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Semin Thromb Hemost 2009; 35(6): 543-547
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1240014
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Anticoagulant Management in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

David A. Fitzmaurice1 , 3 , F. D. Richard Hobbs2 , 3
  • 1Professor in Primary Care Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
  • 2Professor and Head of Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
  • 3Primary Care Clinical Sciences Building, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 September 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with a high risk of embolic stroke (cause in 15% of all strokes and 30% of strokes in those >75 years of age). Anticoagulation with warfarin will reduce stroke risk by about two thirds. The main risks of anticoagulation, namely bleeding, can be minimized by maintaining anticoagulation control within the international normalized range range of 2.0 to 3.0 (target: 2.5). To have a public health impact, patients with AF need efficient and correct identification, with appropriate treatment directed at those patients at most risk from the condition.

KEYWORDS

Atrial fibrillation - anticoagulation - stroke risk

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F.D.R. HobbsM.D. 

Primary Care Clinical Sciences Building, University of Birmingham, Birmingham

B15 2TT, United Kingdom

Email: f.d.r.hobbs@bham.ac.uk