Thrombosis in conversation

Episode 21: Optimising adherence in anticoagulation therapy

Dr Barnes and Dr Sara Vazquez consider the diverse factors that influence patients’ adherence to anticoagulant therapy, including “nuisance bleeding”, pill burden, and whether treatment is to prevent AF or VTE. They also look at different ways to build habits that can work for different individuals, and Dr Vazquez offers practical tips for effective communication with patients about their medications.

Episode 20: “If you measure it, you can improve it” – AI for managing AF

Artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiovascular care is empowering researchers and clinicians to uncover new findings that were previously undetectable. These data enable more sophisticated conclusions for guiding clinical decision-making. Dr Rohan Khera joins Dr Barnes to examine the present and future impact of AI technologies on the management of AF.

Episode 19: Does obesity positively impact direct oral anticoagulation outcomes?

Dr Barnes and Dr Karlyn Martin discuss how recent data have informed opinions on the safety and efficacy of using direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in people with obesity and thrombosis. Dr Martin considers DOACs for people who have received bariatric surgery, and if guidelines for DOAC use in patients with comorbid obesity and VTE apply to other groups with thrombosis.

Episode 18: “Can’t I just use an aspirin instead?”

Host Dr Geoffrey Barnes and Dr Sara Vazquez review treatment options for stroke prevention in patient groups with AF and discuss overcoming patient and physician barriers to initiating optimal treatment. Dr Barnes observes: “Patients will often bring interesting stories that influence their ability to make a decision.”

Episode 17: Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and comorbid obesity

Dr Geoffrey Barnes and Dr Gregory Piazza examine when ongoing weight-adjusted dosages are necessary in a patient with AF and obesity, best practices for monitoring renal function and medication levels, and specific lifestyle modifications.

Episode 16: Stroke prevention in AF with high bleeding risk

Mitigating the risk of stroke in people with high bleeding risk can be a challenging balancing act. Dr Potpara and Dr Barnes discuss how these risks can be addressed, and how “patients should not be denied effective therapies because of concerns that can be managed in other ways”.

Episode 15: Stroke prevention in older adults with AF

Dr Tatjana Potpara and Dr Barnes focus on managing stroke risk in older adults with AF, highlighting the clinical challenge of balancing bleeding risk with the benefits of anticoagulants.

Episode 14: Wearables: Are they ready for the prime time?

Dr Jackson and Dr Barnes take a closer look at the hot topic of wearable devices in AF detection – their potential benefits and limitations – and how physicians can best discuss wearables with their patients.

Episode 13: Patient case study: Older and frail adult with AF at high risk of bleeding

Dr Larry Jackson and Dr Barnes consider how best to tackle a patient case study with a focus on optimal management of AF in older patients at high risk of bleeding.

Episode 12: Unravelling AF and comorbidities

Dr Barnes and Dr Frederik Verbrugge take a closer look at the management of stroke risk in people with AF and comorbid conditions.