title: [Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation: new therapeutic alternatives].
abstract: The fundamental treatment of atrial fibrillation is based on maintenance of sinus rhythm or control of ventricular rate and preventing arterial thromboembolism. Warfarin has been the anti-thrombotic agent of choice for the last 50 years. However multiple interactions with other drugs and certain types of food and vegetables with high Vitamin K content complicate its use. It also requires multiple blood tests to adjust the dose in order to reach adequate and stable anticoagulation. Three new, di-fferent anti thrombotic agents are described. They are as or more effective than Warfarin with decreased incidence of hemorrhagic events. Dabigratan is a direct antithrombotic inhibitor, Rivaroxaban and Apixaban inhibits factor Xa. Their use will probably depend on their cost effectiveness in the population at risk for thromboembolic events.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Cardiologia, UPR Escuela de Medicina. arandamd@coqui.net
authors.forename: Juan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Aranda
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants