In a patient with atrial fibrillation, what is the main purpose of anticoagulation therapy?

In patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation therapy primarily serves to prevent thromboembolism. Atrial fibrillation can lead to the formation of blood clots in the heart, especially in the left atrial appendage, due to turbulent blood flow and stasis. These clots can then dislodge and potentially travel to vital organs such as the brain, leading to a stroke, or to other areas, causing serious complications.

The use of anticoagulants reduces the risk of clot formation, thereby significantly lowering the risk of these thromboembolic events. This is particularly important in patients with risk factors for stroke, as identified by scoring systems like the CHA2DS2-VASc score. By preventing thromboembolism, anticoagulation therapy plays a crucial role in the management of atrial fibrillation and helps improve long-term patient outcomes.

While the other options refer to important aspects of cardiovascular health—such as heart rate control, blood flow enhancement, and blood pressure management—the main focus in the context of atrial fibrillation is the prevention of thromboembolic events, which underscores the significance of anticoagulation therapy for patients with this condition.