[Prevention of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation].
Provided that account is taken of the criteria discussed in the present article, there is no doubt about the therapeutic benefits of effective anticoagulation in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Indeed, it is to be expected that the previously valid therapeutic guidelines are more likely to be expanded to reduce feared thromboembolic complications to a minimum, as is exemplified by the recommendation that the application of anticoagulation treatment with vitamin K antagonists should be continued over the longer term, that is, after the restoration of sinus rhythm. Furthermore, there is hope that effective drugs with a calculable (level of) safety and simplicity of administration may soon become available.
Schmidt
M
M
Stiftsklinik Augustinum, München. Schmidt@med.augustinum.de
Brömsen
J
J
Blumenstein
M
M
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004452:Echocardiography; D004554:Electric Countershock; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013997:Time Factors; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D014812:Vitamin K; D001241:Aspirin