What are the benefits and risks of using antithrombotic therapy to prevent stroke in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation?
The benefits of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation include a decreased risk of ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and major extracranial hemorrhage. The risks of antithrombotic therapy include an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage, major extracranial hemorrhage, and vascular death. The evidence for these benefits and risks is supported by both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies.