ASHP therapeutic position statement on antithrombotic therapy in chronic atrial fibrillation

Stroke is a catastrophic, but largely preventable, consequence of AF. ASHP supports recommendations established by the American College of Chest Physicians (Table 1) for the use of antithrombotic therapy in appropriate patients to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. The selection of warfarin versus aspirin should be based on the presence of clinical risk factors for stroke and the patient's ability to safely undergo anticoagulation therapy. Adequate patient education and monitoring are keys to the successful use of antithrombotic therapy, and ASHP believes that pharmacists can play an important role in providing these services.