We recommend that patients at high risk of stroke (CHADS<sub>2</sub> &ge; 2) should receive OAC therapy. (Recommendation Strong, Quality High)<br/><br/>We suggest, that when OAC therapy is indicated, most patients should receive dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban (once approved by Health Canada), in preference to warfarin. (Recommendation Conditional, Quality High)<br/>
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<b>Values and preferences: </b>This recommendation places relatively greater weight on the absolute reduction of stroke risk with OACs compared with ASA and less weight on the absolute increased risk for major hemorrhage with OACs compared with ASA.