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Updated: May 14, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
[Anticoagulation and atrial fibrillation].
1Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherland.
Tijdschrift Voor Gerontologie En Geriatrie
|February 2, 2013
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk, especially in the elderly. This review covers anticoagulation risks for traditional and new drugs, addressing undertreatment concerns.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia.
- AF incidence and stroke risk rise with age.
- Anticoagulation is crucial for AF stroke prevention.
Purpose:
- To review bleeding risks associated with anticoagulants in AF patients.
- To compare risks of traditional vitamin K antagonists and newer direct oral anticoagulants.
Summary:
- Elderly patients at high stroke risk are often undertreated due to perceived bleeding risks.
- This article details risks of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs).
- It also describes risks of direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors.
Impact:
- Aims to inform treatment decisions for AF patients, particularly the elderly.
- Highlights the need to balance stroke prevention with bleeding risk management.
- Facilitates better understanding of anticoagulant safety profiles.
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