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Atrial fibrillation stroke prevention — ABFM Board MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascularAtrial fibrillation stroke preventionABFM Board

A 76-year-old woman is seen after an urgent care visit for newly detected atrial fibrillation. She has hypertension and diabetes. She has no history of major bleeding and her creatinine clearance is normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Start oral anticoagulation after discussing risks and benefits

Her age, hypertension, and diabetes confer high thromboembolic risk; oral anticoagulation is preferred over aspirin for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Reference: 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Atrial Fibrillation Guideline: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193