In AF patients with acute ischemic stroke, we suggest that very early anticoagulation (< 48 h) using heparinoids or VKA should not be used (Ungraded consensus-based statement). Remark: Heparinoids should not be used as bridging therapy in the acute phase of ischemic stroke because they appear to increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage without net bene t. The optimal timing of anticoagulation after acute ischemic stroke is unknown. 35. In AF patients with acute stroke without contraindications, we recommend that long-term oral anticoagulation is indicated as secondary prevention (Strong recommendation, high quality evidence). Remark: The optimal timing of anticoagulation early after acute ischemic stroke is unknown. Early use of NOACs shows promise but requires testing in randomized controlled trials. 36. In AF patients with acute ischemic stroke, we suggest that oral anticoagulation should usually be started within 2 weeks of acute ischemic stroke, but the optimal timing within this period is not known (Ungraded consensus-based statement). Remark: Although infarct size is clinically used to guide timing of anticoagulation, it is predictive of a higher risk of early recurrent ischemia, hemorrhagic transformation of the infarct, and poor outcome, so might not be helpful in determining the net bene t of early treatment. Remark: Anticoagulation with NOACs soon after stroke (earlier than 1 week) has not been tested in randomized trials, but shows promise in observational studies. 37. In patients with AF and high ischemic stroke risk, we suggest anticoagulation with an NOAC after acute spontaneous ICH (which includes subdural, subarachnoid, and intracerebral hemorrhages) after careful consideration of the risks and bene ts (Ungraded consensus-based statement). Remark: The balance of net bene t from long-term oral anticoagulation might be more favorable in those with deep ICH or without neuroimaging evidence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. 