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Published on: February 28, 2012
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Anticoagulation in Older Adults with Multimorbidity
Anna L Parks1, Margaret C Fang2
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|April 27, 2016
Summary
Anticoagulation benefits older atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, but frail individuals face challenges like bleeding risk and polypharmacy. This review aids clinicians in selecting appropriate anticoagulants for complex elderly AF patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The prevalence of elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and comorbidities is rising.
- Anticoagulation is generally beneficial for older AF patients.
- Frail patients present unique challenges for anticoagulation therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the appropriate use and selection of anticoagulants in complex older patients with AF.
- To address challenges in anticoagulation for frail elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anticoagulation strategies in elderly AF patients.
- Analysis of advantages and disadvantages of oral anticoagulants.
- Discussion of bleeding risk, monitoring, adherence, and polypharmacy.
Main Results:
- Older AF patients typically benefit from anticoagulation.
- Frail patients require careful consideration of bleeding risk, monitoring, adherence, and polypharmacy.
- Understanding individual anticoagulant profiles is crucial for management.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate selection and use of anticoagulants are vital for managing complex older AF patients.
- Clinicians must weigh the benefits and risks of anticoagulation in frail elderly populations.
- Personalized management plans are essential for safe and effective anticoagulation.
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