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This Figure shows the data for anticoagulation vs. antiplatelet therapy at hospital discharge in almost 600 Medicare patients with AFib. According to the guidelines referenced in Figure 3, all of these patients should have received anticoagulant therapy. However it can be seen that of the patients aged between 65 and 75 years, only 42% were sent home on warfarin – and for patients >75 years, the percentage of patients treated with warfarin was even less, at only 29%.[51] Almost a quarter of these patients were discharged on aspirin, but a rather larger percentage received neither. There was a slightly higher percentage of warfarin use in the men and in urban centers, but overall warfarin use in this survey was significantly below the guideline recommendations patients who truly did warrant this therapy.
Rothman SA. Am J Med 2013; 126: 00-00.
[51] Gage BF, Boechler M, Doggette AL, et al. Adverse outcomes and predictors of underuse of antithrombotic therapy in Medicare beneficiaries with chronic atrial fibrillation. Stroke. 2000;31:822-827.