Oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation in Primary Care in Spain. Rationale, design and baseline data of the RACOVIR study.

INTRODUCTION

Anticoagulant treatment is key to reducing the risk of developing thromboembolic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

The RACOVIR study is a descriptive and observational study, whose main objective is to know the clinical profile and management of patients with AF on oral anticoagulant treatment in the clinical practice of Primary Care setting in Spain. Furthermore, the degree of anticoagulation control of patients taking vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), the reasons for not changing to direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) when indicated, the frequency of cardiovascular events, as well as the degree of satisfaction with oral anticoagulant treatment will be assessed. In this article, the design and baseline sociodemographic and physical examination data are presented.

RESULTS

In total, 1901 patients have been enrolled, 428 (22.5%) taking VKAs and 1473 (77.5%) DOACs. Overall, 45.4% of patients were >80 years old, 52.0% were men, 66.3% lived in an urban habitat and 78.9% were retired. At baseline, compared to DOACs, patients taking VKA were older (>80 years: 52.6% vs 43.4%; P=0.003), lived less in an urban habitat (60.5% vs 68.0%; P<0.001), and were more frequently retired (84.5% vs 77.3%; P=0.004). Regarding physical examination parameters, patients taking VKA (vs taking DOACs) were more obese (body mass index 29.33±5.72 vs 28.75±5.03kg/m2; P=0.042) and had a lower diastolic blood pressure (73.89±10.41 vs 75.43±10.76mmHg; P=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The RACOVIR study will offer an updated and very relevant information about patients with AF taking anticoagulant treatment treated in Primary Care in Spain.