[Prevention of complications: a forgotten aspect of therapy? Thromboembolic complications]

In Heart Failure (HF) there is a prothrombotic state or hypercoagulation by changing of the blood flow, and by endothelial vessels or blood viscosity changes. Although these alterations in HF, the indication for an anticoagulant therapy is not precise, generally being done an empirical therapy, being still as a forgotten aspect in preventing the complications of this syndrome. When anticoagulant therapy is implemented the hemorrhagic complications risk must be carefully observed, for a significant quantity of patients may need hospital care. In spite of the existence of guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology and of the American Society of Heart Failure the decision of hypocoagulation treatment must be studied case by case, considering multiple facts, as the social state of the patient, because this therapy needs a good follow-up, a clinical surveillance and a frequent laboratory control.