Considerations when restarting anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation after bleeding

Introduction: Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are established treatments to reduce thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Due to their mechanisms of action, they are associated with increased bleeding risk. Evaluation with bleeding risk scores may be useful to identify patients at high risk. However, the approach in patients who have suffered a recent bleeding event while on OACs is a contentious issue. If a decision is made to re-initiate OACs, the optimal timing for this remains controversial.Areas covered: Bleeding risk scores were designed to evaluate risk in patients with AF and indications for OACs. Some practical schemes were created to manage bleeding in this population. The types of bleeding were classified as minor, major non-life-threatening and major life-threatening bleeding. In AF patients suffering from severe acute bleeding, it is recommended to withhold OACs until the underlying cause is identified and treated. Each case will require an individualized decision to restarting OAC therapy after consideration of the risks, benefits, alternatives and patient’s choice in the matter.Expert opinion: Management of major bleeding and restarting OACs in patients with a recent major bleeding poses a special challenge due to high bleeding and thrombotic risk. This will be discussed in this review.