Stroke is a syndrome caused by the reduction or cessation of blood flow to the brain causing neurological dysfunction. While some strokes may be the result of a haemorrhage, majority (85%) are due to ischaemia. Many ischaemic events are cardioembolic, of these the majorities are due to atrial fibrillation (AF).
There are currently four novel anticoagulants (NOACs) which can be prescribed for the prophylaxis of stroke in those with non-valvular AF. These NOACs include dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, and the others, rivaroxaban, apixaban and Edoxaban are Factor-Xa inhibitors.
Vitamin K antagonist, warfarin, has certain limitations that NOACs overcome with fixed dosing regimens corrected to renal function, no necessity to regularly monitor coagulation parameters and fewer interactions with food and medications.
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