Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and primary stroke prevention from a geriatric point of view.
Cerebrovascular disease constitutes one of the major causes of death. Patients with atrial fibrillation are known to be at high risk for stroke. The efficacy of oral anticoagulant therapy in the primary prevention of stroke in individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation has been demonstrated in several large randomized trials. However, many geriatricians remain reluctant to prescribe anticoagulants. This article focuses on the risks and benefits of stroke prophylaxis with anticoagulant therapy in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Boonen
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S
Afdeling Geriatrie Dienst Inwendige Geneeskunde, Universitaire Ziekenhuizen, K.U. Leuven.
Wu
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A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants