Anticoagulation in the elderly.
This review will address the general approach to the management of the typical elderly patient requiring anticoagulation. Most of the data has been derived from studies of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Data from postmyocardial infarction trials have also been included. A practical clinical approach to anticoagulation in the elderly is described. Emphasis has been placed on maximizing the benefit and reducing the risk of anticoagulation in the rapidly expanding group of elderly patients aged >/=75 who are at the greatest risk of stroke and are likely to benefit the most from antithrombotic therapy.
Dhond
Abhay J
AJ
Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
Michelena
Hector I
HI
Ezekowitz
Michael D
MD
D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003657:Decision Making; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control; D014859:Warfarin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D014859:Warfarin; D001241:Aspirin