Apixaban for Stroke Prevention in Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation

This study, known as the ARTESIA trial, evaluated the effectiveness of apixaban versus aspirin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism in patients with subclinical atrial fibrillation. The trial enrolled over 4,000 patients with device detected atrial fibrillation episodes lasting between 6 minutes and 24 hours. Results showed that apixaban significantly reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism compared to aspirin, but also increased the risk of major bleeding. The findings suggest that apixaban may be beneficial for stroke prevention in this population, though bleeding risks must be carefully weighed.

This study, known as the ARTESIA trial, evaluated the effectiveness of apixaban versus aspirin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism in patients with subclinical atrial fibrillation. The trial enrolled over 4,000 patients with device detected atrial fibrillation episodes lasting between 6 minutes and 24 hours. Results showed that apixaban significantly reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism compared to aspirin, but also increased the risk of major bleeding. The findings suggest that apixaban may be beneficial for stroke prevention in this population, though bleeding risks must be carefully weighed.