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Antithrombotic Therapy in Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy

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Antithrombotic Drug Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease

Part of the book series: Contemporary Cardiology ((CONCARD))

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Abstract

Patients with heart failure and cardiomyopathy often present with risk factors that may warrant anti-thrombotic therapy, such as atrial fibrillation, left ventricular thrombus, and the presence of a hypercoagulable state. Decades of clinical studies have provided a wealth of information and speculations, but the current role of prophylactic antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies remained controversial. Post hoc analyses from large heart failure trials provided evidence that warfarin use was associated with improved clinical outcomes despite the lack of a significant reduction in thromboembolic risks. However, prospective randomized trials have identified an unexpected benefit of reduced heart failure hospitalizations in those treated with warfarin, which may also be interpreted as potential risk with routine administration of aspirin therapy. Ongoing clinical trials may provide the necessary clinical evidence to guide future recommendations.

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Abrahams, Z., Sokos, G., Tang, W.H.W. (2010). Antithrombotic Therapy in Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy. In: Askari, A., Lincoff, A. (eds) Antithrombotic Drug Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease. Contemporary Cardiology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-235-3_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-235-3_22

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