About 17 percent of all strokes usually occur in patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation. The strokes aren’t only more common in these patients, but the severity is higher. In fact, patients with atrial fibrillation who experience a stroke usually undergo some kind of disability. Moreover, the outcomes are generally worse than in other patients who don’t have atrial fibrillation.

As people age, so does the atrial fibrillation prevalence. Thus, more and more people suffer from atrial fibrillation-related strokes. This is especially the case in Asia which is considered as a rapidly ageing population. As many people have an irregular or non-valvular heartbeat disorder, it’s becoming a leading cause of severe strokes in Asia. In fact, about one in 20 patients with AF will have a stroke each year in Asia.

Recently, there has been a real-world study on the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation in Asia. The study was conducted on 2,273 Asian patients from 435 sites across Asia, including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Pakistan. The studies showed that elderly patients were at a higher risk not only of stroke, but also hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes.

Moreover, the study demonstrated that patients who were treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) Rivaroxaban had a low bleeding rate. So, patients who were treated didn’t experience any stroke or major bleeding which showed the efficacy of Rivaroxaban.

How to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation-Related Strokes

First and foremost, it’s important to mention that atrial fibrillation-related strokes can be prevented. The study we mentioned showed the efficacy of Rivaroxaban and thus, this oral anticoagulant medication can prevent the negative impacts of stroke.

Another possible preventive measure is using an older anticoagulant therapy with Vitamin K Antagonist (VKAs), such as warfarin. However, it is harder to use it as it has food and drug interactions and requires regular blood monitoring. Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality in the Philippines.

So, it’s crucial to take into consideration a patient’s individual risk factors to prescribe the right NOAC to the right patient for atrial fibrillation stroke prevention. To manage atrial fibrillation and prevent stroke, it’s crucial to have a doctor’s support.

Recently, the use of anticoagulant treatment for stroke prevention has increased. In fact, the anticoagulant treatment for stroke prevention increased from 57 percent to 71 percent. Moreover, there was a decrease in Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) and antiplatelet (combined or alone) use. Nevertheless, the use and the benefits of anticoagulation and using a NOAC over VKA are still to be understood and employed.