Etiological research using observational data, and net clinical benefit. Simplicity and practicality matter

Atrial fibrillation in an elderly patient requires oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment, and contemporary international guidelines recommend treatment for atrial fibrillation patients at 75years or older.1,2 Substantial evidence (mostly in favour) of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), in comparison with warfarin, has emerged over the past decade. In particular, the benefits from a lower risk of intracranial bleeding and the non-requirement for monitoring of anticoagulant effects have driven the uptake of NOACs as the preferred choice for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, although some regional differences are evident.