For more than 50 years, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were the only oral anticoagulant therapy available. Despite efficacy, VKAs use is made difficult due to the variability of anticoagulant activity requiring regular blood samples to assess haemostasis, at least monthly. Since the 2010's, direct anticoagulants (DOACs) have rapidly prevailed over VKA, due to the lack of blood controls, and because numerous randomized trials have demonstrated at least equivalent efficacy and safety to VKAs in most indications of long-term anticoagulant therapy. According to current international guidelines, DOACs are now recommended as first-line treatment in most presentations of venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation. VKAs remain indicated in vascular complications of antiphopholipid syndrome. In atrial fibrillation, it is now clear that DOACs can be used in patients with native valve disease, except rheumatic mitral stenosis, and after valve replacement using a bioprosthesis. VKAs remain indicated in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis associated with atrial fibrillation and after heart valve replacement using a mechanical prosthesis. VKAs are also indicated in case of terminal renal failure. When VKAs are required, their prescription should be associated with patient education and, if possible, international normalized ratio self-monitoring to improve patient adherence and reduce the risk of complications.
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