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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

[Risk and benefit of oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation]

I V Zotova, D A Zateĭshchikov

    Kardiologiia
    |November 29, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    For atrial fibrillation patients, assessing individual risks for thromboembolism and bleeding is crucial. This review discusses modern scales for comparing these risks to guide anticoagulant therapy decisions.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Clinical Medicine

    Context:

    • Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
    • Thromboembolism is a primary cause of death and disability in atrial fibrillation patients.
    • Indirect anticoagulants are widely used for thromboembolic prevention but carry bleeding risks.

    Purpose:

    • To review current risk stratification scales for thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications in atrial fibrillation.
    • To aid clinicians in the individual comparative assessment of risks versus benefits of anticoagulant therapy.
    • To highlight the importance of personalized medicine in managing atrial fibrillation.

    Summary:

    • Thromboembolism poses a major threat to patients with atrial fibrillation.
    • While indirect anticoagulants are effective, their associated risks necessitate careful patient selection.
    • This review examines modern stratification tools for balancing thromboembolic and bleeding risks.

    Impact:

    • Facilitates informed clinical decision-making regarding anticoagulant use in atrial fibrillation.
    • Aims to optimize patient outcomes by minimizing both thromboembolic events and bleeding complications.
    • Promotes a personalized approach to atrial fibrillation management through risk assessment.

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