Anticoagulation Myth Busters
There are many common misconceptions associated with anticoagulation. Click on the myth below to find out more.
NOTE: In these pages the term NOAC is used to indicate a non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant – since this is the acronym used in the ESC/EHRA guidelines. This could also be described as an OAC meaning Oral anticoagulation, or DOAC meaning Direct Oral Anticoagulant. The term NOAC should not be understood to mean ‘No Anticoagulation’.
MYTH
“Aspirin is a suitable alternative to OAC for stroke prevention, particularly for older patients at increased risk of a bleeding event”

MYTH
“My newly diagnosed AF patient is already on a NOAC for thromboprophylaxis following joint replacement, they are therefore also adequately anticoagulated for their AF”

NAZISH KHAN
Principal Pharmacist, Cardiac Services The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust/Clinical Advisor WMAHSN AF Programme