Thromboembolism and antithrombotic therapy in congestive heart failure.
The incidence of thromboembolic events in unselected patients with class II-III congestive heart failure is 1.6-3.5% per year. Marked limitation of exercise capacity and the presence of echocardiographic left ventricular thrombus appear to be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. Several studies have reported that anticoagulant therapy does not eliminate the occurrence of thromboembolism. Because the benefit and risks of anticoagulant therapy in patients with congestive heart failure have not been examined in controlled studies, it is difficult to make well-founded recommendations.
Dunkman
W B
WB
Cardilogy Section 111C, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadephia, PA 19104, USA.
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors