Yu LJ, et al. - In this retrospective analysis of data from 300 patients with non-valvular persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), researchers assessed the status of antithrombotic therapy in elderly patients, since AF is commonly seen in elderly patients and linked to ischemic stroke. Two groups of patients were examined: Group 1 (from 65 to 74 years) and Group 2 (older than 75 years). At 7 days, 90 days, 180 days, 360 days after discharge, follow-ups were performed and the occurrence of stroke was recorded. Findings revealed a low ratio of antithrombotic therapy as well as poor drug compliance in elderly patients with non-valvular persistent AF. In these subjects, age, prior history of stroke and oral anticoagulants (OAC) treatment were highlighted as important factors that could predict stoke. By logistic regression analysis, age older than 75 and prior stroke were risk factors of stroke. Stroke could be prevented by OAC treatment.