For a patient with chronic Atrial Fibrillation, what is the primary goal of anticoagulation therapy?

The primary goal of anticoagulation therapy for a patient with chronic atrial fibrillation is to prevent stroke. Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of thrombus formation, particularly in the left atrial appendage. This increases the likelihood of embolic events, such as stroke, due to clots traveling to the cerebral circulation. By using anticoagulants, the therapy reduces the formation of these clots, thereby significantly lowering the risk of stroke, which is a major complication associated with atrial fibrillation.

While other options may relate to a patient’s overall management, they do not directly address the primary concern associated with chronic atrial fibrillation. For instance, starting insulin therapy is not relevant as it pertains to glucose management rather than anticoagulation. Lowering blood pressure may be important for some patients, but it does not specifically address the thromboembolic risks of atrial fibrillation. Managing heart rate can be a component of treatment in atrial fibrillation but again does not focus on the prevention of stroke, which is the critical reason for instituting anticoagulation therapy. Thus, the emphasis on preventing stroke is the clear and primary objective of anticoagulation in these patients.