Question

A 71-year-old man with newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation has hypertension and diabetes (CHA₂DS₂-VASc = 3). What is the best next step?

Accepted Answer

Start a direct oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention

Answer

Aspirin 81 mg daily only

Answer

No anticoagulation because CHA₂DS₂-VASc <4

Answer

Warfarin is preferred over DOAC in all patients

Answer

Defer anticoagulation until 48-hour Holter confirms AF burden

Practice question

A 71-year-old man with newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation has hypertension and diabetes (CHA₂DS₂-VASc = 3). What is the best next step?