Atrial Fibrillation - Drug Therapies
Anticoagulants (or blood thinners) are prescribed to most AF patients to prevent blood clots that could lead to a stroke. Coumadin®* (warfarin) is the most commonly prescribed drug and has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke by 68% compared to no treatment at all. To achieve this level of protection, however, it is important to maintain the correct level of Coumadin in your blood - too little and clots can form; too much and you can have severe bleeding problems.
As many other drugs, dietary supplements and foods can affect blood levels, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely and have your blood levels monitored regularly.
Rate Control drugs try to control your heart rate during AF and Rhythm Control drugs (antiarrhythmics) try to bring your heart back into a normal and consistent rhythm. These drugs can offer a degree of success, but some people have problems tolerating their side effects or cannot use them because they may interact with other drugs they are taking.
