https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2017.7038

Oral anticoagulant therapy for older patients with atrial fibrillation

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2017)
Submitted: 1 September 2017
Accepted: 14 September 2017
Published: 29 September 2017
Oral anticoagulant therapy, atrial fibrillation.
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Authors

Mario Bo
mario.bo@unito.it
Section of Geriatrics and Bone Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.
Enrico Brunetti
Section of Geriatrics and Bone Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. Its incidence and prevalence increase with age, representing a significant burden for health services in western countries. The most feared consequence of AF is cardio-embolic stroke, accounting for roughly one third of ischemic strokes in the elderly. Oral anticoagulant therapy is currently recommended for patients with AF and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 in men and ≥3 in women, but it is widely underused, particularly in the oldest patients who, in reason of their higher risk of stroke, might benefit more from it. Among the main reasons for anticoagulant underuse in older patients, advanced age itself, physician’s perceived high risk of age-related and fall-related bleedings, and difficulties in monitoring vitamin K antagonists-based therapies are the most frequently reported.

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How to Cite

Bo, M., & Brunetti, E. (2017). Oral anticoagulant therapy for older patients with atrial fibrillation. Geriatric Care, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2017.7038

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