Use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review

Use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review

Authors

  • Lara Vitória de Paula Oliveira Universidad Privada del Este Author
  • Cristiano Frattesi Bernardes Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais  Author
  • Izabela Regina França Ribeiro Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais Author
  • Paulo Roberto de Oliveira Santos Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i1.2024.640

Keywords:

Anticoagulants. Atrial fibrillation. Safety. Stroke prevention. Warfarin

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmias, associated with a high risk of thromboembolic complications such as stroke. The use of anticoagulants is essential to prevent these events, with warfarin being widely used for many years. However, new oral anticoagulants (NOACs), such as apixaban and rivaroxaban, have emerged as safer and more effective alternatives, especially in vulnerable subgroups like patients with chronic kidney disease and the elderly. This study reviews recent literature on the use of anticoagulants in AF patients, comparing NOACs with warfarin in terms of efficacy, safety, and adherence. Nine studies were selected from PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. The results indicate that NOACs have a better safety profile concerning hemorrhagic events and are easier to use due to the lack of frequent monitoring requirements. However, warfarin is still widely used, especially in lower-income countries, due to its more accessible cost. It is concluded that while NOACs represent a significant advancement in AF management, their widespread implementation depends on financial accessibility and the individual suitability of each patient.

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Author Biographies

  • Lara Vitória de Paula Oliveira, Universidad Privada del Este

    Universidad Privada del Este

  • Cristiano Frattesi Bernardes, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais 

    Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais 

  • Izabela Regina França Ribeiro, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais

    Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais

  • Paulo Roberto de Oliveira Santos, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais

    Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais

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Published

2024-10-08

How to Cite

OLIVEIRA, Lara Vitória de Paula; BERNARDES, Cristiano Frattesi; RIBEIRO, Izabela Regina França; SANTOS, Paulo Roberto de Oliveira. Use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review: Use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review. Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal The Knowledge, Brasil, v. 1, n. 1, 2024. DOI: 10.51473/rcmos.v1i1.2024.640. Disponível em: https://submissoesrevistarcmos.com.br/rcmos/article/view/640. Acesso em: 5 sep. 2025.