Review of the use of anticoagulation with Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) for prevention of stroke in patients with Atrial Fibrillation and initiating in Primary care

Abstract

Anticoagulation with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) is becoming increasingly more prominent for stroke prevention in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF). Whereas a vitamin k analogue like warfarin would traditionally be used for this; DOACs offer several advantages over warfarin. This review article will provide an overview of the current evidence supporting the use of DOACs for anticoagulation in AF and how a primary care clinician would go about choosing which DOACs to choose and considerations that need to be taken before initiation of the drug. Keywords: Direct Oral Anticoagulants, atrial fibrillation, stroke, primary care, anticoagulation, warfarin