What are the effects of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease?
A systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature found that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are associated with a lower risk of major bleeding and thromboembolic events compared to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease. The findings from the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial showed that apixaban is superior to warfarin in reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease.