Hernandez I, et al. - Researchers assessed the differences in effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs; warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran or rivaroxaban) across subgroups of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients defined by stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≤3, 4-5, ≥6). They used claims data from a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries and compared the combined risk of ischemic stroke, other thromboembolic event and death, and the risk of bleeding among the subgroups. A greater efficacy of DOACs vs warfarin was noted in the prevention of stroke, other TE event and death. This impact was more pronounced among patients with lower risk of stroke.