Patients taking directly acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are at higher risk of bleeding and associated life-threatening complications. The management of bleeding is challenging as routine coagulation tests fail to accurately determine the degree of anticoagulation. To aid in the management of these bleeding problems in patients taking DOAC or VKA, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) has formulated new guidelines.
This article presents some of the highlights of these guidelines. Table 1: Indications for high thrombotic risk in patients taking oral anticoagulants (OAC) Abbreviations- AF: Atrial fibrillation, HF: Heart failure, TIA: Transient ischemic attack, VTE: Venous thromboembolism, MI: Myocardial infarction Strategies recommended for bleeding management: Cessation of therapy (permanent or temporary) Treatment with reversal agents Indication and…
