Open AccessRecent advances in oral anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation
Author(s) -
Mukesh Singh,
Sasikanth Adigopula,
Pawan Patel,
Kranti Kiran,
Sandeep Khosla
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
therapeutic advances in cardiovascular disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1753-9455
pISSN - 1753-9447
DOI - 10.1177/1753944710386844
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , antithrombotic , intensive care medicine , anticoagulant , oral anticoagulant , cardiology , warfarin
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained rhythm disturbance. Thromboembolic events related to atrial fibrillation result in significant morbidity, mortality and increases in the cost of healthcare. Anticoagulants are pivotal agents for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. The latest American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend antithrombotic therapy to prevent thromboembolism for all patients with atrial fibrillation, except those with lone atrial fibrillation or contraindications. Vitamin K antagonists were first synthesized in 1948 and for the past six decades they have been the only agents used for long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. Although these drugs are effective, they have numerous limitations, which have led to the development of newer anticoagulant therapies. The emerging oral anticoagulant agents are target selective. They have predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters and do not require routine monitoring. They are not associated with significant food and drug interactions, and can be administered in simple fixed daily or twice daily doses. This article reviews the current literature on various targets for anticoagulant therapy and newer oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation.