This document summarizes data from clinical studies and real-world evidence on the new oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation. It finds that dabigatran 150mg twice daily reduces ischemic stroke and mortality compared to warfarin based on a study of 56,576 Medicare patients, but increases gastrointestinal bleeding in those over 75 years old. Real-world data also finds apixaban reduces major bleeding, hospitalizations and inpatient bleeding compared to dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Studies of patients over 75 years old initiating anticoagulants find warfarin, rivaroxaban and dabigatran have higher risks of major bleeding than apixaban. The document