Fig. 1

Representation of the Markov model. The four treatment options are shown on the left. “M”represents a Markov process with 4  health states. These health states are identical for each treatment option. “Min” represent state without incident or sequelae, “Mod” represent moderate disabilities, “Sev” represent completely disabilities , Die means death. All patients remain in the “Min”state until one of the five events occurs. NVAF, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation; IS, ischemic stroke; ICH, intracranial hemorrhage; ECH, extracranial hemorrhage; MI, myocardial infarction