Anticoagulants are medicines that help prevent blood clots. They are given to people at a high risk of getting clots, to reduce their chances of developing serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks (NHS Choices).



This book is a guide to the latest advances in oral anticoagulant therapy in clinical practice.



Divided into twenty sections, the book begins with an overview of coagulation and haemostasis, and the history and development of oral anticoagulants.



The following sections discuss the role of anticoagulation in different patient groups and disorders, including in pregnancy, in geriatric and paediatric patients, cancer, chronic kidney disease, valvular heart disease, and dental surgery. Both existing and new anticoagulants are covered, with emphasis on pharmacology and safety.



The final chapters of this practical reference explain food and drug interactions, challenges with anticoagulation, bleeding complications, and the role of patient education and counselling during therapy.



Key points





Practical guide to latest advances in oral anticoagulant therapy
Describes the history and development of anticoagulants
Covers role of anticoagulation in different patient groups and disorders
Discusses pharmacology and safety of both new and existing anticoagulants