Novel antithrombotic therapies for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of arrhythmia in adults, is a major risk factor for stroke. The prevalence of AF increases with age, occurring in 1% of persons <60 years of age and in almost 10% of those >80 years of age. Recent studies show that treatment strategies that combine control of ventricular rate with antithrombotic therapy are as effective as strategies aimed at restoring sinus rhythm. Current antithrombotic therapy regimens in patients with AF involve chronic …