Anticoagulation can be started early after an ischaemic stroke

Starting anticoagulation early after an ischaemic stroke may be as safe and better at preventing further events than delaying, shows a study funded by the SNSF.

An international clinical trial demonstrates that in people with ischaemic stroke and atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation can safely be started earlier than currently recommended by guidelines. The chances of suffering a recurrent ischaemic stroke with earlier treatment are likely to be lower, without any increased risk of bleeding complications.