Cardiomyopathy and embolization: risks and benefits of anticoagulation in sinus rhythm.
Systemic embolic complications in patients with cardiomyopathy are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the lack of prospective, randomized control data, the literature supports the use of left ventricular ejection fraction as an important determinant of the need for systemic anticoagulation therapy in patients with systolic dysfunction. This review discusses the risks and benefits of systemic anticoagulation for patients with cardiomyopathy and proposes a treatment algorithm for its initiation.
Rho
R
R
Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, 6 Penn Tower, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4024 USA.
DeNofrio
D
D
Loh
E
E
D000465:Algorithms; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000139:chemically induced; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control; D013318:Stroke Volume; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D014859:Warfarin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin