[How suitable is thromboembolism prophylaxis for patients with chronic auricular fibrillation at 3 primary care centers].
OBJECTIVE
To find just how suitable thromboembolism prophylaxis (TEP) is in a group of patients with chronic auricular fibrillation belonging to the primary care environment.


METHODS
Cross-sectional and descriptive multi-centre study.


METHODS
The study was performed at 3 urban primary care centres in Madrid.


METHODS
All the patients recorded up to April 2001 with the diagnosis of chronic auricular fibrillation (n=274) were included. Patients with no clinical history or who had a valve prosthesis were excluded.


METHODS
Demographic variables, existence of factors of risk of embolism, presence of counter-indications for oral anti-coagulants, and the kind of thromboembolic prophylaxis taken were collected.


RESULTS
A total of 274 patients were evaluated. Average age was 75 (SD, 9) and 52% were women. 82% of patients had at least one factor of risk of thromboembolism. The most commonly used kind of TEP was oral anti-coagulants. 45% of patients did not receive suitable TEP. 13.5% of patients at risk of embolism and who had no kind of TEP were found.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a high percentage of patients with chronic auricular fibrillation and a high risk of embolism, who do not receive adequate TEP, in the absence of counter-indications to taking oral anticoagulants. There is great scope for improvement, which is within professionals' possibilities.
Romera Fernández
I
I
Médicos de familia, Atención Primaria Area 4, Instituto Madrileño de la Salud, Madrid, España.
de Dios del Valle
R
R
García de Francisco
A
A
González Rubio
Y
Y
Lenza Alonso
C
C
Salinero Fort
M A
MA
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants