The Impact of Changing Antithrombotic Management in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Cerebrovascular Events Despite Anticoagulation.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk of ischemic cerebrovascular events despite anticoagulants (AC). We aim to evaluate whether changing AC or adding antiplatelet therapy to anticoagulants (AP + AC) in patients with AF presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) despite AC, decreases the risk of recurrent AIS/TIA compared to patients continued on same AC regimen.

Methods: Patients with AF on AC presenting with AIS or TIA at our center between 2011- 2021 were included.