Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy appeared equally effective in reducing risk of recurrent stroke following cryptogenic stroke in persons with evidence of atrial cardiopathy.
In apixaban-treated participants, risk of stroke or systemic embolism was reduced by 37%; the risk of disability or fatal stroke declined by 49%, but with noted bleeding risk.
The risk of severe CV events, including leading to death, was greatest in the first week following an exacerbation but remained significantly elevated 1 year later.
The revised guidance classifies AF into 4 stages, emphasizes prevention and aggressive rhythm control, and upgrades recommendations for catheter ablation and LAA occlusion.