Atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention
Atrial fibrillation multiplies stroke risk because blood stagnates in the atrium and forms a clot. Aspirin is an antiplatelet: it does not prevent cardioembolic stroke. A person taking over-the-counter ASA to "thin the blood" remains unprotected. Anticoagulation is assessed on age and risk factors, typically age 65 or over, or younger with hypertension, diabetes, heart failure or previous stroke. Teaching on a direct oral anticoagulant: take it at the same time every day, never double a missed dose, report any unusual bleeding, and tell every dentist and surgeon.