Risk Stratification and Stroke Prevention Therapy Care Gaps in Canadian Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Insights From the Co-Ordinated National Network to Engage Physicians in the Care and Treatment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (Connect AF)

Abstract

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Guidelines strongly recommend that: (1) all patients with AF be stratified using a predictive index for stroke (e.g., CHADS2) and risk of bleeding (e.g., HAS-BLED); (2) most patients with AF should receive antithrombotic therapy; and, (3) when oral anticoagulation therapy is indicated, most patients should receive one of the new oral anticoagulants in preference to warfarin; however, if warfarin is to be used, rigorous maintenance of the therapeutic INR range is paramount.