Scientists from McMaster University found that apixaban, a widely available blood thinner, reduced the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation by 37%. The research was published in the journal NEJM.
Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke. More than four thousand people with the subclinical (asymptomatic) type of this disease from 16 countries participated in the new study. The presence of subclinical atrial fibrillation often cannot be determined using conventional ECG. It was diagnosed in study participants using implantable or external heart monitors. The disease can also be detected with some smart watch models.
Long-term use of apixaban reduced the risk of stroke and blood clots by 37% and the risk of fatal or disabling stroke by 49%. The drug had a dangerous side effect: internal bleeding, but in most cases it was reversible and did not lead to serious consequences, so for many patients the benefit outweighed the risk. Scientists believe that taking apixaban may benefit many patients at high risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation.
Previous scientists in the name Factor that increases the risk of atrial fibrillation by 30%.
Source: Gazeta
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