Direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)-mediated vasodilation: Role of nitric oxide

Anticoagulant therapy is commonly prescribed for both the acute treatment, and long-term prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE), and as primary and secondary prevention of stroke in the context of atrial fibrillation (AF) [1]. Until recently the majority of patients requiring chronic anticoagulant therapy were prescribed vitamin K antagonists (VKA), as these were the only oral anticoagulant agents available [1]. A requirement for regular monitoring and VKA-drug or-food interactions has meant that not all patients that have an indication for anticoagulation have benefitted from these agents.