benefit of OAC is met when stroke risk exceeds 1%-2% per year, typically corresponding to ≥ 1 traditional stroke risk factor (CHA2DS2-VA ≥ 1), with increasing risk per additional risk factor. OAC also appears beneficial in device-detected (subclinical) AF, possibly at higher CHA2DS2-VA scores. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) reduce intracranial haemorrhage compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), and meta-analyses of randomized trials showed further reduction in stroke and mortality with DOACs, including in the elderly and chronic kidney disease. VKAs are preferred in patients with mechanical heart valves, mitral stenosis, antiphospholipid syndrome and Child-Turcotte-Pugh C cirrhosis. Modifiable bleeding risk factors should be assessed periodically and mitigated. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet therapy, drug interactions, excessive alcohol consumption, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding, major organ dysfunction and frailty. There are very few contraindications to OAC and most are relative or temporary conditions. Follow-up involves reassessing adherence, thrombotic and bleeding risk, co-medication and dosing. Integrated patient-centred AF management additionally involves risk factor management, symptom control and dynamic reassessment. Lifelong OAC is currently recommended, but recent data suggested that discontinuing OAC after successful catheter ablation of AF and/or left atrial appendage closure could be safe. OAC in specific settings is discussed, including cardioversion, catheter ablation, surgery, post-operative AF, elderly patients, pregnancy and bleeding.

CONCLUSION

OAC is the cornerstone of thromboembolism prevention in AF, but knowledge gaps remain, including on risk stratification, device-detected AF, trigger-induced AF, cardioversion, OAC resumption after major bleeding, and potential safety of OAC discontinuation after successful catheter ablation or left atrial appendage occlusion.