Sport and anticoagulants

Physical activity is recommended for its cardiovascular benefits. Even older subjects and heart patients are more likely to be allowed to take part in physical activity. Certain problems may arise when these subjects present or develop pathologies requiring anticoagulant treatment.In this review of the literature, we attempt to provide an update on the management of oral anticoagulant therapy in patients taking part in sporting activities, particularly in view of atrial fibrillation and deep-vein thrombosis, two highly prevalent conditions, especially with increasing age.Official recommendations in this area can appear restrictive for patients, in most cases forbidding sports at risk of trauma and bleeding.Direct oral anticoagulants may now represent an opportunity to modify the approach to sporting activity in patients with an indication for anticoagulation, while at the same time minimizing their risk of bleeding.