Gender Differences in the Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Peripheral Embolism in Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Women are at higher risk than men for AF-related thromboembolism off warfarin. Warfarin therapy appears be as effective in women, if not more so, than in men, with similar rates of major hemorrhage. Female sex is an independent risk factor for thromboembolism and should influence the decision to use anticoagulant therapy in persons with AF.