What is the practical patient management algorithm for stroke prevention in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?
The approach to stroke prevention in patients with AF can be simplified into a simple 3-step algorithm (Fig 4). The initial step is to determine the risk of stroke. As noted in the Stroke Risk in AF section, risk scores for stroke in patients with AF lack specificity, and are therefore not clinically useful in identifying and categorizing high-risk patients. The second step is to determine the best anticoagulation option based on individual patient characteristics. The third step is to monitor and manage anticoagulation therapy. Self-monitoring and self-management of anticoagulation therapy in patients with AF may be a viable alternative to traditional clinic- or laboratory-based management.