Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation: the trials and tribulations of keeping within therapeutic range

ABSTRACT

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing epidemic in the developed world that has attracted much attention due to the associated risk of stroke and thromboembolism. This article discusses the application of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in order to reduce these risks. The article provides an overview of OAC management and highlights the need for greater efforts to increase time within therapeutic range.

Key words: :

• INR
• Oral anticoagulant
• Stroke
• Vitamin K antagonists