What are the benefits and risks of antithrombotic therapy for patients with valvular atrial fibrillation?
The benefits of antithrombotic therapy for patients with valvular atrial fibrillation include a reduction in the risk of ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, major extracranial hemorrhage, and death. The risks associated with antithrombotic therapy include an increase in the risk of intracranial hemorrhage, major extracranial hemorrhage, and death. The risks and benefits vary depending on the specific antithrombotic therapy used, with different therapies being more or less beneficial depending on the patient's individual risk factors. Clinical prediction rules and cohort studies can be used to help determine the most appropriate antithrombotic therapy for a particular patient.  