Fig. 4.

Forest plot shows a comparative analysis of the occurrence of cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation patients, whether taking or not taking anticoagulants, when evaluated by means of the CHADS₂ score. P ≥0.05 was considered statistically significant. The occurrence of cardiovascular events was approximately 3-fold greater in atrial fibrillation patients with CHADS₂ scores ≥2, independent of anticoagulation (P_diff=0.86).

AF = atrial fibrillation; CHADS₂ = congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 yr, diabetes mellitus, and prior stroke or transient ischemic attack; CI = confidence interval; M-H = Mantel-Haenszel