Anticoagulation in the elderly.

This review will address the general approach to the management of the typical elderly patient requiring anticoagulation. Most of the data has been derived from studies of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Data from postmyocardial infarction trials have also been included. A practical clinical approach to anticoagulation in the elderly is described. Emphasis has been placed on maximizing the benefit and reducing the risk of anticoagulation in the rapidly expanding group of elderly patients aged >/=75 who are at the greatest risk of stroke and are likely to benefit the most from antithrombotic therapy. Copyright 2003 Le Jacq Communications, Inc.