Introduction: The Underrecognized Threat of Systemic Embolism
The clinical management of atrial fibrillation (AF) has historically centered on the prevention of ischemic stroke (IS). While the cerebral circulation is the most frequent target for cardiac-derived emboli, systemic embolic events (SEEs)—defined as the sudden occlusion of a non-cerebral artery—represent a significant, though often underemphasized, complication of the arrhythmic state. Despite their lower frequency compared to stroke, SEEs can lead to catastrophic limb ischemia, visceral infarction, and high rates of mortality and morbidity. As the global burden of AF continues to rise, understanding the comparative efficacy of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) versus warfarin specifically for SEE prevention is paramount for optimized clinical decision-making.
