[Anticoagulation and atrial fibrillation].
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia in man. Incidence increases with age, risk of ischemic stroke as a result of AF disproportionally so. Anticoagulation is therefore one of the cornerstones of treatment. Perceived severity of bleeding risk on anticoagulants is, however, one of the main reasons that the elderly population at highest risk is relatively undertreated.This article describes both risks for the traditional vitamin K antagonists,in addition to the new direct thrombin and factor Xa antagonists.
Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherland.
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Simmers
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013917:Thrombin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014812:Vitamin K; D013917:Thrombin