New drugs for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: are we there yet?

Not only are people with atrial fibrillation more likely to have a stroke than people without the condition, they are also more likely to have a fatal or disabling stroke. Therefore in this population, stroke prevention is vital. Traditionally, this has been through warfarin but warfarin has a reputation for being difficult to manage, with both doctors and patients reluctant to use it. Afer many years of searching for alternatives, we finally seem to have some on the horizon. But, will we ever be able to say goodbye to warfarin? Dawn Powell talks to cardiologist Dr Hugh McIntyre to find out.