Risks and benefits of oral anticoagulants for stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation according to body mass index: Nationwide cohort study of primary care records in England.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective and safe alternatives to warfarin for stroke prophylaxis for atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether this extends to patients at the extremes of body mass index (BMI) is unclear.

Methods

Using linked primary and secondary data, Jan 1, 2010 to Nov 30, 2018, we included CHA₂DS₂-VAS_C score ≥3 in women and ≥2 in men with AF treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs). Outcomes were ischaemic stroke, major bleeding and all-cause mortality by World Health Organisation BMI classification. Patients who received warfarin were propensity score matched (1:1 ratio) with those who received DOACs and the association of time-varying OAC exposure on outcomes quantified using Cox proportional hazards models.

SUBMITTER: Nakao YM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9637568 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature