Bleeding Complications Following Invasive Cardiac Studies in Anticoagulated Patients with Artificial Heart Valves

Abstract

The number and nature of bleeding complications subsequent to cardiac catheterization and angiography were determined in 50 anticoagulated and 50 control patients. There were six bleeding complications in the anticoagulated group and five in the control group. Although the complications were somewhat more severe in anticoagulated patients, the difference was not enough to justify a change in our general policy of continuing anticoagulant treatment in patients with artificial heart valves who are admitted for postoperative invasive cardiac investigations.