Topic: A
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest sustained cardiac dysrhythmia, but is asymptomatic in about one quarter of patients. Case finding with subsequent assessment of the risk of stroke and bleeding are essential to ensure that the right patients receive appropriate intervention with oral anticoagulation.
Anticoagulation UK, in collaboration with other charities is hosting the Anticoagulation Achievement Awards 2017 to celebrate outstanding practice in the management, education and provision of anticoagulation across the UK.
More and more nurses in primary care are involved in monitoring international normalised ratio (INR) levels and advising patients on warfarin doses as anticoagulation clinics move out of secondary care and into primary care. In this article we explore why warfarin is prescribed, how to monitor patients on the drug and what to look out for in terms of interactions with prescribed medicines, over-the-counter drugs and foods. We also need to be able to advise on lifestyle interventions that go hand-in-hand with taking warfarin.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) management has been transformed within the last decade by revised clinical guidance and availability of new drugs. Aspirin monotherapy, once accounting for almost half of all antithrombotic prescriptions for AF, is now an obsolete therapy. Anticoagulation is the treatment of choice for AF and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have overtaken warfarin as the drug of first choice for new starters. However, management of one in four people with AF remains suboptimal, and this article reviews the major issues around antithrombotic and other treatments for AF.
This month’s Back to Basics summarizes the main features of the key direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs or NOACS). These drugs are becoming a standard therapy in many settings including stroke prevention, management of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and prevention of venous thromboembolism following hip and knee replacement.
Haemostasis is essentially the fine balance between activators and inhibitors that control the production of the protein tangle that makes up a blood clot. A range of drugs can interfere with this fine balance. In this article we guide you through the latest theories of how blood clotting occurs and explain how various drugs used as anticoagulants interfere with this normal haemostatic mechanism.
The document is a valuable summary of the most recent and evidence-based information to assist healthcare professionals in managing patients experiencing bleeding on oral anticoagulation.
The leading UK cardiovascular conference for the whole primary care team. Expert presenters and a down-to-earth approach help health professionals translate the latest evidence into daily practice and optimise patient care. Participants also receive 9 hours CPD credits. Book now to attend this inspirational event. Don't miss out, last few places available
A new survey from the Atrial Fibrillation society shows a high level of demand for self-monitoring in people being treated with warfarin. In the survey, 79% of respondents said that they would prefer to self-monitor over clinic visits. New self- monitoring products are being launched.
