Use of oral anticoagulants in African-American and Caucasian patients with atrial fibrillation: is there a treatment disparity?

ABSTRACT: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very common cardiac arrhythmia, and its prevalence is increasing along with aging in the developed world. This review discusses racial differences in the epidemiology and treatment of AF between African-American and Caucasian patients. Additionally, the effect of race on warfarin and novel oral anticoagulant use is discussed, as well as the role that physicians and patients play in achieving optimal treatment outcomes. Despite having a lower prevalence of AF compared with Caucasians, African-Americans suffer disproportionately from stroke and its sequelae. The possible reasons for this paradox include poorer access to health care, lower health literacy, and a higher prevalence of other stroke-risk factors among African-Americans. Consequently, it is important

SUBMITTER: Akinboboye O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4445875 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature