Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Vittorio Pengo

doi:10.1055/s-2003-44469

Seminars in Vascular Medicine, Table of Contents

Semin Vasc Med 2003; 03(3): 333-338
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-44469

Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Vittorio Pengo

Department of Clinical Cardiology, Thrombosis Centre, University of Padova, Italy

Abstract

ABSTRACT

In the absence of contraindications, patients with atrial fibrillation and at least one major risk factor for stroke should receive long-term oral anticoagulant treatment to prevent atrial thrombus formation. Because age of more than 75 years is a major risk factor for stroke, but is also a risk factor for major bleeding, the decision to treat elderly patients with anticoagulants should be made on an individual basis.

KEYWORDS

atrial fibrillation - warfarin - INR - stroke - bleeding

Full Text

References

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