[Contraindications to DOACs in atrial fibrillation]

Sometimes there is doubt as to whether or not anticoagulants should be initiated, and if so which ones, in patients with atrial fibrillation and advanced age, increased frailty, or fall risk, kidney, or liver impairment, alcohol abuse, uncontrolled hypertension, or a history of major bleeding. These subgroups have increased risk of haemorrhage as well as thromboembolism. Treatment with anticoagulants is indicated in the vital elderly, preferably with direct oral anticoagulants as demonstrated by robust data. The available study results for the other subgroups may not be (fully) generalisable to clinical practice. In such patients, a comprehensive risk assessment is therefore advised; as is discussing the pros and cons of (not) using anticoagulants and of both type of anticoagulants. Only in exceptional cases is it justified not to use anticoagulants.