Summary

There has been a decreasing trend in stroke rates in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) over the past few decades, which may be owing to more aggressive treatment of underlying risk factors (eg, hypertension and hyperlipidemia) [Gage BF et al. Circulation 2004; Singer DE et al. Ann Intern Med 2009; Hart RG et al. Stroke 2009]. This article discusses new approaches in stroke prevention in patients with AF and the choice of the appropriate treatment strategy for these patients.