A 68-year-old woman is found to have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after presenting with palpitations. She has hypertension but no prior bleeding,

Question

A 68-year-old woman is found to have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after presenting with palpitations. She has hypertension but no prior bleeding, stroke or valvular disease. Which of the following is the most appropriate long-term stroke prevention strategy?

Accepted Answer

Start an oral anticoagulant after shared decision-making and bleeding-risk review

Answer

Anticoagulation only if atrial fibrillation becomes persistent

Answer

Aspirin alone because she has only one risk factor

Answer

No antithrombotic therapy because the atrial fibrillation is paroxysmal

Answer

Dual antiplatelet therapy instead of anticoagulation

Atrial fibrillation stroke prevention — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

A 68-year-old woman is found to have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after presenting with palpitations. She has hypertension but no prior bleeding, stroke or valvular disease. Which of the following is the most appropriate long-term stroke prevention strategy?