Antithrombotic strategies for the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting an estimated 2.2 million Americans. The management of non-valvular AF is likely to become even more challenging over the coming decades. The treatment target of AF takes 3 forms: cardioversion, rate control, and minimization of embolic risk. Recently, rate, rather than rhythm control has emerged as a valid therapeutic option in patients with persistent AF. According to current guidelines, International Normalized Ratio-targeted oral anticoagulation and proper stratification of risk remain fundamental principles of management. This article reviews, in depth, the current therapeutic options for atrial fibrillation including oral anticoagulants and unfractionated heparin, as well as reviewing new therapeutic options including bridging therapy with low-molecular-weight heparins and the new oral antithrombotic drug, ximelagatran.