Antithrombotic therapies in patients with prosthetic heart valves: guidelines translated for the clinician.

ABSTRACT: Patients with prosthetic heart valves require chronic oral anticoagulation. In this clinical scenario, physicians must be mindful of the thromboembolic and bleeding risks related to chronic anticoagulant therapy. Currently, only vitamin K antagonists are approved for this indication. This paper reviews the main heart valve guidelines focusing on the use of oral anticoagulation in these patients.

SUBMITTER: Leiria TL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3699194 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature