Prevention of thromboembolic complications

Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications (e.g., ischemic stroke). The decision of whether to start anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter requires careful consideration of the risk of bleeding and the risk of thromboembolism in each individual patient.

Long-term anticoagulation for patients with Afib in order to prevent thromboembolic complications is indicated if the patient has an underlying valvular disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and/or a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 in men and ≥ 3 in women.

The risk of bleeding due to anticoagulation should always be taken into consideration when initiating anticoagulation therapy.