STROKE PREVENTION Flashcards
Stroke risk
assess of patient for stroke risk and need for thromboprophylaxis
Overall, when would you offer oral
anticoagulation for patients with AF/Atrial Flutter?
- Patients with a high risk of recurrence of AF (such as those with a structural
disease) - Prolonged history of Atrial Fibrillation (more than 12 months)
- history of failed attempts at cardioversion
- Patients whom the risk of stroke outweighs bleeding
Assessment tool
CHA2DS2-VASc
Congestive HF = 1
Hypertension = 1
Age > 75 = 2, 65-74 = 1
Diabetes = 1
Stroke/TIA = 2
Vascular disease =1
Sex = female = 1
When is thromboprophylaxis not needed?
Men score 0
Women score 1
When is thromboprophylaxis needed?
2 or above
Medication for thromboprophylaxis
- NOAC
- Vit K antagonist - warfarin
What thromboprophylaxis is used for non-valvular AF?
NOACs
Can aspirin be used?
Aspirin is less effective than warfarin in preventing emboli
Therefore should NOT be offered as monotherapy
When can aspirin be used with regards to stroke and AF?
- Although aspirin is not recommended for
PREVENTION of stroke - It is preferred to use Aspirin in TREATING stroke in the initial phase over Warfarin