Fibrilación auricular y cardiopatía isquémica: más allá de la prevención del ictus

The main aim of management in patients with atrial fibrillation is to reduce the risk of stroke using appropriate antithrombotic treatment. However, despite adequate anticoagulation, there remains a substantial residual risk of ischemic events, particularly myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. A more general approach is needed. Consequently, in patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation treatment should seek to achieve the twin targets of reducing the risk of both stroke and ischemic events. Studies have demonstrated that vitamin K antagonists reduce the risk of stroke and ischemic events only when anticoagulation control is optimal, a situation that occurs in only a small number of patients. Direct oral anticoagulants are generally more effective and safer than vitamin K antagonists. However, not all direct oral anticoagulants appear to offer the same protection against ischemic events. It has been shown that rivaroxaban significantly reduces the risk of myocardial infarction (by 18%). In fact, studies demonstrate that rivaroxaban provides comprehensive vascular protection across a range of clinical scenarios, not only in patients with atrial fibrillation, but also in those with atherosclerotic vascular disease.