Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation: new therapeutic alternatives].

The fundamental treatment of atrial fibrillation is based on maintenance of sinus rhythm or control of ventricular rate and preventing arterial thromboembolism. Warfarin has been the anti-thrombotic agent of choice for the last 50 years. However multiple interactions with other drugs and certain types of food and vegetables with high Vitamin K content complicate its use. It also requires multiple blood tests to adjust the dose in order to reach adequate and stable anticoagulation. Three new, di-fferent anti thrombotic agents are described. They are as or more effective than Warfarin with decreased incidence of hemorrhagic events. Dabigratan is a direct antithrombotic inhibitor, Rivaroxaban and Apixaban inhibits factor Xa. Their use will probably depend on their cost effectiveness in the population at risk for thromboembolic events.

Citation

Juan M Aranda. Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation: new therapeutic alternatives]. Boletín de la Asociación Médica de Puerto Rico. 2012 Sep-Dec;104(4):64-5

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PMID: 23763229

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