Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
84.7K
Anticoagulation in Heart Failure: a Review.
Emily P Zeitler1, Zubin J Eapen1
1Duke Clinical Research Institute and Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC.
Journal of Atrial Fibrillation
|December 14, 2016
Summary
Heart failure patients face increased stroke risk, especially with atrial fibrillation. Direct oral anticoagulants are now key therapies for stroke prevention in heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular function is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
- Stroke is a major complication of HF, with risks amplified by comorbidities like atrial fibrillation.
Approach:
- This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms linking HF to stroke.
- It details current therapeutic anticoagulation options for stroke risk reduction in HF patients.
Key Points:
- Warfarin was the traditional anticoagulant, but four direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now available.
- Outcomes with three of the four DOACs have been specifically evaluated in HF subgroups.
- Professional society guidelines incorporate these anticoagulation strategies for HF patients.
Conclusions:
- Understanding HF's contribution to stroke risk is crucial for effective prevention.
- DOACs represent a significant advancement in managing stroke risk in HF patients.
- Current guidelines guide the use of anticoagulation in HF for stroke risk mitigation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
494
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
494
01:30Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
2.2K
Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
2.2K
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
453
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
453
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
433
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
433
01:18Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
2.6K
Oral anticoagulants are vital tools in preventing and treating blood clotting disorders. This diverse class of medications can be categorized as vitamin K antagonists, exemplified by warfarin, and direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), such as dabigatran, as well as factor Xa inhibitors, including rivaroxaban.
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...
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...
2.6K
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
1.1K
Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
1.1K