Inappropriate anticoagulation of patients with a mechanical heart valve
NHS England have issued a safety alert on the risk of inappropriate anticoagulation of patients with a mechanical heart valve.
Published guidance supported clinical teams in reviewing patients being treated with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) early on in the pandemic and change their medication to an alternative anticoagulant where needed.
However, there have been reports that those with a mechanical heart valve have been prescribed a molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) which the guidance lists as an exception to its use in such patients.
The alert asks GPs and other NHS providers to urgently identify patients with a mechanical heart valve and ensure they are on the most appropriate anticoagulant.
Source: NHS England, 14 July 2021