Compare and contrast the classes of medications used to treat HF, along with adverse effects and dental concerns. Discuss the concern regarding the lack of INR monitoring with the factor XA and direct...

Compare and contrast the classes of medications used to treat HF, along with adverse effects and dental concerns. Discuss the concern regarding the lack of INR monitoring with the factor XA and direct thrombin inhibitors. Are there any dental concerns in patients taking these drugs?

Nina Papadopoulos is 56 years old and has been coming to your practice for close to 15 years. Until recently, she would take only acetaminophen for an occasional headache. Mrs. Papadopoulos went to the doctor last week for her annual check-up. She had not been “feeling herself” for the last several months. Upon examination, Mrs. Papadopoulos learned that she has hypertension and elevated cholesterol values. Life has not been the same since. Mrs. Papadopoulos started having some chest pain, which was attributed to anxiety regarding her diagnosis. Now, in addition to acetaminophen, Mrs. Papadopoulos is taking lisinopril and chlorthalidone to treat hypertension and atorvastatin to treat cholesterol levels.