2018 KHRS Guidelines for Stroke Prevention Therapy in Korean Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac abnormality associated with ischemic stroke. Anticoagulant therapy plays an important role in the prevention of stroke associated with AF. Risk stratification and selection of oral anticoagulants in patients with AF are usually performed according to international guidelines from Europe or the United States of America. However, pivotal trials enrolled only a small number of Asian subjects, limiting the application of international guidelines to Korean patients with AF. The Korean Heart Rhythm Society organized a Korean AF Management Guideline Committee and analyzed all available studies regarding the management of AF, including studies on Korean patients. Expert consensus or guidelines for the optimal management of Korean patients with AF were achieved after a systematic review with intensive discussion. This article provides general principles for appropriate risk stratification and selection of anticoagulation therapy in Korean patients with AF.