Department of Cardiology, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Published: January 2023
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increased thromboembolic risk. The impact of the female sex as an independent risk factor for thromboembolic events in AF is still debated. The aim of this review is to evaluate the gender-related differences in cardioembolic risk and response to anticoagulants among AF patients. The PubMed database is used to review the reports about gender differences and thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) represent the gold standard for thromboembolic risk prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Despite a similar rate of stroke and systemic embolism (SE) among men and women in NOACs or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) treatment, the use of NOACs in AF women is associated with a lower risk of intracranial bleeding, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality than in men. The female sex can be defined as a stroke risk modifier rather than a stroke risk factor since it mainly increases the thromboembolic risk in the presence of other risk factors. Further studies about the efficacy and safety profile of NOACs according to sex are needed to support clinicians in performing the most appropriate and tailored anticoagulant therapy, either in male or female AF patients.
Background: The estimated incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) is around 60-70 cases per 100,000 people annually. The overall mortality rate for massive PE is substantial, ranging from 18% to 65%. We can utilise changes in lung perfusion to stratify patients with PE acutely based on risk, highlighting its diagnostic and prognostic value.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) have recently released the 2024 guidelines for the management of AF. This review highlights 10 novel aspects of the ESC/EACTS 2024 Guidelines.
Background: Future clinical management would be improved by accurate and early identification of ACS patients at high CV risk. In non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients, the prognostic risk of thromboembolism has been evaluated using CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores. It has recently been shown to assess the severity of CAD and foresee patient outcomes.
Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a relatively uncommon but potentially fatal complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). High altitude may induce physiological changes that can predispose patients to VTE. The purpose of this study was to determine if high altitude is an independent risk factor for postoperative VTE following TKA.
Background: Reported results of clinical trials assessing higher-dose anticoagulation in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 have been inconsistent.
Purpose: To estimate the association of higher- versus lower-dose anticoagulation with clinical outcomes.
Data Sources: Randomized trials were identified from the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.
