This course has expired. View available courses.
Cardiology, Screening & Prevention
Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) in the Elderly
Increasing age is an established risk factor for both atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE), and the risk of stroke from AF is over 20% in people aged 80 and over. Elderly patients do bleed more than younger patients even when not on oral anticoagulants (OACs), and physicians tend to be more reluctant to […]
DURATION
20 mins
PROFESSION
Physician
# OF CREDITS
0.25
ACCREDITATION
Mainpro+
EXPIRY DATE
2022-09-20
Increasing age is an established risk factor for both atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE), and the risk of stroke from AF is over 20% in people aged 80 and over. Elderly patients do bleed more than younger patients even when not on oral anticoagulants (OACs), and physicians tend to be more reluctant to prescribe OACs to their older patients. However, clinical trials have shown that elderly patients with AF derive a greater net clinical benefit from anticoagulation than the younger patients that physicians are more inclined to treat.
Listen to Dr. Veenhuyzen and Dr. Cho discuss the risks and benefits, as well as the safety and efficacy of OACs to prevent stroke in elderly patients with AF. They will also address common concerns when starting OACs in the elderly population, such as concomitant medications, fall risk, adherence, and renal impairment.
This program is made possible through educational support from the BMS/Pfizer Alliance.
Faculty
George D. Veenhuyzen, MD, FRCPC
Kenneth Cho, MD
Sy Lam, MD
Anas Nsier, MD
Parmjit Sohal, MD
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this continuing education program, participants will be better able to:
- Describe the risks and benefits of oral anticoagulation therapy for elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF);
- Describe the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in elderly patients with AF;
- Discuss common concerns when starting oral anticoagulation in the elderly population, such as concomitant medications, fall risk, adherence, and renal impairment.
Accreditation
This self-learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to 0.25 Mainpro+ credits.
Cert+ Program ID#: 194824