Antithrombotic therapy

Heparin is preferred for therapeutic anticoagulation where there is risk of bleeding as it is the most easily reversible.  Otherwise, the next preferred agent is usually a LMWH.  Oral antithrombotic agents are not usually commenced in ICU.  See 'Venous Thromboembolism Prevention for Adult Inpatients' (PROMPT), for further information, Venous thromboembolism (CHEST recommendations).