Indications

• venous thromboembolism ^a  
• atrial fibrillation ^a  
• heart valves ^a  
• anti-phospholipid syndrome ^c  

using the following therapeutic ranges:

Determine your patient's potential risk of bleeding when anticoagulated before deciding if it is worthwhile. ^d
Score one point for each of the following risk factors ^a  

• aged 65 or more 
• history of stroke 
• history of gastrointestinal bleed 
• recent myocardial infarction, Hct < 30%, Cr > 133 µmol/l or diabetes mellitus

 Risk of major bleeding on anticoagulation therapy

Score a	risk of major bleeding
0	low
1 or 2	medium
3 or 4	high

• a vena caval filter for deep vein thrombosis ^d
• long term subcutaneous heparin ^d or LMWH ^d