Valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation often coexist. Oral vitamin K antagonists have represented the main anticoagulation management for antithrombotic prevention in this setting for decades. Novel direct oral anticoagulants… Click to show full abstract
Valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation often coexist. Oral vitamin K antagonists have represented the main anticoagulation management for antithrombotic prevention in this setting for decades. Novel direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a new class of drugs and currently, due to their well-established efficacy and security, they represent the main therapeutic option in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Some new evidences are exploring the role of DOACs in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation (mechanical and biological prosthetic valves). In this review we explore the data available in the medical literature to establish the actual role of DOACs in patients with valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.