European atrial fibrillation patient's knowledge about oral anticoagulants

Abstract

The purpose of this European Heart Rhythm Association Survey was to assess the attitude, level of education and knowledge concerning oral anticoagulants (OAC) among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients taking blood thinners including vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) or antiplatelets. The study included 1147 AF patients (mean age 66 ± 13 years, 529 females, 45%) from 8 selected European countries. The overall use of anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets in these patient cohorts were 77% and 15.3%, respectively. Of the patients taking anticoagulants, 67% were on VKAs, 33% on NOACs and 17.9% on a combination of OACs and antiplatelets. The proportion of patients on NOAC who knew that at least an annual renal function monitoring was mandatory for NOACs was 21%. 14.5% of patients temporarily discontinued the treatment, and 26.5% of patients declared having missed at least one dose. The survey shows that there is room for improvement regarding education and adherence of patients taking OACs, particularly regarding monitoring requirements for NOACs.