OVERVIEW

Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: The Special Issues we Face Daily (plus Self-Assessment) is organized by Heart Rhythm Society (HRS).

Description:
Managing stroke risk in specific populations often requires a tailored approach. The HCP must weigh the risks and benefits of the different types of management strategies with each patient, and there are many “gray” areas for which no solid evidence base is available.

This case-based activity will address what to do when ‘special situations’ arise and will examine the management of stroke risk in various patient populations in the context of surgery, acute coronary syndrome, AF ablation, and after a major bleeding event.

Following this activity, the learner can participate in an 18-question self-assessment examination.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this learning activity and self-assessment examination, the learner should be able to:
• Cite the indications for anticoagulation for stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation
• Compare and contrast the indications and contraindications of either warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) in a variety of patient populations
• Determine when a patient with AF should be referred for specialty care
• Calculate a CHA2DS2-VASc score and interpret the results in a variety of patient populations
• Apply shared decision-making to determine whether or not to prescribe anticoagulation based on CHA2DS2-VASc score
• Determine fall risks and benefits of anticoagulation
• Manage a patient’s anticoagulation bridging strategy when an interruption is necessary due to surgery or other cause
• Determine when to resume anticoagulation after overt gastrointestinal bleed (GIB)
• Discuss FDA approved reversal agents for DOACs with patients with atrial fibrillation
• Summarize indications for DOAC dosage adjustment
• Differentiate the potential impact of bleeding risk compared to stroke risk when considering CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores