Can This Common Blood Thinner Prevent A Stroke?

When working with patients who have atrial fibrillation, the biggest hurdle is deciding whether to prescribe an anticoagulant — a medication to prevent blood clots from forming. Because the average age of an atrial fibrillation patient is 76, the risk of stroke has to be weighed against the risk of bleeding. After that, the decisions get easier. - Stephen Kopecky, MD, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic.

The possibility of a life-threatening stroke is one of the most alarming aspects of atrial fibrillation— the most common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.
The two small upper chambers— or atria — of the heart, beats chaotically during atrial fibrillation, raising the risk of blood clots. You will have a stroke if a clot breaks free and moves to the brain, which can be fatal.

Related article: Compare Eliquis (Apixaban) Prices Online

Those with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely than those who don't have the condition to have a stroke. In fact, one in four strokes is a direct result of atrial fibrillation in those over 80 years of age. It makes the prevention of strokes a key part of the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. There are various medications and treatments. People avoid using treatments because they find it expensive to buy the medication. It is a good option to buy prescription drugs online at fair prices from reliable Canadian pharmacies.

Treatment for Prevention: Pros and Cons of Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants, commonly referred to as blood thinners, are medications that slow blood clotting and prevent blood clots from developing and heading to the brain to reduce the risk of stroke. If your doctor is worried about your risk of stroke, medicine is the first line of preventive treatment. Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) has been the anticoagulant most widely used since the 1950s. Eliquis (apixaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran), and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are the newest anti-coagulants. These brand-name drugs are also expensive but the generic versions might help to save some money.

Since most people with atrial fibrillation are older, it is necessary to consider various factors. The risk of stroke in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure is higher, making the anticoagulant an important part of overall treatment in these cases. Fragile patients who are at increased risk of internal and external bleeding complications or those who are unable to recall taking medication as prescribed should probably not take an anticoagulant.
The doctor and patient should make an informed decision together for atrial fibrillation patients with a similar risk of bleeding and stroke based on factors such as lifestyle, diet, physical activity, access to hospitals and physicians, work, and travel.

Related article: How to avoid buying fake prescription drugs?

It has now been shown that new anticoagulants are as effective as warfarin. According to reports in the New England Journal of Medicine's September 2011 issue, several major studies have shown that they are equal or superior to warfarin in preventing blood clots.

Pradaxa (dabigatran) and Eliquis (apixaban) medications are taken twice a day in fixed doses, enter the blood within a matter of hours, and do not require close supervision or dietary considerations. Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is taken once a day for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation at a fixed dose. But for someone with heart valve failure or severe kidney or liver issues, these are not recommended.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. 

DISCLAIMER: This content is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physicians with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment.