Practical perspectives on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: A view from the Middle East and North Africa

Publication date: April 2018Source: Journal of the Saudi Heart Association, Volume 30, Issue 2Author(s): Ahmad S. Hersi, Yahya S. Alhebaishi, Omar Hamoui, Taher Hassan, Adel Khalifa Hamad, Mohamed Magdy, Hani Sabbour, Sameh ShaheenAbstractClinical guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are available from several international cardiology associations. Patients with NVAF in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region present unique challenges and opportunities related to differences in geography, practice patterns, and patient demographics that are as yet unaddressed in practice guidelines. This review aims to offer a practical perspective on the management of NVAF in patients in MENA and draws on evidence-based guidelines as well as real-world evidence and expert opinion. The literature was searched for relevant original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and guideline recommendations addressing the prevention of stroke in patients with NVAF with a focus on issues relevant to the MENA region. Guideline recommendations, best practices, and expert opinion were discussed and agreed on by a working group consisting of cardiologists from across the MENA region. The incidence of stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation in patients across the MENA region is higher than rates reported globally, and this might be attributed to a higher incidence of vascular risk factors and underuse of anticoagulants in patie...
Source: Journal of the Saudi Heart Association - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research