Symposium series focuses on thrombosis in high-risk patients

Held in early April, the “Extra Moments” symposium series attracted 2,000 doctors, clinical pharmacists and healthcare professionals from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and other provinces across the country.

The series was organized by the Vietnam Cardiology Association in collaboration with Bayer Vietnam.

Seminars discussed the strategies, current challenges and best practices in stroke prevention and venous thrombotic embolism treatment by using anticoagulant medicines, especially in high-risk patients.

Prof. Nguyen Lan Viet, Ph.D., (R) and Dr.Nguyen Quoc Thai, Ph.D. are co-chairing the session “Using anticoagulant for stroke prevention in patient with atrial fibrillation”. Photo by Minh Thanh

The programs featured many international and local speakers who are renowned cardiologists and neurologists, providing the latest updates and results of clinical research on using anticoagulant medicines, especially in high-risk patients.

Prof. John Camm from the United Kingdom shared insights and clinical data on the topic of “Thrombosis management for patients with atrial fibrillation and renal failure.” As a former chairman of the editorial board of the European Society of Cardiology, his works helped usher in the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

Around 2,000 doctors and healthcare professionals attended in the hybrid Extra Moment symposium series which were organized in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and virtually via Zoom & Docquity platforms. Photo by Minh Thanh

Vietnam is entering an ageing population phase with an increase in non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular and thrombosis diseases which can cause serious health complications, such as stroke, disability and death.

Prolonged and costly treatment will likely be a burden for the current and future healthcare system.

Therefore, stroke prevention and thrombosis treatment, especially in high-risk cases such as elderly and renal failure patients, is a top priority nationwide.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants have become one of the key treatments for stroke prevention and systemic embolism in patients.

Prof. Nguyen Lan Viet, vice chairman of the Vietnam Heart Association, said: “NOACs can be given in fixed doses without routine coagulation monitoring, which is very convenient for patients.”

“Depending on the patient’s medical condition and financial ability, the physicians should administer the appropriate type of anticoagulant to patients to optimize the treatment outcomes and limit the possible adverse events.”

According to healthcare experts, the effectiveness of the anticoagulant medication depends heavily on the degree of compliance and adherence to treatment.

With oral anticoagulant medications, patients must follow the physician’s instructions, strictly adhere to the medication regimen, and take the right dose at the right time. It is critical to not increase or decrease the dose without consulting doctors.

In cases of surgery or medical procedures, patients must inform doctors about their use of anticoagulants in advance.

Additionally, patients should avoid physical activities that could lead to bleeding and must adhere to routine check-ups.

Indo Brandenburg, managing director of Bayer Vietnam. Photo by Minh Thanh

Pro. Viet said: “With accelerating advances in health information and technology, healthcare professionals have to regularly keep up with new techniques and technologies and expand their knowledge and skills to ensure the safe, effective and high-quality patient care.

“Hence, scientific symposiums such as Extra Moments series are very helpful and necessary for the healthcare community.”

According to Ingo Brandenburg, managing director of Bayer Vietnam, research and developing new solutions for cardiovascular and thrombosis disease prevention and treatment is one of the company’s priorities globally.

Going forward, Bayer will continue to strengthen collaboration with strategic partners to fulfill its commitment to supporting the healthcare community in enhancing the quality of medical treatments for the benefit of patients.

“Our clear goal is to develop new treatment options and innovative medical approaches to create positive changes in patient health, thereby reducing the burden on patients, the community and the health system,” said Brandenburg.