This Figure summarizes the most recent ACCF/AHA/ESC and ACCF/AHA/HRS guidelines and recommendations for anticoagulation in patients with AFib and consequently at risk for stroke.  Very succinctly, these guidelines mandate that patients with moderate risk factors warrant more aggressive anticoagulation, which means either with warfarin or with one of the new oral anticoagulation agents, whereas those patients with no risk factors will usually have no therapy or merely antiplatelet therapy with aspirin.[49] [50]

Rothman SA. Am J Med 2013; 126: 00-00.

[ACCF = American College of Cardiology Foundation; AHA = American Heart Association; ESC = European Society of Cardiology; HRS = Heart Rhythm Society]