Abstract

Some of the indications for anticoagulant therapy remain controversial, but they are widely used for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis and embolism after surgery¹ and after myocardial infarction,² in patients with atrial fibrillation, and in those with transient cerebral ischaemia.³ This article discusses the drugs available for long-term use. Those suitable for immediate and short-term use, heparin and arvin, will be discussed in the next issue.