Suggested embolism prophylaxis regimens for patients in atrial fibrillation (the use of aspirin and warfarin implies no contraindication to its introduction) each case should be evaluated on an individual basis by a physician experienced in the treatment of such patients
| Condition | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Lone atrial fibrillation. No extracranial vascular disease; no atherosclerosis risk factors (smoking; family history of myocardial infarction/stroke; hypertension; diabetes; hypercholesterolaemia) | Nil/aspirin (325 mg/ day) |
| Patients <65 years with chronic/paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and stroke risk factors, but a normal heart and no stroke/transient ischaemic attack symptoms | Aspirin (325 mg/day) |
| Atrial fibrillation associated with cardiac abnormalities (especially mitral stenosis, cardiomyopathy, previous myocardial infarction, dyskinetic or akinetic segments) | Warfarin (maintaining INR of 2–3) |
| Patients >65 years with chronic /paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and stroke risk factors but no significant cardiac disease | Warfarin (maintaining INR of 2–3) |