Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation: underutilization in a Brazilian tertiary outpatient clinic
Cézar E Mesas1, Henrique H Veloso, Angelo A V De Paola
1Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Paulista School of Medicine-Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. cemesas@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Despite a clear benefit of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation for the prevention of stroke, treatment rates are disappointingly low in clinical practice in the industrialized countries. This survey demonstrates similar rates in a Brazilian tertiary outpatient clinic, with only 55% of patients at high risk receiving dose-adjusted warfarin. Poor patient education and health care system limitations are considered important barriers. Strategies to improve treatment rates should target specific problems at each location.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
