Objective: To access knowledge, attitude and practices of cardiologists towards continuation and discontinuation of oral antithrombotic medications (OAM) prior to dental treatment.
Methodology: Data were collected from Rehman medical institute, Peshawar Institute of Medical Sciences, Northwest, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Lady reading Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex from January to June 2021. Pre validated questionnaire was used. Sample size of 106 cardiologists or cardiology trainees was calculated using open epi calculator. SPSS version 24 was used for data analyses.
Results: Out of 106 respondents, 66 were males and 40 females. 62.3% reported referrals from dentists for stoppage of antithrombotic medications. Most common medicine prescribed was aspirin (58.5%). 72.6% cardiologists recommended stoppage of the OAM(s) with variation in the number of days (30.2%, 29.2%, 17.9% preferring a 7-day, 5 days and 3 days, respectively).
Conclusion: Routine tooth extractions does not necessitate stoppage of antithrombotic medications provided appropriate local hemostatic measures are provided and their INR's are kept in check.
Key words: Antithrombotic medications, dental treatment, hemostasias, cardiologists.
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