A new study has revealed that apixaban, a commonly used blood thinner, could help prevent strokes in people with a little-known heart condition called sub-clinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF). This discovery could change the way doctors treat patients at risk of strokes, potentially saving lives.
A Hidden Heart Condition and Stroke Risk
The study, led by Dr. Jeff Healey from the Population Health Research Institute, focused on SCAF, a type of irregular heartbeat that often goes unnoticed because it does not cause obvious symptoms. Unlike clinical atrial fibrillation, which can be detected through standard heart tests, SCAF is usually found only through implanted heart monitors or wearable devices.
Even though SCAF is hard to detect, it increases the risk of stroke and dangerous blood clots. The study, which lasted eight years and included over 4,000 participants across 16 countries, examined whether apixaban could lower this risk.
How Apixaban Helps
Apixaban is a type of blood thinner that prevents clotting, reducing the risk of strokes. The study found that people with SCAF who took apixaban had:
- 37% lower risk of stroke or blood clots compared to those who did not take the drug.
- 49% fewer fatal or disabling strokes, showing that it could help prevent severe cases.
While the study also found that apixaban increased the risk of major bleeding, most of these incidents were not fatal and could be treated, making the drug a safe and effective option.
These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. They provide strong evidence that doctors should consider apixaban for patients with SCAF who have stroke risk factors.
A New Future for Stroke Prevention
This study is important not only for people with SCAF but also for the future of heart health. With the increasing use of implanted and wearable heart monitors, including smartwatches like the Apple Watch, more people with hidden heart conditions can be identified.
This means that doctors may be able to start preventive treatments earlier and reduce the number of strokes worldwide.
The research was funded by several prestigious organizations, including the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Bristol-Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance. The findings could change medical guidelines and improve care for thousands of people at risk of stroke.
If you’re interested in stroke prevention, other studies suggest that diets rich in flavonoids and the MIND diet could help lower stroke risk and slow cognitive decline. Additionally, recent research suggests that antioxidants may reduce dementia risk, while tea and coffee might help lower the chances of stroke and dementia.
For more details, you can find the full research in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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