23 September 2015 - In final guidance published today NICE has recommended the anti-blood clotting drug edoxaban (Lixiana, Daiichi Sankyo) as an option for preventing stroke and systemic embolism (blood clots) in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who have one or more further risk factors.

NVAF is a heart rhythm disorder affecting the top two chambers of the heart (atria). This causes the heart to beat irregularly and, occasionally, too fast so it cannot efficiently pump blood around the body. This can allow clots to form where the blood moves too slowly. These clots can then be carried to blood vessels in the brain causing potentially deadly blockages that result in stroke. However, the risk of stroke can be substantially reduced by drugs such as warfarin that prevent the blood from clotting (anticoagulants).

The condition affects around 800,000 people in the UK but it’s thought around 250,000 others may be undiagnosed. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Additional risk factors for stroke and blood clots in people with NVAF include congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, age 75 years or older, diabetes, and prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (mini-stroke).

For more details, go to: http://www.nice.org.uk/news/press-and-media/nice-recommends-edoxaban-lixiana-for-preventing-potentially-fatal-blood-clots-in-people-with-atrial-fibrillation