Which patients should be considered for anticoagulation therapy in the context of atrial fibrillation, and what factors influence this decision?

Patients with atrial fibrillation should be considered for anticoagulation therapy if they have one or more risk factors such as previous stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or systemic embolism, left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%, symptomatic heart failure of NYHA class 2 or above, age 75 years or older, or age 65 years or older with diabetes, coronary artery disease, or hypertension NICE NG196.

The decision should involve an informed discussion about the risks and benefits of anticoagulation, considering individual risk profiles and personal preferences NICE NG196.