Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation: underutilization in a Brazilian tertiary outpatient clinic

Despite a clear benefit of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation for the prevention of stroke, treatment rates are disappointingly low in clinical practice in the industrialized countries. This survey demonstrates similar rates in a Brazilian tertiary outpatient clinic, with only 55% of patients at high risk receiving dose-adjusted warfarin. Poor patient education and health care system limitations are considered important barriers. Strategies to improve treatment rates should target specific problems at each location.