*Chair of 2004 Writing Committee; †Recused from voting on Section 8: Anticoagulants as Ancillary Therapy and Section 10: Anticoagulants; ‡Recused from voting on Section 5: Facilitated PCI; §Canadian Cardiovascular Society Representative; American Academy of Family Physicians Representative; ¶American College of Physicians Representative; **Recused from voting on Section 7: PCI After Fibrinolysi...

The use of new, direct anticoagulants is increasing. Data from both controlled trials and clinical practice have shown that these drugs are as efficacious and safe as warfarin for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and as stroke prophylaxis for patients with atrial fibrillation. But what if platelet inhibition is also indicated? In the following, the combination of antiplatelets and t...

Vitamin-K-antagonists (VKA) and heparins have been complementary anticoagulants for prevention and treatment of thrombosis for almost 70 years. In contrast to heparins, VKA have not been modified pharmacologically, however treatment surveillance has improved by introducing INR and self-monitoring/management. Disclosure of the molecular basis of interaction with VKORC1, the target enzyme of VKA,...

Many people suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Stroke and myocardial infarction rank among the most frequent causes of death due to cardiovascular diseases. The causes are blocked vessels and the resulting insufficient blood supply of vital organs and tissue. Surgeries are usually the last resort and, at the same time, the start of a new, safe and hopefully healthier life. In this article, yo...

Oral anticoagulants are used to manage a variety of common age-related conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation), and the frequency of their use will likely rise significantly in the United States as the population ages. The number of elderly Americans 65 years of age or older is expected to increase markedly over the next two decades, from 39.6 million in 2009 to 72.1 million by 2030. Nearly one ...

Many people suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Stroke and myocardial infarction rank among the most frequent causes of death due to cardiovascular diseases. The causes are blocked vessels and the resulting insufficient blood supply of vital organs and tissue. Surgeries are usually the last resort and, at the same time, the start of a new, safe and hopefully healthier life. In this article, yo...

There are several excellent alternatives to warfarin on the horizon for atrial fibrillation. Results from the trials, as well as pharmacokinetic data from the edoxaban studies, suggest that dose selection, based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, is a critical component in the development of novel anticoagulants. Greater flexibility in dosing with edoxaban and the opportunity fo...