Oral anticoagulation in patients with cardiomyopathy or heart failure in sinus rhythm.
BACKGROUND
Despite many prospective randomized studies defining the benefits of anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation (AF), there have been no adequate studies in cardiomyopathy (CM) in sinus rhythm.


METHODS
We review the current knowledge of the risk of stroke in CM, left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure as well as the indications for antithrombotic agents and compare this with AF.


RESULTS
The current knowledge of risk factors for stroke and indications for antithrombotic agents in CM is similar to that of AF prior to the treatment studies of the 1980s-1990s.


CONCLUSIONS
Prospective randomized trial data are urgently needed to determine the role of antithrombotic drugs in CM.
Pullicino
P
P
Kent Institute of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK. P.Pullicino@kent.ac.uk
Thompson
J L P
JL
Mohr
J P
JP
Sacco
R L
RL
Freudenberger
R
R
Levin
B
B
Homma
S
S
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents