Use of Non-Vitamin K-Dependent Oral Anticoagulants in Elderly and Fragile Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is a frequently observed entity in medical practice, with cases on the rise if we focus on age groups of frail elderly patients. It is important to identify them since advanced age and comorbidities suppose greater numbers of cases of thromboembolic diseases and strokes, entities that can be prevented with the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), managing a balance between prevention and safety and thus avoiding complications, for this, a correct search and screening must be made to reach the largest number of patients who could benefit from this therapy. Old age is not a synonym of frailty, so, we must be cautious with the loss of autonomy of our patients and we must have a multidisciplinary approach to accompany this increasingly frequent and extended period, being very alert to drug interactions and decreased daily life skills.