Resumen

ALONSO, Juan. A preventable disease: stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. What is the role of the new oral anticoagulants?. Arch. Med Int [online]. 2014, vol.36, n. 1, pp.7-16. ISSN 0250-3816.

Non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. NVAF-associated stroke is a devastating, preventable condition with neurological sequels, recurrences, early mortality and greater than NVAF-independent stroke annually. Warfarin showed a 64% risk reduction in primary prevention.  The paper herein approaches new risk scores for embolism in NVAF, risk for bleeding, and the results of 3 multicentric studies comparing dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban vs. Warfarin in the prevention of NVAF-associated stroke. Based on the above, it is intended to position the new oral anticoagulants (NOA) as a potential option vis à vis warfarin. The authors reach practical considerations, both general and in specific situations for the use of NOAs.

Palabras clave : antithrombotic drugs; warfarin; new anticoagulant drugs; stroke non valvular atrial fibrillation.