ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR STROKE: CLINICAL APPROACHES AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that increases the risk of stroke due to the formation of clots that can obstruct cerebral vessels. This literature review analyzed five references obtained from databases such as PubMed and Scielo, focusing on the relationship between AF and stroke. The methodology involved critical reading of studies on epidemiology, risk factors, and preventive interventions. The results showed that AF, prevalent in up to 2% of the population, increases the risk of ischemic stroke up to fivefold, especially in the elderly and individuals with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. Oral anticoagulation, particularly with new non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), is effective in preventing strokes in patients with AF. The final considerations highlight the importance of a multifaceted approach to managing AF and preventing strokes, emphasizing the need for public health policies to improve access to appropriate treatments and raise awareness about the importance of anticoagulation, especially in regions like Latin America.