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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Insights
Long-term anticoagulant therapy, particularly dicoumarin, significantly reduces mortality by 50% in myocardial infarction survivors by preventing thrombosis. While hemorrhage risk exists, skilled management makes benefits outweigh risks for preventing recurrent heart attacks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Arteriosclerotic heart disease poses risks for recurrent myocardial infarction.
- Anticoagulant therapy is a key treatment modality for cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in preventing recurrent myocardial infarction.
- To assess the impact of anticoagulants on mortality and thromboembolic complications in survivors of myocardial infarction.
Main Methods:
- Continuous dicoumarin therapy administered to survivors of myocardial infarction.
- Monitoring for thromboembolic events and hemorrhage risk.
Main Results:
- Continuous dicoumarin therapy reduced mortality by 50% in myocardial infarction survivors.
- Anticoagulants were effective in preventing cardiac mural thrombosis and extracardiac thromboembolism.
- Hemorrhage risk, though present, is manageable and outweighed by benefits.
Conclusions:
- Long-term anticoagulant therapy is valuable for preventing recurrent myocardial infarction.
- Anticoagulant therapy significantly reduces mortality and thromboembolic complications in post-myocardial infarction patients.
- Physicians should adopt anticoagulant therapy for eligible patients to improve outcomes.
Abstract:
Anticoagulant therapy of arteriosclerotic heart disease may prove to be most valuable when applied on a long-term basis for prevention of recurrent myocardial infarction. While its prophylactic value in impending infarction has not been established, at least the accepted treatment for the acute stage is already begun if an anticoagulant has been administered before an inevitable infarction occurs. The chief value of the anticoagulant, though, seems to lie in preventing cardiac mural thrombosis and extracardiac thromboembolism. It is by this effect, apparently, that mortality has been reduced by 50 per cent among survivors of myocardial infarction who receive continuous dicoumarin therapy. While the danger of hemorrhage is still present, it is being steadily reduced by increasing skill in the management of anticoagulant therapy, and for a long time the risk has been far outweighed by the reduction in coronary occlusion. Physicians have a duty to learn the use of anticoagulant therapy, obtain the facilities necessary for it, and apply it to patients who are able and willing to cooperate in prolonging their useful lives.
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