title: [Anticoagulation in non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation. Recommendations based on five prospective studies].
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is the second most common arrhythmia after ventricular premature beats. For years, prophylactic anticoagulation has been recommended in patients with atrial fibrillation in underlying rheumatic heart disease. With the aim of establishing the risk of embolism in non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation, and the justification for prophylactic anticoagulation therapy, five prospective studies were carried out. The results obtained indicate that all patients with chronic atrial fibrillation should receive anticoagulation therapy wherever possible (INR 2.0 to 3.0). The sole exception are patients aged under 55 years with no other organic heart disease. For this group, the risk of a stroke is appreciably reduced, so that treatment with ASA suffices.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik B, Stiftsklinik Augustinum München.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prohaska
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: von Essen
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D002542:Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012214:Rheumatic Heart Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants
vernacular_title: Antikoagulation bei nichtrheumatischem Vorhofflimmern. Neue Empfehlungen auf der Basis fünf prospektiver Studien.