Venous thromboembolism in patients with heart failure

This review is focussed on the problem of venous thromboembolism in patients with heart failure (HF). The results of the major clinical trials of antithrombotic therapy in HF patients are presented. The authors discuss comparative effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of unfractionated heparins, low molecular weight heparins, and fondaparinux. The results of the two trials, MAGELLAN and ADOPT, are expected to clarify the clinical potential of such oral anticoagulants as rivaroxaban and apixaban (Factor Xa inhibitors). The problem of low rates e of preventive antithrombotic administration is emphasized.