Abstract

MORAIS, Ana Isabel et al. NOAC versus AVK: assessment of the quality of life in the elderly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation followed in primary care. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2020, vol.36, n.1, pp.16-23. ISSN 2182-5173.  https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v36i1.12703.

Background: Atrial fibrillation is a well-established cause of mortality in the elderly. Oral anticoagulants are known to prevent cardioembolic stroke. There is no evidence supporting the selection of either direct anticoagulants (DOAC) versus vitamin k-antagonist based on the quality of life criteria. Objectives: To assess the quality of life in patients aged 65 years old and over, diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and followed in a primary care setting. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted with a patient sample from seven family health units. A questionnaire regarding the quality of life with anticoagulant therapy was applied - the Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale (DASS). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Results: Two-hundred ninety-two patients accepted to participate in the study, with a mean age of 75.6 years, mostly women (52.1%), professionally retired (92.1%) and with a low education level (81.8% with less or equal to four-year of scholarship). There was a statistically significant difference in the median value of quality of life when compared to the group of patients undergoing NOAC therapy versus the group of patients undergoing AVK therapy (p<0.0001). No statistically significant differences were observed for the other variables. Conclusions: In patients aged 65 years old and over and with non-valvular atrial fibrillation we found that quality of life is associated with the anticoagulant therapy option, namely DOAC or vitamin k-antagonist. DOAC associated with a better quality of life.

Keywords : Atrial fibrillation; Anticoagulation; DOAC; Vitamin k-antagonist; Quality of life.

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