Collaboration between cardiologists and family medicine physicians – the key to successful thromboprophylaxis of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Abstract:

A successful prophylaxis of stroke/systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) implies prevented event without elevating the risk of serious bleeding. A collaboration between a cardiologist and a family physician is necessary, as the patient requires a complete, understandable and agreed information to understand the need for treatment, therapeutic options, their advantages and disadvantages. This is a prerequisite for the patient be actively involved and achieve the necessary adherence during a lifelong treatment. The basic information to be communicated to a patient is related to the risk of vascular events associated with NVAF and the key characteristics of medications that may reduce this risk.

Key words:
cardiologist; collaboration; familiy physician; NVAF; thromboprophylaxis