Résumé
Atrial fibrillation [AF] is the most common arrhythmia and represents one-third of the arrhythmia-related hospital admissions in the developed countries
Embolic strokes associated with AF are more severe and disabling
Thrombo-embolic stroke prevention is a major goal in treatment of AF and Warfarin has successfully served this purpose for many years
Drug-drug interaction and regular monitoring with Warfarin pose a significant challenge where health care system has limited resources; and lack of a well-structured health system, hinders regular International Normalized Ratio [INR] monitoring. Novel oral anticoagulants [NOACs] have opened up a new exciting chapter in the field of anticoagulation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation [NVAF]. This review discussed the landmark trials that led to the development of NOACs and explored the potentials of these new agents with simultaneous comparison of Warfarin