What decides whether to take coumadin or aspirin when diagnosed with a-fib?

Answer 1

In 2006 guidelines were published by the American Heart Assoc, American College of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology

1) They ENDORSED the use of WARFARIN (COUMADIN) for patients with a CHADS score of 2 or greater.

2) Patients with a CHADS score of 1 may be treated with aspirin OR coumadin

3) Patients with a score of 0 (lone afib) may be treated with aspirin

Remember: patients undergoing cardioversion need anticoagulation regardless of CHADS score

HERE ARE THE DETAILS ABOUT THE CHADS SCORE:

Congestive Heart Failure (past or present) 1 point

Hypertension (>160/90, past or present) 1 point

Age >=75 1 point

Diabetes 1 point

Stroke or TIA (past or present) 2 points