Researchers at McMaster University reported that apixaban, a common blood thinner, lowered the stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation by 37 percent. The findings appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm problem that raises the chance of stroke. In the new study, more than four thousand participants with the subclinical (asymptomatic) form of this condition were enrolled from 16 countries. Subclinical atrial fibrillation can be missed by standard ECG tests, so the study included implantable and external heart monitors to detect it. Some smart watch models can also reveal traces of this condition.
Long-term use of apixaban reduced the risk of stroke and blood clots by 37 percent and the risk of a fatal or disabling stroke by 49 percent. A potential downside was internal bleeding, but in most cases the bleeding was reversible and did not cause lasting harm. For many patients at high risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation, the benefits appeared to outweigh the risks. Researchers say this therapy could help a broad range of patients who carry a high stroke risk due to atrial fibrillation.
Earlier studies have pointed to a factor that increases atrial fibrillation risk by about 30 percent. These findings help physicians identify individuals who might benefit most from preventive measures and targeted monitoring.