Rate of Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation Improving but Still Suboptimal

In a national study, the rate of anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation improved over a 10-year period as DOAC medications were introduced but was suboptimal overall.

Oral anticoagulant (OAC) medications are very effective at preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite the robust benefit, several studies have shown that the rate of OAC use in patients with AF is far from ideal. The availability of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) medications could lead to changes in OAC initiation. These authors conducted an analysis of Medicare Advantage patients over the period from 2010 through 2020, a time when DOACs were being used increasingly. The primary outcome was the rate of OAC initiation within 12 months after an AF diagnosis. They also evaluated nonadherence to OAC treatment, defined as <80% of days covered.

During the study, 381,488 patients (mean age, 77.2 years; 50% women) were id…

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Rate of Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation Improving but Still Suboptimal

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Reviewing Author