Update to the Atrial Fibrillation Guideline: A Focus on Anticoagulation Strategies

Changes in the guideline reflect the increased data on direct-acting oral anticoagulants.

Note to readers: The language in the third and fourth bullet points has been updated since the original online publication of the Guideline Watch.

Sponsoring Organizations: American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Heart Rhythm Society (AHA/ACC/HRS)

Target Audience: General cardiologists and cardiac electrophysiologists

Background and Objective

The guideline task force has updated key aspects of the 2014 ACC/AHA/HRS atrial fibrillation (AF) guideline, especially with regards to new data on direct anticoagulants.

Key Points

Female sex, if the only risk factor, does not confer a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 1. Female sex adds to the score only when another risk factor is present. Oral anticoagulants are recommended for patients with …

Reviewing Author

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate