People with atrial fibrillation at intermediate risk of stroke benefit from oral anticoagulants, clinical trial finds
A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) significantly reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation at intermediate risk. The study showed a 69% reduction in adverse events compared to patients receiving no anticoagulation therapy.
Why it matters
This evidence provides a clearer clinical pathway for treating intermediate-risk patients, potentially changing standard medical guidelines for stroke prevention.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Oral anticoagulant therapy lowered the risk of adverse clinical events compared with no anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation at intermediate stroke risk, according to results from the SINGLE-AF trial presented in a Hot Line session at ESC Congress 2026 and published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine .
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk of stroke. ESC Guidelines recommend oral anticoagulants for patients with AF at high risk of stroke with a Class I recommendation. The guidelines also suggest that oral anticoagulants should be considered in patients at intermediate risk, with a Class IIa recommendation.
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