Oral anticoagulation in patients with cardiomyopathy or heart failure in sinus rhythm.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite many prospective randomized studies defining the benefits of anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation (AF), there have been no adequate studies in cardiomyopathy (CM) in sinus rhythm. METHODS: We review the current knowledge of the risk of stroke in CM, left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure as well as the indications for antithrombotic agents and compare this with AF. RESULTS: The current knowledge of risk factors for stroke and indications for antithrombotic agents in CM is similar to that of AF prior to the treatment studies of the 1980s-1990s. CONCLUSION: Prospective randomized trial data are urgently needed to determine the role of antithrombotic drugs in CM.