Cardiology MCQ – Warfarin for nonvalvular AF – Answer

Cardiology MCQ – Warfarin for nonvalvular AF – Answer

Warfarin given in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) can reduce ischemic stroke by — %:

Correct Answer: 3. 60%

A meta analysis of 29 trials including a total of 28,044 participants showed that warfarin reduced stroke by 64% while antiplatelet agents reduced stroke by 22% in those with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Absolute increase in major extracranial hemorrhages was 0.3% or lesser in this meta analysis.

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Reference

1. Hart RG, Pearce LA, Aguilar MI. Meta-analysis: antithrombotic therapy to prevent stroke in patients who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Jun 19;146(12):857-67.