In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) appear to provide greater overall clinical benefit when compared with vitamin K antagonists. A systematic review and meta-analysis found than NOACs were associated with lower rates of total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, stroke, and systemic embolism in patients with AF when compared with vitamin K antagonists.
Abstract: Circulation, November 13, 2012.
