Emerging therapies for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for stroke. Recent studies show that treatment strategies which combine control of ventricular rate with antithrombotic therapy are as effective as those strategies aimed at restoring sinus rhythm. Current antithrombotic therapy regimens in patients with AF involve chronic anticoagulation with dose-adjusted vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), unless patients have a contraindication to these agents or …