Anticoagulation initiation after non ⁃ valvular atrial fibrillation with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Anticoagulant treatment is an important strategy for secondary stroke prevention in non⁃valvular atrial fibrillation and acute ischemic stroke patients. However, the optimal timing for anticoagulation initiation after acute ischemic stroke has remained uncertain. In recent years, new clinical evidence has identified the benefit of early anticoagulation initiation rather than delayed anticoagulation initiation after acute ischemic stroke. This article reviews the literature on the topic of anticoagulation initiation in non⁃valvular atrial fibrillation with acute ischemic stroke patients. It helps physicians making decision to initiate anticoagulation at a more reasonable time point after balancing the risk of stroke recurrence and hemorrhagic transformation.

Keywords

• atrial fibrillation
• ischemic stroke
• anticoagulants
• review