Strategies for the prevention of ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation in East Asia: clinical features, changes and challenges

Abstract

East Asian populations exhibit a high burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) and AF-related ischemic strokes. The countries/regions in East Asia have diversities regarding patient characteristics and varying patient care represented by different adherence rates to the ABC (Atrial Fibrillation Better Care) pathway. Two changes, “from non-anticoagulation to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)” and “from lower dosing to appropriate dosing DOACs”, have been identified in East Asia and have been temporally linked to improved clinical outcomes in AF patients. Additional efforts are necessary to further reduce the stroke risk among AF patients, including increased communication with other specialists/societies, the initiation of prospective studies or clinical trials in Asia, and the implementation of evidence-based holistic or integrated care management based on the ABC pathway.