Evaluation of the vascular protective effects of new oral anticoagulants in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation (PREFER-AF): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to be associated with several pathophysiological mechanisms including endothelial dysfunction of the heart and arterial vessels. Recent evidence suggests that new oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment may improve endothelial function and the inflammatory process involved in atherosclerosis in AF patients. This study is designed to determine the efficacy of NOAC therapy in the prevention of endothelial dysfunction and the progression of atherosclerosis of AF subjects.

Method/design

AF patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score >2 and no previous history of overt coronary disease, severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or major stroke will be registered and randomly assigned either to the NOAC group (dabigatran or rivaroxaban) or the warfar

SUBMITTER: Kim JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4997652 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature