Principles of Anticoagulation and New Therapeutic Agents in Atrial Fibrillation.

Abstract

Anticoagulation is required in cardiac arrhythmias, specifically atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter, to reduce the risk of thromboembolism. Principles of anticoagulation of both AF and atrial flutter are similar because the location and nature of the arrhythmias are similar. Approximately 2 million people in the United States are affected by AF, and the prevalence is expected to exceed 10 million by the year 2050. Warfarin is known to reduce stroke risk by 68% in patients with AF and is the most effective agent for this indication, although it is not without risk. Antithrombotic therapy with antiplatelets or anticoagulants is recommended for most patients with AF. This review discusses the principles of anticoagulation and the mechanism of action, pharmacologic profile, and phase of development of the therapeutic agents used as anticoagulants.

• Authors: Pamela S N Goldman, Michael D Ezekowitz
• Journal: Cardiac electrophysiology clinics (Card Electrophysiol Clin) Vol. 2 Issue 3 Pg. 479-492 (Sep 2010) ISSN: 1877-9190 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 28770805 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.