In this issue, we talk with cardiologists who are looking at the introduction of new pharmaceuticals that could prevent stroke in some atrial fibrillation patients. Drugs such as dabigatran (Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim), rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Bayer/Johnson & Johnson) and potentially apixaban (Eliquis, Bristol-Myers Squibb) could offer a welcome alternative to warfarin in the anticoagulant market.