Systolic Heart Failure: A Prothrombotic State

ABSTRACT

Systolic heart failure is a common syndrome whose incidence is expected to increase. Several treatment modalities, such as β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, improve survival. Whether antithrombotic treatment is effective remains to be elucidated, although observations suggest a prothrombotic state in heart failure. This article focuses on this prothrombotic state and discusses the risk of thromboembolic events, pathophysiological mechanisms, and the potential role of anticoagulant treatment.

KEYWORDS

Heart failure - hemostasis - anticoagulants - platelet aggregation inhibitors

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