Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Patients with atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) often require warfarin therapy to prevent the onset of stroke. Warfarin therapy is associated with an increased risk of bleeding and therefore, the its benefits and risks need to be assessed carefully. Atrial fibrillation is frequently found in patients with chronic kidney disease (reduced kidney function), who are already at a higher risk of developing bleeding events compared to the general population. This makes the balancing of the benefits and risks of warfarin therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease difficult. However, our knowledge regarding the association between kidney function and bleeding is limited. This project will help us better understand the risks associated with warfarin therapy in patients with reduced kidney function and atrial fibrillation to provide better care for these patients.