[GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS OF ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH NON-VALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION]

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac source of emboli and cardioembolic stroke. Anticoagulants are recommended for preventing stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Warfarin reduces the risk of stroke in patients with AF by approximately two-thirds. Several novel anticoagulants that can overcome the limitations of warfarin have been introduced in the market or are under development. The NOACs are at least as effective as warfarin for stroke prevention in AF. Bleeding complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding, are common complication of anticoagulant treatment. The NOACs therapy are associated with an increased risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding compared with warfarin, and dabigatran is associated with an increased risk of non-bleeding upper GI symptoms such as dyspepsia and heartburn. This review provides information on the safety and risks of using NOACs, methods of treatment of gastrointestinal complications events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.