Clinical trials update: recent and ongoing studies in anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation

: Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in the adult population, with a marked increased risk associated with age. Perhaps the most devastating complications of atrial fibrillation include acute ischemic stroke or systemic embolization. Vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin have served as the primary pharmacologic agent for the prevention of these thrombotic complications. Despite the widespread use of vitamin K antagonists, their effectiveness is hindered by several factors, including delayed onset of action, multiple food and drug interactions, onerous monitoring and dosing regimens