Anticoagulant Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: Uses and Habits of Cardiologists

pp. 367-370

Abstract

Background: Anticoagulant treatment (ACT) is one of the pillars of stroke prevention.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to know the habits of ACT initiation, difficulties in its continuity and in the incorporation of new oral anticoagulants (NOA), and to analyze medical conducts.

Method: The study consisted of a closed survey including 107 cardiologists.

Results: At ACT initiation 52.3% of cardiologists adopted a decision with the patient. Several problems were acknowledged for its continuity, and 85% of cardiologists chose economic cost as a difficulty to incorporate NOA. In high risk patients and AF of unknown onset, 83.2% of cardiologists chose ACT and heart rate control, in low risk patients with paroxysmal AF, 54.2% opted for follow-up and in patients at high risk of embolism and bleeding, 75.7% decided for ACT.

Conclusions: The study showed a trend to involve the patient at the beginning of ACT, and multiple difficulties to sustain it. The use of NOA is conditioned by economic cost. Medical conducts were consistent with the guidelines.