New Research Compares Medications for Preventing Strokes Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

A new systematic review conducted by AHRQ in partnership with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) finds that blood thinners known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are as safe and effective as warfarin for treating patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke. Atrial fibrillation, a common cardiac arrhythmia that increases risk of stroke, is commonly treated with blood thinners, particularly warfarin. Researchers reviewed data from 220 journal articles and found that DOACs dabigatran and apixaban were superior while rivaroxaban and edoxaban were similar to warfarin in the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism. Access the AHRQ/PCORI evidence review, a study based on the review in the Annals of Internal Medicine, and AHRQ resources that support the safe use of blood thinners.