The use of antithrombotic therapy in the elderly

The elderly are predisposed to atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis, the conditions for which anticoagulants are used. Anticoagulants can be used safely in the elderly with little or no more risk of bleeding than exists in younger patients. The prescribing physician must know the mechanism of drug action, be attentive to potential side effects, and monitor drug activity adequately. The authors emphasize the oral anticoagulants and heparin because, in general, their use is associated with a greater degree of risk and more clearly defined benefits than would apply for the antiplatelet agents.